Any SCUBA divers here?

RogueFishr · 02-25-2004, 09:15 PM

Any divers on here? I am thinking about getting certified and trying it out. My first thoughts on diving were to dive and be able to check out some fishing holes. A buddy that dives says you can't dive in the river because there is too much current (keep in mind this guy is physically challanged by twist off bottle caps). Anyway, I am thinking about taking the class and seeing what it's all about. The last thing I need is another hobby. I don't have enough time to do what I like (fish) as it is now. But, I think I might give it a try.
Any other divers on here? Is it worth checking out? Is diving on the west coast (cold water diving) worth the investment (time and money).

RF

greenbuttskunk · 02-25-2004, 09:19 PM

I got certified a few years ago. I love it! With a little baby at home, I have'nt gotten out enough in the last 8 months but do plan on doing alot more in the coming years. I even have USIA making me a drysuit. The diving I have done, both cold are warm water have been absolutely amazing.
There is an entire nother world down there. You can only experience it if you are part of it. If you have some extra money and really enjoy the water and it's ecosystem, go for it!
I'm glad it did.
GBS

steelheadslayer · 02-25-2004, 09:22 PM

I haven't dove in awhile. Mainly due to becoming most vertically challenged and not being able to breathe if I do get the wetsuit zipped up. :grin:

If you think you like what you see on the discovery channel go for it. It is one of the most awesome things I've ever done, besides getting married and seeing the birth of my daughter. What is great is you can doi a try out dive in a pool before you sign up for classes to see if breathing under water is OK with you. I had to get used to it whereas some in my clasds took to it really easy and some never got comfortable with it. It's very different than most people think.

All I can say is give it a try, I need to lose the GUT so I can do it again, I LOVE IT!!!

RogueFishr · 02-25-2004, 09:36 PM

I have always been interested in what goes on "under water". I have friends that dive in Belize and they send me pictures of fish that I have in my salt water tanks at home. Except their pictures are of fish the size of hubcaps and my fish are 2 inches! I think I will give it a try. Time is my biggest concern. Actually, getting eaten by a shark is my biggest concern, time is in second place :grin:

RF

02-25-2004, 09:41 PM

I grew up diving in rivers, just make sure you only need to go downriver.

1pump · 02-25-2004, 09:55 PM

A guy I work with decided to dive in the NFL to see if he could retrieve snagged lures and maybe sell them. He thought it would be a piece of cake.
He told me it almost killed him. He got sucked downriver about 5 times faster than he expected and wound up getting slammed into a log that was covered with snagged plugs and spoons. He said it was like getting hung on a barbed wire fence.
When he finally pulled himself out of the water he had a dozen lures stuck through his wetsuit.

spinner53 · 02-25-2004, 10:00 PM

Certified in Coastal N.C. ( jacksonville ) in 85, mostly dived in Fla keys and Carribean. Gave away everything when I moved to OreGUN.

02-25-2004, 10:05 PM

1 Pump,
Tell him to stay on the bottom and crawl upstream. The current isn't as strong on the bottom and rocks make good hand holds. I didn't use a tank much in the rivers either as they caused too much drag.

BrianMaguire · 02-25-2004, 10:08 PM

I have an advanced certification and about 60 dives. The rivers here are very cold. I have done beach dives in heavy surf in 48 degree water with 20+ surge and the diving the Clack scares me much more. The water is cold so you will need a thick wet suit or dry suit. Many people drown in these rivers every year. The hydraulics of the water pins people, the power is amazing (it lights your house). Simply having a tank to breath from may only give you more time to think about your death.

Honestly I would get tons of open water (cold water - not hawaii) hood canal and oregon coast experience before attempting a fast moving river. If you ease yourself into the sport eventually you may gain the skills to make you feel comfortable but take your time and get experience before attempting any fast river.

RogueFishr · 02-25-2004, 10:20 PM

I plan to get a dry suit if I do it. I would like to dive in HellGate Canyon. I don't really want to see the bottom of Dunn Riffle though :shocked: .

RF

Steelie Steve · 02-26-2004, 06:34 AM

I got certified in 1990 and dove quite a bit until around 1995 (both NW and Carribean). Love it. [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img] That is an amazing world down there. Haven't been a lot since then but plan on getting back in to it in the near future. :grin: :grin:

Steve

Pyramid · 02-26-2004, 07:41 AM

I am no diver but I still remember putting a mask and snorkel on and swimming in a deep hole up on Mill creek. I don't know why but the trout would let me come within inches of them. It was pretty cool actually.

seabass · 02-26-2004, 07:46 AM

I used to dive in the lakes around Bend. Lots of lures and pretty good visability. Last time I went diving my wetsuit was sooo tight that no water got in. Gave it up for fishing.

Jimmy Carl Black · 02-26-2004, 09:51 AM

I'm no expert for sure but I don't think you need be paranoid about diving in rivers. Start in a slow moving hole and gradually move up to diving faster water. I would think crossing a river in waders is much more dangerous as you have no protection from the elements in the case you go down-- and everybody on this board has done that.

R Jackson · 02-26-2004, 11:27 PM

Rougefishr,
Actually, diving in rivers like the Clackamas or Rouge is pretty dangerous for the reasons mentioned by Brian Maguire and in 1Pump's story about his buddy. I'am not trying to turn you off to diving, but start out slow and work up to current diving. Even in the summer the visibility isn't always great and it can still be cold. And like all forms of diving, it should NEVER be done alone.