I haven't dove for such a long time primarily due to the expense of hiring dive gear. It's unfortunate that I don't own my own gear (of which I most certainly plan to purchase sometime this year), however more pressing concerns need to be addressed foremost. The cost of hiring gear is $60.00 for everything (suit, BCD, Regs, Tank) minus personal items like fins etc. As one can imagine, going out all day on a single tank can become slightly limiting. Another tank (with gas) sets you back $15.00.
Rapid Bay is about 105Km from Adelaide, and is most certainly one of the most popular jetty dives in South Australia, if not Australia. Accessibility is of least concern as it's located just off of Main South Road, rather close to Cape Jervis.
All in all it was a rather good day.
I dove with Paul Martin, who is a rather accomplished instructor and cave diver (CDAA, TRIMIX etc), with whom I also did my first two initial dives at Ardrossan.
It's unfortunate that Paul actually left his wetsuit at home however. For many this would mean the end of the day, however being the man that he is, he decided to dive in a vest and shorts!
Although it certainly wasn't a cold day, I noticed at least one diver wearing a dry suit. Quite a contrast.
Underwater Paul signaled that all was well, and we managed a 40 minute dive.
Saw plenty of beautiful life and corals, in what seemed to me to be of average visibility.
Second dive I went with two younger guys (22 and 16) and entered via the shore, having to walk over slippery rocks. It really wasn't the most ideal way to enter, and it was reasonably frustrating slipping everywhere trying to get my fins on.
Was a very disorientating dive, where we ended up at the far right T junction of the jetty. One of the guys had to pop to the top to see where we were. Making our way back was hindered by the current, causing the dive to become rather exhaustive. Oh well. It seems we all need to practice our underwater navigation.
