So... Has anyone been diving yet, this year?

[lars2923]

Just wondering who are hardcore..

[Dsix36]

I was up in north florida doing some cave dives on the 1st - 3rd and came home last night.

[alcina]

I've done five so far this year ... probably won't do more til the end of February since I am heading off on a big, non-diving, trip next Sunday

Here's a link to some of my photos from the last dives...

[shinek]

Just got back from a training session in a stock pond here in sunny Texas. High today was not much over 40F and the water was about the same.

We found most of the "objects" we were looking for, that was the good news, bad news was that I also found out what it feels like to get a leak in a dry suit. No fun, I'll check the neck and wrist seals a lot more thoroughly next time. Lucky it was the last dive of the day so was able to get out, dry out and warm up.

Looking forward to warmer and clearer water a little later in the year.

Happy New Year everyone!

[bmchugh]

I spent the 31st, 1st, and 2nd diving in Monterey, CA. Water was a warm for Monterey 52-54 degrees. Pictures at my photobucket:

http://s185.photobucket.com/albums/x...0Years%202009/

[rubber chicken]

10 dives so far, (Ok, 6 of them were teaching but what the hey! they all count), aiming for a couple of night dives over the week and then away for a diving weekend.

[Chantelle]

We did a New Year's dive under the ice, as well as a "Day-After-Birthday" dive yesterday. New Year's was a cold day... -27 with the wind chill, and water was a balmy 39!

Here are a couple of pics...

[Sarah]

Chantelle,

Doesn't your face feel painful in water that cold? Or do you wear a full face mask?

[Chantelle]

Chantelle,

Doesn't your face feel painful in water that cold? Or do you wear a full face mask?

The initial ice cream headache is a bit of an inconvenience, but it doesn't usually last long. We wear a regular mask, so we do have some of our faces exposed. When we surface, there is a little bit of swelling, due to the cold, and you get that "pudgey face" look for about 15 minutes. Your lips get a little big bigger too... As long as your core is warm, it's not too bad!

Here's an example of pudgey face... lol...

[TravellinThru]

Did 6 dives through 1-3 at Moalboal on the island of Cebu in the Philippines. Unfortunately there was a typhoon going on in the north, so viz was 2-10 meters depending on the site.

Regards,
Bob