Thinking Seriously about Beaver lake in 2 weeks

[EuphoriaII]

My son and I just finished OW cert and now he wants to go somewhere to dive for his birthday (15 and as capable in the water as I am/am not). I'm aware of the larger dive site Northwest of the dam. But what else should we be looking at as shore dives for newbies practicing our skills? We will probably dive all day Saturday and half day Sunday. I would like to get in up to 60', thermoclines permitting (we have 7mm suits) and also do some more shallow diving as well. It would help if there were some interesitng landmarks underwater as well.
I know about the Lost Bridge Marina but it looks like C&J Sports is closer to the Dam area diving for getting air fills. Where is a decent cheap place for lodging?

[DrRobb]

Accross the road from C&J Sports is a place by the name of West Point Resort. If you tell them you are a diver you should be able to get a good rate.. I got a room with two king size beds for $48 + tax two weeks ago during DUI DOG days. When I was getting a fill at C&J they asked me where I was staying and I told them. They wanted to know if I got the diver rate because if not, they could get me a good rate there on referral. The room was nothing to write home about, but it was clean and had a nice view.
Or you can drive to Eureka Springs and pay $100+ for a nice bed and beakfast. :-)

Robb

[EuphoriaII]

That sounds good enough and close enough for me. What about recommended dive sites? If I were planning 4 on Saturday and 2 on Sunday, what locations would you hit?

[EuphoriaII]

Well we booked at West Pointe and I've called C&J for additional questions I had. But here's one I wasn't sure of.
Do you need to pull around a dive flag with you at Beaver lake? A frined of mine whe went years ago said since its a corp of engineers lake, you have to have a dive flag, but C& J said you don't. Can anyone clarify for me? Thanks

[DeepDiverBob]

when I was there for DUI, there was boats on the water.
I would play it safe and bring one. Better to have it and not need it then need it and not have it.

[ozarkjim]

I don't know if it's anywhere else but in the Ark. fishing regulations in the spearfishing section, you are required to show a flag when diving. It also states the distance you are allowed to get away from it and how far the boats are SUPPOSED to stay away. It's been my experience that many boaters don't have a clue as to what the flag means and are evidently curious enough to come over and look at it.

[kent_1848]

Something else that you could consider is going there with a dive shop. I go there with Adventure Sports out of KC. It costs me $95 for tanks, weights, lodging (Friday night & Saturday night) and someone to take me on a boat to dive sites. www.adventuresportskc.com Of course, this also happens to be my LDS, but I'm sure there is a dive shop in your area that also goes to Beaver and has a similar deal. If not, you could always call them and do the transaction over the phone. You will also meet a lot of other midwest divers there as well.