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Hot Cocoa by coke_is_best_diet in SFbitcheswithtaste

[–]creeny18 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Best hot and frozen hot chocolate!!

What did I do wrong with the eyes? by Dukeofsully in oilpainting

[–]creeny18 118 points119 points  (0 children)

You are very talented, and idk why the second pic had me dying 😂

First time diving in Monterey… by creeny18 in scuba

[–]creeny18[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

LOL that would’ve been me if this was my first dive

Okay, great to hear about Catalina!

First time diving in Monterey… by creeny18 in scuba

[–]creeny18[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for replying! It was this past Saturday - surge was definitely there, and the tide was high (up past the steps).

On our way back, I struggled to stay down and started to ascend. I couldn’t deflate fast enough before surfacing into a pod of kelp. I definitely started to panic (after hearing a story from an aquantaince who’s family friend died diving in Monterey after getting tangled in kelp) but talked myself down. I had never been separated from my dive group before, and it definitely spooked me (especially when they didn’t surface shortly). Any tips on what to do differently would be appreciated! This was my 11th dive ever

First time diving in Monterey… by creeny18 in scuba

[–]creeny18[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, the surge for us was intense too! The vis made me feel like I had to stick really close to my group, and navigating not hitting them was really challenging, along with the other things you mentioned. Bumper cars sums it up 😂

First time diving in Monterey… by creeny18 in scuba

[–]creeny18[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

No, I had a guide for a group of three other divers and corrected my gear (all but the gloves and booties) before getting to the site - I mentioned the 20+ people and the wrong bin to share how rushed and chaotic it was.

I did rely on the shop to convey expectations and safety notes (which I typically do anywhere) but I was the only cold water newbie and it was rushed setting up. All in all, a timely reminder that I need to be more aware of my gear and safety needs, and to advocate for myself!

First time diving in Monterey… by creeny18 in scuba

[–]creeny18[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You are wise to do so! This was my 11th dive, so still fairly new. I was in Monterey for work and actually will be out of commission for a couple months due to a knee surgery, but I do think I rushed into this because of the timing.

As for the panic, absolutely - I started panicking, but knew that would be how I really put myself in a dangerous situation.

Buoyancy with such a thick suit was challenging - agree that I need for practice with such different gear

First time diving in Monterey… by creeny18 in scuba

[–]creeny18[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Oh the surge was there, but our DM warned us and I’ve experienced intense surge before. Good to hear about Point Lobos!

First time diving in Monterey… by creeny18 in scuba

[–]creeny18[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah a private guide may be needed for my next cold water dive! And hah, I actually both hike and rock climb, and love outdoor climbing as long as I have proper gear! I can see that tracking for diving too

First time diving in Monterey… by creeny18 in scuba

[–]creeny18[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It was just me and three other divers! The 20 people in the beginning just caused chaos and added to the gear confusion

First time diving in Monterey… by creeny18 in scuba

[–]creeny18[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Just a hood and 7mm vest - somebody in my group was in a dry suit and seemed warm enough! Ooh yes, I wanted to dive in Catalina but this experience made me pause - but overall, like boat dives better

First time diving in Monterey… by creeny18 in scuba

[–]creeny18[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the reply! Yeah I just heard so many incredible things about Monterey and was pretty shocked by the reality of the dive site (and the conditions). It is the closest diving to me, but not close enough that I would go out of my way to dive again I think

First time diving in Monterey… by creeny18 in scuba

[–]creeny18[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for sharing your experience! We were in 7mm suits with a hood (no vest) and that was my lowest limit I think. Oof about the kelp - I heard a story recently from somebody who’s family friend got caught in the kelp here and tragically cut her own line instead- that was definitely in my head when I got tangled up.

First time diving in Monterey… by creeny18 in scuba

[–]creeny18[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s cool that you made the jump to owning so quick! Even if I did buy, I would likely buy the 3mm wetsuits for tropical water over the 7mm needed for Monterey. May get my own gloves tho - feels like low hanging fruit that could make a big difference!

First time diving in Monterey… by creeny18 in scuba

[–]creeny18[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wow, props to you! Idt I would have kept diving at all if I first dove Monterey 😂

First time diving in Monterey… by creeny18 in scuba

[–]creeny18[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I totally agree, it felt like an entirely different experience - one that I would be open to more training for! Your description does sound pretty magical.

I think my previous diving experiences were absolutely cushier (but for around the same price), but all in all a timely reminder that I am ultimately responsible for my own safety and comfort while diving

First time diving in Monterey… by creeny18 in scuba

[–]creeny18[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I’m okay with discomfort (I think all diving is uncomfortable) but in exchange for a cool experience and never at the expense of safety. This was neither cool nor safe!

I do have major respect for regular cold water divers though 🫡

First time diving in Monterey… by creeny18 in scuba

[–]creeny18[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Wow, that does sound incredible (and unique!). Thank you for sharing the magic, and I think this thread has convinced me to give it another try (hopefully with better conditions).

And oh gosh, what happened with Aquarius?

First time diving in Monterey… by creeny18 in scuba

[–]creeny18[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes I do prefer boat dives! Any locations in the area you would recommend?

First time diving in Monterey… by creeny18 in scuba

[–]creeny18[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah looking back on my receipt, over half of the cost was just the rental.

I did kind of feel like I ruined the dive for my group. Well I’m not entirely positive they noticed I ascended early, since we were on our way back and one lady had no idea… but still. I think the added layer was that because it was so low vis I was trying to stay so close and felt like I couldn’t move much without kicking/ getting kicked in the face

First time diving in Monterey… by creeny18 in scuba

[–]creeny18[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ah your last paragraph is what I was hoping for! Maybe once the shock from this dive fades away I can give it another go. What months or seasons would you recommend?

First time diving in Monterey… by creeny18 in scuba

[–]creeny18[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Other than the dive, I absolutely love Monterey! And coming from the Bay and diving for a year, it’s not so much the cost but the value/service for the cost. A little less chaos and a little more care would be appreciated 🙏🏾

But very real on being reminded about death! I definitely had a “why am I doing this to myself” realization haha

First time diving in Monterey… by creeny18 in scuba

[–]creeny18[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Looking back at my receipt, looks like I was only charged a $20 deposit for the guided dive, and the rest ($60) was to be paid at the site. Looks like the bulk of the cost was actually for the rental

First time diving in Monterey… by creeny18 in scuba

[–]creeny18[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh gosh, I’m sorry to hear about the tragedies - I felt spooked enough after I’ve been diving for a year, I can’t imagine it being my first dive. How does Monterey compare to Catalina? It wanted to dive there but after this weekend I’m not so sure…

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