Casino Point, Catalina, CA

Dove with Instructor John and his Open Water students Leeza, Lou, Bud, Harry and Monfret*

In With: 3200 psi
Out With: 1700 psi
Max depth: 35-40 feet
Waves: Insignificant
Visibility: 20 feet
Water Temperature: Cool, getting colder
Total Bottom Time: 36 minutes
*Student names have been changed.

The morning started out great, with everyone showing up for the boat on time.

This dive was just a go down and “check out” the basic skills for everyone – at least all the students.

Harry is a 30 year old plus guy that I helped train in the pool sessions, whose first time under the ocean was today.

Monfret is a deck hand; skinny and young, he was offered a job on a dive boat but wanted to get certified first.

We submerged – I helped Leeza out of some kelp.

John spent most of the time doing basic check-outs, but we at least lucked out and got to see Oscar the giant Sheephead.

Veteran’s Park, Redondo Beach, CA

Dove with John’s Basic Open Water Student Cheech as his last dive towards Certification.*

In With: 2000 psi
Out With: 800 psi
Max depth: 50 feet
Waves: 1-4 foot ankle breakers
Visibility: 0-10 feet Red Tide!
Water Temperature: Cool
Total Bottom Time: 20 minutes
*Students name has been changed.

Visibility was still shitty.

John had me take Cheech to the shelf and back for a 20 minute dive while he dealt with Bud and Lou.

Cheech is an older Bohemian-style hippie who lives on a boat in Redondo Beach.

We toured the top of the shelf after motioning to him not to get any deeper.

When we got to 50 feet, the visibility cleared up to 50 feet.

We turned to go back when Cheech was at 1500 psi.

We floated a little South.

I was following Cheech, well, most of the time chasing him.

When Cheech got to 1000 psi, he floated up and couldn’t get back down.

John explained that he was diving with an Aluminum 80, like mine, and they get buoyant as they empty.