Veteran’s Park
Redondo Beach, CA

Solo Diving

In with: 2800 psi
Out with: 800 psi
Maximum depth: 87 feet
Waves: 1-2 feet, negligible
Visibility: 20 feet/crystal clear
Water Temperature: warm, but cold at 87 feet
Total Bottom Time: 35 minutes

It’s Friday and I’m taking vacation.

I did a solo dive off of Veteran’s Park around 11:15 AM.

It was a hot day and a lot of people were at the beach.

The waves were so calm and the visibility was great.

Maybe 20 feet, but it was crystal clear.

Two other divers were around.

Some small kids asked about what was under the water.

“Trash and small fish,” was my answer.

I went down the shelf and followed it to 87 feet.

I turned around, and was still at 87 feet.

Something was wrong I thought.

I ascended about 10 feet and the needle on my gauge dropped to 75 feet instantly.

I guess it was stuck.

I was a bit lonely down there.

What if I saw a shark?

Oh well, mind control is the key.

Easy Out, no problems.

There’s a lot more to see there when it’s clear.

Veteran’s Park
Redondo Beach, CA

Solo Diving

Nick wasn’t interested in diving today because of the visibility yesterday.

Daniel M from Redondo Pier is getting his tank serviced but was willing to rent one.

I had to work early and didn’t want to wait for Daniel.

If I’m not going to see anything, I might as well go deep.

I got in the water about 9:45 AM.

Other divers were there, mostly students.

I descended to 20 feet and started heading West.

Visibility sort of sucked, but that was no surprise – it was about 10 feet.

I went over the shelf and kept swimming slowly to 85 feet.

I turned and started going East.

Coming up at 70 feet I found an “Alamo” baseball cap.

“Alamo” as in “Remember the Alamo,” not the car rental place.

I put the hat on and wore it all the way in.

At 60 feet I swam North and then back again.

I just took it slow.

I saw a group of crabs, some starfish, small fish and trash.

At 1200 psi I started to head in.

At 10 feet I ascended.

I was about 20 yards from shore, still wearing my baseball cap.

The waves were 2-3 feet but broke close to shore.

I took my fins off in the water and walked to shore.

In with: 3100 psi
Out with: 1000 psi
Maximum depth: 85 feet
Waves: 2-3 feet
Visibility: 10 feet
Water Temperature: Pretty Cool
Total Bottom Time: About 35 minutes