Casino Point, Catalina, CA

Solo Diving

In With: 3000 psi
Out With: 1200 psi
Max depth: 90 feet +
Waves: 1 foot, insignificant
Visibility: 15-20 feet
Water Temperature: Sort of chilly at depth
Total Bottom Time: 30 minutes

This was my dive before I helped staff the “Gold Star” charity dive event that benefits the Sheriff’s Department and decompression chamber at Two Harbors.

Instructor John, Steve from American Diving, Bob from my previous Rescue course were also staff participants.

American Diving apparently is the sole sponsor to this event.

I submerged about 8:55 AM.

The point was not crowded, except on land.

I went towards the left (North I believe).

Visibility was okay… about 15 to 20 feet.

I had to get back at 9:30 AM for an orientation on the event, so I went deep – 90 feet and some change.

I stayed deep for about 15 minutes, 70 to 90, 90 to 70, etc.

There seems to be less fish than before, maybe because of the depth or time of year.

I came across one of the “gold stars” at about 50 feet and was also attacked by a Garibaldi.

Apparently, the Garibaldi’s will bite at you if you get near their nesting ground.

I came back up and out with no problem.

Easter Day Diving Off The Bottom Scratcher Boat
The Rock Quarry, Catalina, CA

Solo Diving

In With: 2700 psi
Out With: 500 psi
Max depth: 60 feet
Waves: 0
Visibility: 30 feet
Water Temperature: Cool
Total Bottom Time: 50 minutes

This location is actually an old rock quarry that had been used to build some of the break waters in the Los Angeles area.

I was the second one off the boat.

I trolled around; saw lobster, garibaldi, sheephead, etc.

A couple of seals passed by me.

I don’t remember running across any other divers; sort of strange because of trips like this, I usually do.

This place has big boulders with lots of kelp.

Nice dive, lots to see in the rocks.

I heard something leaking, so I took my BC off and found that the low-pressure hose was leaking.

I’m glad it wasn’t a high-pressure hose and I’m glad I wasn’t at 100 feet!

Students train off the Bottom Scratcher.

I stayed mostly with Captain Greg on the way back.

I think I was only one of three divers on the boat who wasn’t either an instructor or student.