newbie in the santa barbara area

[nastynate805]

Hey guys i'm a newbie my buddies just got me into this and i've only been out on a couple freedives so far but it's a lot of fun. Just seein if there is anyone on the boards in the Santa Barbara area I live in lompoc so we dive south at the beaches between lompoc and Santa Barbara.

[craigorygreen]

I'm also new to the sport. I live in Isla Vista and need some help getting started. I'm up for meeting somewhere; however, I'm not bringing much to the table.

[kkam]

whats up guys i live in lompoc and have been spearfishing around here for a few years now, were in a pretty good place to fish, anywere off the 101 has fish that would make any man proud, hit the kelp beds and youll be good hope to see you guys out there.

[kale]

Have any of you guys dove Jalama? I've gone down to check it a few times, but it was blown out and I had to go further south...looks like a good spot to bring a kayak. What about Surf beach? I've never been there, but at least there is access. PT. Sal?
You guys should check out the SB freedivers club. They are all very cool guys and very welcoming. They have everything from begginers to old pros.
Kale

[kkam]

Jalama is good has good bugs surf beach is no good though the curent is to strong and theres not much structure underwater that ive been able to see. Jalama has a nice thick kelp bed to the left of the main area but i hear of alot of big sharks cruzing the inside of the kelp .

[kale]

Thanks kkam. I will dive it one of these days. I'm curious what kind of fish I will find. I live in slo county. No bugs to speak of, but lots of rockfish and lings. I usually just target wsb down south, but maybe there is both under those kelp beds. I think I'll bring two guns. Hopefully I'll get down there before bug season opens so I can do a little recon of the area. I just need a calm day that I'm not working. I've heard that it's a sharky area too, I'll stay in thick kelp.
Kale

[craigorygreen]

how do I get in touch with the SB freediving club?

[kale]

I think they have meetings on the first wed of the month. I went to one a couple weeks ago, but I don't know if it was at their regular meeting place. I would ask Andy at Bluewater Hunter, he might know some of the guys or have some info for you. I'll find out when their next meeting is next time I talk to my buddy down there.

[nastynate805]

Awesome glad to see there is a few people in my area on deeperblue. I'd really like to hook-up with someone with some experience in freediving to learn from I have some friends that i've gone with but they just leave me at the surface and go scuba diving not much fun floating around up at the top with nobody to give you any pointers on what exactly i should be doing or anything.

[kkam]

if you ever have a thursday were you can go your welcome to join me i normaly go to refugieo beach and hit the kelp beds from there 15-30 ft deep ok vis. most of the time. and decent fishing

[craigorygreen]

i'm up for going to refugio! i'm going this weekend, too. i'll be freediving, but I have a canoe if I need to get out too far. Where should I hit first, and what will I be seeing? Thanks for any advice.

[kkam]

i doubt that ill be able to go this weekend i work nites and take care of my little girl during the day so my only day is on thursdays but we'll be able to work something out if you go to refugio i normaly start out at the point on the right its about 10 ft. deep and move out into deeper water theres a fair bit of wsb. and halis in the kelp last week i spooked a keeper hali when i came down right on top of him so hes still there waiting for you ...................good luck

[craigorygreen]

Refugio had great visibility, around 50ft in some places, but less than 5 in some. Not many fish, however I did see a few wsb. At least it was good snorkeling. Thanks for the advice!

[kkam]

i was able to go today aswell i probably saw you- i didnt see much but couldnt spend much time in the water but it was a good dive anyway saw some wsb but they were all on the small side