Abalone in August- Campout & hookup?

jimqpublic · #1 May 15th, 2007

Can anyone suggest the best place to camp with family in August while also enjoying access to decent abalone diving? For my first ab dive I would rather face 30' depth with decent surge and visibility than <15' depth and rough conditions.

Thanks Sven and others for answering similar questions last year. I never made the trip so I'm going to try again.

Can anyone make suggestions beyond the answers already given in these threads?
http://forums.deeperblue.net/usa-can...alifornia.html
http://forums.deeperblue.net/spearo-...-cal-trip.html
Abalone diving in Northern California by Sven Anderson on DeeperBlue.net - Fanatical About FreeDiving, Scuba Diving, Spearfishing & Technical Diving

I'll be coming from So-Cal, my brother from Paradise, and hopefully a buddy or two from Eureka. We'll have a half dozen kids along as well.
I would like to hook up with some local divers. If that doesn't pan out I will consider a paid trip. I just popped off an email to Bogeda Bay Prodive to see if they offer abalone classes or outings.

The schedule isn't set yet- I have August 12 through 30 blocked out for the trip, but was figuring maybe a week along the coast. I'd be more than happy to adjust the schedule to meet up with other DB members. My little popup trailer carries a propane BBQ, hot water spigot, and enough cast iron pans to cook a mess o' food.

I'm admittedly a complete novice- a great start to diving early last summer got sidelined due to health issues (back & sinus) and family obligations. I took Perfomance Freediving's intermediate class last June. The plan is to get in a bunch of practice in the next two months. At last report I was comfortable diving in the 40 foot range in good Catalina conditions with a max depth from class of 20 meters.

icarus pacific · #2 May 15th, 2007

Hitting 40' is 20' too much, especially for first timing it.

All the sites in those two threads still apply and as the dates get closer, send me another PM and I'll see if I can get out there and show you around.

jimqpublic · #3 May 16th, 2007

Thanks Sven.

If the water is cold and murky I like the sound of 20' better than deeper. Something about at least seeing light from the surface is better than not. I just don't want to go so shallow that it's 10' with sharp rocks and 9' of surge.

icarus pacific · #4 May 16th, 2007

Very often that's where the biggest abs are holding.

jimqpublic · #5 May 16th, 2007

So I've heard- It's just that I'd rather not pay with bruises and blood if I can avoid it.

RuhRoh · #6 May 24th, 2007

I took a lot of first timers when I went ab diving. Stuick on the east coast now. But my tip would be find a campground you like and drive down to a secluded almost difficult to get to area for your abs. It will take 30 minutes to limit out, then you can spearfish or head to camp and cook them up.

Wherever it is easy to get to the pickings will be much slimmer. Plan on 15-20 foot ranges, deeper and more secluded will yield bigger abs but should be able to find plenty just legal in the above range. If you can dive deeper you can be picker or hit a slightly easier to access area. I can describe the areas I used to frequent when I lived in Davis.

Enjoy it is a load of fun!

arriflex · #7 May 30th, 2007

I looked back over some of the old threads and there is a lot of good info there. I would encourage you, if you want to consider something one step above camping, to give Linda a call at the Stillwater Cove Ranch. It is on the opposite side of the cove from the regional park (which I also recommend highly) and is even connected to it by a backwoods trail. The accommodations are rustic, but unlike anyplace else. It makes a good place to head up the road and hit some of the previously mentioned spots. Full disclosure: I've been a satisfied customer for fifteen years running.
It is important to note that when the conditions are right, Stillwater can be an absolutely incredible dive spot. This season has not been kind to out of shape divers; however, keep your wits about you and use good judgment, and the experience is unmatched.
I switched from a 7mm farmer john stiff as a rock suit to a 5mm open cell high waist and have never been more comfortable at 6' 150lbs (I generally get cold easily)

good luck and have fun!

arriflex · #8 May 30th, 2007

RuhRoh, when were you at Davis?

jimqpublic · #9 May 30th, 2007

Thanks for the advice. Unfortunately it isn't looking good for a trip- my brother can't make it, my Humboldt buddy hasn't responded. So unfortunately I'll probably cancel- Can't very well go diving without somebody to watch the two tykes.

I was feeling good about the diving though. Had a good weekend diving in So-Cal at depths, temps, and down times that would work for abalone. Okay maybe not bottom time but I have two months to work on that- 57 seconds was my max.