Re:Diving / snorkelling - HELP.

Hi Guys

Im generally a rock/surf angler (well try to be :lol:1) however have developed an interest in some diving/snorkelling, so that i can better learn the way of the world underwater (i think this will improve my rock/surf angling somewhat having some knowledge of whats going on beneath the surface) and very keen to catch some crafish, perhaps developing into some spearfishing in time, however am a little unsure of a few things

1. I see the wesuits that are used are not the conventional bodyboarding/surfing wetsuits but seem to be a thicker, rubbery type suit. Will a conventional wetsuit work or are one of those required for reef/ shallower diving ?

2. I live in the blouberg area (West coast) and would like to do such diving in areas from say Bakoven to Melkbos, perhaps (when im a little braver - sharks freak me a little) on the Gordons bay to Betty Bay side, what would the recommended mm thickness of my suit be as understandably the water is COLD this side of the world?

3. Is it advised to seek professional diving courses prior to attemting to dive in the reefs ?

4. I have seen most of the posts re additional gear etc, could one perhaps point me in the direction of a store that offers such equipment that i may obtain some costs and requirements etc.

Your help will be greatly appreciated !!

 

 

Welcome to sealine!I'm no pro,also just starting out.

1.I started with my reef 4m wetsuit.works fine now but later I will need to upgrade to a more comfortable 5mm opencel 2 peace suit which most freedivers use.also its how serious you are in doing this to invest in a R2500 later or now.

2. 5mm will be ok for west coast

3.Professional course for snorkeling is personal preference depending on the level of skill you have for swimming in the ocean or fear for kelp etc. Most importantly is to tag along an experience budy at all times to learn from.even when you get more experience always use a budy you can trust to dive with(Most important rule of diving).

That's just my 20cents on my road to diving. will leave the rest to the pro's to answer.

Safe diving

It will be best as suggest to go along with friends, or make friends here on sealine that will be able to show you the ropes. Remember never dive alone! I have in my younger days, but if one thinks back anything could have happened to me.

Welcome to Sealine...
I guess we all start in surf suits but when you upgrade you will be amazed at the difference it'll make to your diving... you will be warmer, which will help you with your breath hold and your diving! a new open cell suit is R1950 (for a camo suit) so it's not that expensive and 5mm is the perfect thickness for around the Cape waters although you will find it a bit warm if you head up the east coast.
I run a shop with all the gear and also run a Beginners Spearfishing Course if you are interested. Give me a email on eckartbenk@gmail.com

good day mates im also interested in snorkelling for crays, i purchased a reef wetsuit for R995 yesterday, 4.3mm, hope thats ok, still need fins and snorkel etc. Eckart please check your email

Hey there Fish Stalker

Welcome to Sealine, pm me your number, cause i live in Table View and my dive buddy is from Melkbos and we dive this area quite often so then i can give you a shout when we go

Regards
Keelan

@ white pointer, do you snorkel or scuba dive?

For all the wanna be divers who read this thread, note below link for a wet suit that is still for sale (price is negotiable). Feel free to verify the new price per the add with Somerset Sport : 021-8514658.

Some advice for the newbees - The False Bay side (e.g. Rooi Els and Pringle Bay) might be a better choice for a beginner as often the water is calmer and clearer compared to some of the West Coast spots. The area around the slipway at Rooi Els is a good spot for beginners. After a strong south easter the water is normally flat and clear. Also not very deep (1m - 4m max). Yes, you are not going to find a ton of crayfish, but they are there.

Good luck!



http://www.sealine.co.za/view_topic.php?id=65854&forum_id=115

@addicpt - Thanks for the information, much appreciated

@eckart - i will drop you an email re info and would like to come to your shop early next week sometime

@white pointer - Awesome, i will definately contact you as soon as i have all my gear for a dive, great that guys are willing to take newbies, thanks !!

@Flamingo 1 - thanks for the advice i will certainly look into that, was just a little more concerned with sharks in Fbay lol.

Fish Stalker - For crayfish you hardly ever have to venture into open water. There are more than enough safe diving spots (especially for beginners) - Reasonably shallow water amongst fairly thick kelp.....and no sharks!!

Good luck with this great sport!

Thanks Flamingo, will definately give it a try (will find some diving buddies to join)

Cheers for the help !!