Table Rock Dive report 2-3-07

[DeepDiverBob]

Before I get started, let me just say it is *&^%$#@ cold!!!!!

Me and buddy Chris got in a single dive this morning. While was was doing our dive, Jim and SLIM was off doing a dive of their own. This was one of Chris's first dives in doubles, so we kind of took it easy. We hit about 90+ foot, and did about 42 minute dive. We stood around and talked to SLIM and Chris, and watched some dogs playing around in the parking lot too. SLIM made a new friend called Ranger. We have a pic we will post in the next day or so. Jim and SLIM geared up for their second, me and Chris pondered the idea. We figured since neither one of us had feeling in our toes or fingers, it would be best to take a break, and head back to the hotel and warm up. We briefly considered a night dive, but scratched that when we saw the vis 15 foot at best, and there is still ice on the stairs leading down to the water.

The plan is to try and get in another dive or two in the AM before heading back. I'll let you know what happens with that once we get back.

Did I mention it was cold? I think air temp was about 18 degrees when we checked conditions last night. It was a balmy 25 when we got to the damn this morning. Water temp was minimum41 degrees, depending on whos computer you looked at.

[theskull]

That's cold! Still wish I was there diving with ya. The sinus infection is finally clearing up nicely. Will be ready for the next trip.

theskull

[DeepDiverBob]

Well, day 2 was even worse than day 1. We woke up to find a nice dusting of snow on everything. My first concern was the steps down to the lake. I called Jim and he said it was a dry power snow, and there shouldnt be any problems with it. Cool, so I started getting dressed. It was about this time I realized I had made a major mistake, but didnt realize how bad it was until later. I am a complete dumb a$$, and kicked my self all the way home for this. Air temp was probably down into the teens over night, maybe even lower. I failed to bring my gear in out of my truck. My only concern at the time was my hood, and how I was going to get it on. When we got to the dam, my hood found its way into the cab of my truck to thaw a little bit. I snap crackled and popped my gear on, needing to thaw out my dry suit hose as well. What a start. We get down to the waters edge, and start getting on fins and all the other last minute stuff, when I realize my power inflator button is froze. I played with it for a few minutes, and put it into the much warmer 41 degree water, to see if I could get it to open up on me. At this point, the first thoughts of calling the dive started to creep into my head. If this is frozen, what else could be that I might not now about yet? Anyway, I got the button to work, but I still couldnt get any air to enter the wings. Turns out some water had froze in the hose as well, and that was stopping the air from getting any further. I again dipped under water, and tried to let the water work its magic. It loosened up a little bit, but not a whole lot. At this point, I realized I was pushing a bad situation, and decided to count my losses for the weekend and call it a day. The lake isnt going anywhere, and I can always go back.

Many lessons learned on this trip. Luckily, none of them was learned the hard way. I feel bad for Jim because he stuck around a long time, and we never got to do a dive. But it was great meeting him, and enjoying what appeared to be a highly entertaining meal at Whippersnappers.

[SLIM]

I just wish we could have waited a few hours on Saturday. When Jim and I got out on our second dive it was nice and warm well above frezzing that is. Made it down to 100 and vis did not improve much and it did warm up with maybe 50* but that would be it.

Even with the wind chill and the poor conditions it was still kind of fun even if a few did get to cold to dive.

Great to meet you Chris maybe one day you will be back down with better conddtions or we can have fun in a cavern or intro class.

Mised you TS, but you did not miss much.

SLIM

[scububa]

Yes, an interesting trip. SLIM was kind enough to not give a lot of details on our first dive. So, I suppose that means he expects me to do it ;-)

I had a new wing that I dove once with double 85s. In order for me to get to a point to decide about what I might want to buy for my permanent setup, SLIM brought an extra set of 95s for me to try. I had previously started carrying a stage for practice (with the 85s). Well, I added a stage to the equation. So, to make a long story short, I have never had such a miserable dive. My trim was none existent. I felt like I had a load of bricks right on my shoulders driving my head into the ground. I would get some control back, turn to the ledge, get kind of horizontal, think I was okay and then turn to descend and it would start all over again.

Post dive debrief, SLIM's perspective was - I was fouling up my kicking and sending myself out of control. From my perspective - I thought I was losing control and then trying to use my legs to regain some leverage. Then he checked my harness. Previously I had it too tight, so I had adjusted it before last weekend. SLIM thinks it is letting my rig slide up my back.

Second dive, I removed the stage, adjusted the crotch strap and moved the wing up a notch on the backplate. Second dive was much better.
On Sunday, back in my 85s, I felt normal. I played with it a little at 20 ft. while I waited for Bob to try and unthaw his inflator tube. (With changing between setups, it was easy for me to set my gear inside since it was already loose, so I didn't run into any equipment issues.)

So, an interesting learning experience. SLIM was great about it even thought I felt bad for dragging him out and diving like that. In warmer weather I would have turned the first dive at the start and tried to make some adjustments. But, it was too cold for that. I really appreciate him sticking around and getting back in the water with me. I would have laid awake all night drafting classified adds to sell my gear ;-)
Lessons learned -
1.) One more time, work on changing ONE variable at a time.
2.) When the weather (or site) is not conducive to making adjustments, don't change anything.
3.) SLIM has a LOT more patience than I had given him credit for.
4.) Don't ignore severe weather conditions and the effects on your gear.

Yes, it was disappointing not getting to dive on Sunday, but like all dive trips, it was a learning experience and I have two more dives than I did on Friday. (But, between this weekend and last, I think I am averaging about 393 miles of driving per dive which is $50 gas/dive. This is exactly why I never figured out how much I paid per pound for fish when I did a lot of fishing ;-)