In preparation for cold water diving, especially for the New Years night dive, its highly desired that the individuals on that dive have been diving and are current on their skills and equipment.
This dive day provides anyone an opportunity to verify their skill, comfort level and equipment operation in a safe environment. By safe I mean it’s a no-current area, decent visibility, a sandy bottom with a gradual slope to deeper water.
Having a dock or pier to stage gear and to be able to dress/gear up in the water without the tanks on helps with keeping the weight off their backs until they enter the water.
Today’s dive in Big Paw Paw Lake (Watervliet, MI) was great with no wind, flat water, and maybe an air temp of 40F. Water was initially chilly on the hands if diving wet gloves.
The dive site is called “Forest Beach Park” and its located at the bottom of “Pier” street off of Forest Beach drive. Its an especially nice place to dive during the summer because it has a good parking, and a sandy beach. During the summer months it has a Pot-a-John available for changing or the necessities.
Not many treasures were recovered today but two golf balls were brought back so it does count as an official club dive. Next dive? Soon I am sure!
2018-12-15 Forest Beach- Watervliet, Mi. – Diver Below flags and floats on the ready. MUD Club Divers.