Long Point, Palos Verdes, CA
(aka The Old Marineland)

Solo Diving/Spear Fishing

In With: 3000 psi
Out With: 500 psi
Max depth: 45 feet
Waves: 1 to 2 feet, calm
Visibility: 10-15 feet
Water Temperature: It was cold at times
Total Bottom Time: 50 minutes

I got to Long Point about 10 AM; vis reports from other divers was 10-15 feet.

I went off The Point; it was pretty calm and an easy entry.

I headed East a little ways and hunted fish.

After about 25 minutes I found a dozen or so female sheephead.

I was wondering if some were legal.

Those fish are so stupid; I was waiting for “the big one” and didn’t bother spearing any of the smaller fish.

There was a strong current going toward Redondo Beach.

I tried to swim to the Cove to exit, but was getting too tired and not making very much progress.

I decided to float back to the Point where I exited without incident.

No fish, but oh well!

At least I look macho carrying my spear gun.

Casino Point, Catalina, CA

Dove With Nick

In With: 3100 psi
Out With: 800 psi
Max depth: 60 feet or so
Waves: 1 to 2 feet, swooping
Visibility: Great! 50 feet or more!
Water Temperature: About 65 degrees Fahrenheit
Total Bottom Time: 46 minutes
Photos By: Nick

I fixed my auxiliary second stage by resetting the diaphragm.

For our second dive, we went to the left of the stairs to look for the barge.

We spotted a Sheephead.

Nick followed as I looked for the barge; I thought it was just over some kelp, but it wasn’t.

I looked back, Nick had found it and was swimming toward it.

It was a little over to the left.

We did a quick tour of the barge, which is in 50 feet of water near the edge of the park on the East side.

We then made our way to the Jacque Cousteau memorial and came across a lobster head.

Obviously, I thought, the victim of a poacher.

Someone told me later it could have been the shell after it molted – but, antennas and all?

Per Nick, we did our “safety stop” for five minutes at 20 feet.

We dove all the way to the stairs, then out.

I was almost trampled by someone in a wetsuit with no fins who rode a wave in to the stairs.

Air is leaking from the stem of my yellow tank.

Another day ends for us at Casino Point.