heading to ft lauderdale this weekend,what can i expect?

[scubagirlj]

going to ft lauderdale this weekend,spur of the moment thing-diving with seaxp-what can i expect?

[Divingguy]

I have not looked at the local WX for that time, and have no idea which dive op you are diving with, but I have dived up and down that area multiple times with several different operators. There are multiple reefs running parallel to shore, and then some specific wrecks. Dive sites are obviously dependent at least to some extent upon dive operator's location. The reefs are normally "drift" dives, while the reefs are frequently "anchored" dives. The Rodeo 25 is one of my favorites, but it is deep. Vis varies according to local conditions, but generally 50' plus. This time of year water is still pretty chilly (low 70's), so take the wetsuit appropriate for your comfort level. What I "expect", per your question, is that you should have fun!!.
Check out this link to get the local marine weather:Marine Forecast : Weather Underground
Have fun.
Tom

[mksmith713]

Are you shore diving or boat diving and how long do you plan on staying?
Tons of dive boats in that area to choose from.
Shore dives galore as well.
If shore diving, try the Anglin Pier.
Just ask any of the local divers you'll venture upon and they'll guide you to the interesting things to see there.
The only thing to watch out for there is those damned parking meters.
Put an extra quarter in......just in case.

[mksmith713]

Oh, and don't forget your dive flag.......

[DMWiz]

This weekend will be a bit bumpy at best... but not crazy bad. The forecast improves by the end of the weekend on Sunday afternoon.

How many of you are coming? I'm diving Sat. evening/night

FRIDAY
SOUTHEAST WINDS 10 TO 15 KNOTS BECOMING 15 TO 20 KNOTS.
SEAS 2 TO 4 FEET. NORTHEAST SWELL 2 FEET. INTRACOASTAL WATERS A
MODERATE CHOP. SLIGHT CHANCE OF LIGHT SHOWERS.

FRIDAY NIGHT
SOUTHEAST WINDS 10 TO 15 KNOTS BECOMING 15 TO
20 KNOTS. NEAR SHORE...SEAS 3 TO 5 FEET. WELL OFFSHORE...SEAS 2 TO
4 FEET BUILDING TO 4 TO 6 FEET. NORTHEAST SWELL 2 FEET. INTRACOASTAL
WATERS CHOPPY IN EXPOSED AREAS. SLIGHT CHANCE OF LIGHT SHOWERS.

SATURDAY
SOUTHEAST WINDS 15 TO 20 KNOTS. SEAS 3 TO 5 FEET. NORTHEAST
SWELL 2 FEET. INTRACOASTAL WATERS A MODERATE CHOP. SLIGHT CHANCE OF
LIGHT SHOWERS.

SATURDAY NIGHT
SOUTH WINDS 10 TO 15 KNOTS. SEAS 2 TO 4 FEET.
INTRACOASTAL WATERS A LIGHT CHOP. SLIGHT CHANCE OF SHOWERS.

SUNDAY
SOUTH WINDS 10 TO 15 KNOTS. SEAS 2 TO 4 FEET. INTRACOASTAL
WATERS A LIGHT CHOP. CHANCE OF SHOWERS AND SLIGHT CHANCE OF
THUNDERSTORMS.

SUNDAY NIGHT
WEST WINDS 5 TO 10 KNOTS. SEAS 2 FEET OR LESS.
INTRACOASTAL WATERS A LIGHT CHOP. SLIGHT CHANCE OF SHOWERS.

MONDAY
NORTH WINDS 5 TO 10 KNOTS BECOMING EAST. SEAS 2 TO 3 FEET.
INTRACOASTAL WATERS A LIGHT CHOP. SLIGHT CHANCE OF SHOWERS.

[scubagirlj]

actually dive days are mon & tues- sea experience is DO-husband & i are doing our AOW plus 1 extra dive-will probabaly be a good PADI diver and do monthly specialty of Drift- nothing like getting free stuff-conditions can't be any worse than last two trips where we felt like we were stunt doubles in"Perfect Storm"-wanted to know what viz and water temps would be-have never dove FLA

[DMWiz]

Originally Posted by scubagirlj

actually dive days are mon & tues- sea experience is DO-husband & i are doing our AOW plus 1 extra dive-will probabaly be a good PADI diver and do monthly specialty of Drift- nothing like getting free stuff-conditions can't be any worse than last two trips where we felt like we were stunt doubles in"Perfect Storm"-wanted to know what viz and water temps would be-have never dove FLA

You can expect at least 40-50 feet of viz almost anywhere you go offshore. The farther away from shore the better it would get. You can also expect low to mid 70's in the water with the air temp around 75 to low 80s. I've been waking up to mid-60s early on but it quickly warms up.

The Sea Exp. is a nice op I have a friend who teaches with them... Do you know who's your instructor?

[mksmith713]

I dove Lauderdale end of Jan, water temps were low 70's and I was overdressed in a 7mm with no hood or gloves.
I could have gotten by with a 3mm.
The folks I dove with were locals and they wore 5mm and were comfortable.
I'm guessing 3mm would be good for you.
If you don't already have wetsuits, wait until you get there.
They always have incredible closeout deals at Divers Direct Superstore.
I got a brand new full 3mm for my daughter for $24.99

[scubagirlj]

thanx-bringing a 1.5 & a 3 mm with me, then to need less ws than most(have my own insulation, ha-ha)used the 1.5 in Nassau in Feb when locals were wearing 5's- don't know who instructor is just yet-have had some nice talks with Bill(owner?) arranged hotel on site for us at really good price-got lucky with air, USAir owed me 200 and ticket cost 189

[fanatique]

The DiversDirect store there is huuuuuge. While I'm an ST supporter, do check out their megastore. It's like a Dives'R'Us.