Date: 28 August 2011
Location: Fort Ross, CA
Estimated Air Temp: ~60*F
Estimated Water Temp: ~55*F
Time: ~9a-130p
Max Depth: 25′ dive, 40′ bottom
Visibility: 5′
Equipment: 7mm med suit; gloves; booties; hood; snorkel; mask; 18lbs weight; split fins all but mask and snorkel were rented

First time going out abalone diving and having an actual purpose for free diving. Did it through a Zozi coupon for a ‘class’. Drew Rappoport was our guide through Sonoma Coast Bamboo Reef. All equipment was provided. We had a quick orientation on what abs looked like and how to pop them off. Location was Fort Ross, which has 2 coves separated by a small point and kelp bed. We started out in the southern cove. Entry was a very easy surf entry, especially compared to La Jolla Shores. Very minimal surge, the only noteworthy part of the beach was a quick drop-off from ~2.5′ to 5′ or so. Swam out on our floats til we were in about 15′ of water. First dives were there. Spotted a harbor seal at about 20 yards. I learned that the first few free dives are usually the hardest on the body. Surge and swell was pretty minimal. Had a hard time seeing abalone in the beginning and the visibility really made it dark down at depth. Eventually moved to the North cove and then back through the kelp bed at the point. Managed to pick 2 legal abs and get  some good exploring in. Didn’t see any legal sized fish of any sort, which I was hoping for. Did see about 50 total dead abalone, recently dead and many upside down. Very minimal if any decomposition. Also found two urchin tests floating. The day ended up with me doing quite a few dives. I bottomed out at 25′ and stayed down at depth for 30-45seconds. Longest dive was probably around 15′ for about a minute. Considering the temp and the very limited visibility I was quite happy with it. Of note: I did get my foot wrapped in some kelp @ about 10′ and despite all the mental training I panicked. Literally just kicked hard and after about 5 strokes I think it broke and I was free. Just a note to myself that no matter how well prepared I think I am, I can’t ever practice being wrapped up and stuck.

Wildlife: Harbor seal (Phoca vitulina); Red abalone (Haliotis rufescens ); Sea urchin (Strongylocentrotus spp.)

Note: According to a friend in CA DFG, the abs were part of a large invert die-off possibly linked to a red tide and unusually calm conditions. Will post more when something gets published.