snorkeling

laurabolyard · 06-29-2008, 12:04 AM

Ok, Im stoked (do we even use that word anymore?) I had to share. y'all know I live in South Fl. Used to live in the keys. I love to snorkel, always have. I have not really been snorkeling there since I have had my tank, just once last year. It was sooo cool because I looked at things so differently, recognized so many things, took time to peer into and around rocks that I had never really thought about doing. Well, I have been so itching to go.
I never thought about there being places to do this, right here in my own back yard!! I Have been 4 times in the past couple of weeks, four different places and it was GREAT!!! I am having such a good time! I am really beginning to learn about who lives where and even who likes to eat what!! Seeing all of those blennies ripping algae off the rocks and the crabs who like different macro algaes, etc! OH and the macro!! Yes, I saw the stuff that I recently paid WAY too much money for that just broke apart in my tank, caulerpa racemosa (I know I didnt spell that right) halimeda, all over!! A couple types that are really beautiful that I havent ID yet. The fish were incredible, schooling all around us, blennies tickling my feet

gfeather dusters all over, so awsome!! I cant believe that all this was right here! I really dont go to the beach much because to sit there isnt my idea of fun, and for swimming I much prefer fewer waves, the keys or fresh water, BUT NOW... you cant get me out of the water! Ive had so much fun, I just had to share

**Amphibious** · 06-29-2008, 12:52 AM

OK I"M JEALOUS!!! How do I politely invite myself?

laurabolyard · 06-29-2008, 12:59 AM

wow Dick, I was actually thinking about you, we went to jupiter today. I looked online for good snorleling beaches in S. fl. and coral cove beach in jupiter was one of the top 6. Do you like to snorkel? Do you go in your area? Any great spots? Consider youself invited!!

**Amphibious** · 06-29-2008, 04:48 PM

Where do I begin to explain. Yes I snorkel. Last year I certified for SCUBA, at a young 69 yrs. Sue has been certified for years but hasn't dove in more than twenty years. Then we bought a boat so we could dive the local area. Sue discovered she gets sea sick every time out. Yes, she has tried two different meds, they didn't help. So I have not been diving or snorkeling in FL since we moved here.

YES, I'd love to go. Is Coral Cove a beach entry snorkel? How far out is the reef. How deep? The clarity? The critters? I think if it's a relatively easy entry, Sue would like to go. I mentioned it to her and she said yes.

Let me know. Thanks.

Dick

wu398 · 06-30-2008, 12:57 PM

Laura, you should look in to scuba diving, whole other world, plus you can explore so many other sites here off coast. coral cove nice place. there are two different coral head 50 yards off beach just north in mcarthur park. Dick haven't forgotten about you and our discussion about diving. weather recently hindering that. I am still interested in diving together. just finished Nitrox cert. let me know when you would like to venture out. Laura welcome to, have to get you certified. You'll love it.

Bill

**CarmieJo** · 06-30-2008, 04:19 PM

SCUBA certification is on my to do list. Because of the foot I have to get my doc to sign off but I think he will. What's your opinion, if I buy all the gear (BC, wet suit, regulator and dive computer) it would be about $1500 but I can get the lessons and certification dives ($500) free. If I take my classes where I am leaning towards (they have worked with others with disabilities) I have to buy the mask, snorkel, boots and fins regardless. A couple of casual acquaintances have said buy the gear, you are going to want it anyhow. Others have said, you would be better off renting because you won't go all that often and will always have the most up to date equipment.

laurabolyard · 06-30-2008, 06:01 PM

My son is now old enough, I plan to get certified together. I went through the classes many yrs ago got as far as the pool dive, and the instructor (chef at the place were I was working) up and left town!! No wonder it was only $200!! So I never finished. I have tanks and snorkel gear, thats a start!
Just north of Mcarthur park? Where is that? I will definatly be checking it out!!! Tell me more!
Dick, its beach entry, easy. Its all rock, flat and pretty smooth. I hope she comes, lets make a date! Carmie, go for it!! Then you can come down and we can fill up Dicks boat!!

**Amphibious** · 06-30-2008, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wu398

Laura, you should look in to scuba diving, whole other world, plus you can explore so many other sites here off coast. coral cove nice place. there are two different coral head 50 yards off beach just north in mcarthur park. Dick haven't forgotten about you and our discussion about diving. weather recently hindering that. I am still interested in diving together. just finished Nitrox cert. let me know when you would like to venture out. Laura welcome to, have to get you certified. You'll love it.

Bill

I'm game most anytime, Bill. I met a collector who tells me there are some nice reefs right out from Ft. Pierce. I didn't ask location because he knows I'm in the business and felt he wouldn't willingly give me his coordinates.

Quote:

Originally Posted by CarmieJo

SCUBA certification is on my to do list. Because of the foot I have to get my doc to sign off but I think he will. What's your opinion, if I buy all the gear (BC, wet suit, regulator and dive computer) it would be about $1500 but I can get the lessons and certification dives ($500) free.
A couple of casual acquaintances have said buy the gear, you are going to want it anyhow. Others have said, you would be better off renting because you won't go all that often and will always have the most up to date equipment.

Get-r-done, Carmie. You will love it. As for buying or renting, I'd buy because it becomes more familiar to you and you can count on it because you take care of it. Renting is not always getting the most up to date equipment. Personally, I'd buy my own.

Laura,

Here are some dates Sue is off and excited to go snorkeling, July 8th, 10th and 11th, plus the 15th, 16th, and 17th. We ought to be able to find a day to get together in there. Of course she is subject to call, too. We haven't been in the ocean yet this summer, what is the temp?

Dick

wu398 · 07-01-2008, 12:31 PM

laura,
Just north from coral reef park about 2 miles you will see entrance for the park, i think the charge small fee to park. Dick, see if you can get the spot out of him, if not there are things all over palm beach. will will get together. carmie, buying your stuff is better, but I would rent the tanks. easier just to pick them up and return. you dont have to worry about the annual checks and when the tank is too old, you dont have to buy new ones. BC reguator, mask, snorkle are nice to be your own

**CarmieJo** · 07-01-2008, 10:22 PM

Thanks. Do you think I want/need a wetsuit? No matter what I need my own mask with my Rx in it. Otherwise there would not be much reason for me to dive, I couldn't see anything even an arm's length away.

wu398 · 07-02-2008, 10:45 AM

Wet suit up to you. depends on temp, depth and how cold you get. during summer I dont use one, winter yes.

laurabolyard · 07-02-2008, 11:16 PM

Dick, 11th is good, we are going to the keys sun-wed (will you feed my fish?

) I have youth group wed. Also 15th and 16th are good as well.

WU398 says the coral heads are 2 miles north of where Dillon and I just went. WU, which is better? Of course theyre only a couple miles apart, we could do both!

certainly up for suggestions!

BTW found certification for $150 for locals, includes classes, pool and ocean. Book/cd extra of course! Dont know when we will get to it though!

**Amphibious** · 07-03-2008, 08:28 AM

We've marked it for the 11th, Laura. Sue is available as for now. What time? Meet right at the beach?

Cert for $150? Wow, that's cheap. I payed $350 with books and CD. Was able to return CD after class for $35 refund. Get-r-done!

wu398 · 07-08-2008, 09:33 AM

I like both places. check them both out. different things at each

laurabolyard · 07-10-2008, 07:41 PM

Just got back from the keys, stayed an extra day, EXHAUSTED!! I dont think we can count on Dillon, he is really pooped. Im still in if you guys are, if noonish is ok, Ive got some TM to take care of

everything is still alive, thats great!! Hubby fed while we were gone, All out of live brine, too tired to go to LFS, gave frozen, mandarin and burrfish BOTH ate it

**Amphibious** · 07-10-2008, 09:23 PM

OK Laura, noon is fine. We'll get on the road around 11 am and phone you when we get close. Coming down 95, do you know the exit we take to get to the park? Meet you there, I assume?

Dick

**JustDavidP** · 07-10-2008, 10:27 PM

Water is still cold up here in New England *sigh* I wish I could come down there. I really had some nice snorkeling in Bermuda last August, but that's it in a long while.

If there's anyone in New England who is interested, I'm seriously thinking of going with the Boston Reefers if they go in Long Island Sound or Buzzards Bay in late summer. There are a ton of tropicals that get swept in from the Gulf Stream. People collect seahorses, butterfly, pipe, puffers etc. It's all coordinated with a licensed collector etc.

Dave