California's north coast offers spectacular scenery and great snorkeling & SCUBA diving! In addition to mask, fins and snorkel, full wet suits with gloves and booties are mandatory due to the cold water (7mm suits are best). Weight belts are need to off set the buoyancy of the wet suits. All this extra gear takes some getting used to, so be sure to have several training sessions before venturing out to the ocean waters. We recommend having the Scouts take an introduction to snorkeling course at a local dive shop to get the most out of their ocean experience. Sports Chalet, among others, has offered discounts to Scout units for this class.
We can't over emphasize training and practice for north coast diving. The water is cold. It, and the ever present kelp, is in constant motion. Visibility can be limited. The water can be rough. To the inexperienced, these factors can be very imtimidating with the potential to ruin the experience. Like all high adventure activities, you and your Scouts will get the most out of this experience if you have done everything possible to prepare yourselves, so practice, practice, practice!
Oh, and be sure to check the most current version of the 'Guide to Safe Scouting' (GSS) before heading out! In 2004, if my failing memory serves me correctly, weight belts were actually prohibited, making north coast diving impractical (you can't over come the buoyancy of a full 7mm wet suit!). Later versions of the GSS removed this restriction.
Scout snorkelers off Soldier Point in Fort Bragg
Fresh abalone is one of the rewards for a practiced north coast snorkeler. Be sure to check current CA Fish & Game regs before grabbing your first giant snail!
A Scout pulls up dinner!
SCUBA diving is the next level of skill (and equipment). A PADI or NAUI certification course needs to be completed before going diving. Discount classes are available from Sacramento area dive centers. Most of the gear can be rented, reducing the up front costs. A divemaster needs to accompany the Scouts on all of their dives. Sea Base and Council operated High Adventure dive centers have divemasters on staff to meet this requirement. Private dive operators can also provide divemasters on request.
Scouts at a local dive class
Scouts practice in the pool
Scouts at their Monterey check out dives
Scouts return from the deep!
An Eagle Scout diver in warmer waters!
This page revised August 5, 2007