Travels
(Please read fine print and disclaimer at the bottom.)
 

 

AS - (Aquarena Springs, Texas State U., San Marcos) - Diving for Science as taught by Ron Coley and Eric Peterson (super guys and so knowledgeable), The NNB boys took the class April 28 & 29th, 2007, well worth the $220.00, a wealth of information and gives one the opportunity to come back and do volunteer work dives or land work. The class consisted of info on the Edward's Aquifer, Archaeology of the area and the endangered species and non-endangered species of Spring Lake. Took a boat tour of Lake and areas we would be diving, then a tour of the Aquarium Building, then another test, lunch and back to class and the Obstacles & buoyancy course, then a guided tour of the springs and other areas. On Sunday we came back to do another dive, clean up of the Archaeology Site by the NNB boys. Then evaluation and finals and off to home. Came back on May 26th to do two volunteer dives, our assignment was to clean springs in Cream of Wheat & Ossified Forest, then dive 2 was Deep Hole & Arch Site. Vis was at about 60', water temp due to all the rain was 69°, 2nd dive temp was up to 72°. Have a nice set-up to gear-up and change and they are in process of remodeling another area for divers. If you like not so deep (up to 28'), constant water temp and very good vis this might be the place for you. You can go to their website: Aquarena Center and get all info on the Diving for Science class and volunteer work as a diver or on land. There are divers whose spouse does volunteer work on land.
 
  BCL (Boerne City Lake, Texas) Out I-10 North of Boerne, Texas. Vis is 3' to 12', temp is 60° to 70° and diving depth is about 22' to 33'. Out about 30 yards from the steps near the boat ramp is a platform at 22', good for practicing all underwater functions. Follow the cord out to PVC "bridge", lots of perch, some bass and an occasional catfish. They do like hot dogs or dog food. From there follow the cord to the Barrels, lots of perch, some bass and a few catfish. Then head to the PVC pyramid, then back to the others. Very few divers at this place because the vis is not great but a great place to practice and learn more about your gear. This is a great place, no fee, yes it's not Cozumel but if you dive here you will be a better diver. You should be able to stay down over an hour or more. This is a great place to sit on platform, take your mask off/put it back on, take your Reg out, breath out, insert reg, adjust your weights. Go to surface breathing out only. This is just a good practice place plus the marine life is very good. Might want to watch out for the BCL "Alligator". Truth or Myth, the NNB group has never seen it.
 

 

CL (Canyon Lake, Texas) Off FM 306, located near the dam at Canyon Lake is North Park. You'll have to carry gear about 50 yards, but once in water you'll find a couple of cars and a boat. There's also large bass and catfish at 6' to 80'. Across from North Park is Overlook Park, bottom goes from 3' to 100' into the old river bed. At Comal Park off FM 2673 (may need to ask for direction) follow the signs, this park has the ledges about 20' from shore, they drop down about 100'. Canyon Lake vis runs anyplace between 3' to 30' and water temperature is between 45° to 80°. Diving conditions are calm but it's best not to go too soon after rains as the vis is really reduced.

 

 

CR - (Cooper River, Charleston, South Carolina) A very interesting dive site: vis is any where from 0 to 18", if you're lucky it may be 2 feet, depth is about 40' and water temp can be very cold or up to the low 70s. You have the chance to find prehistoric shark teeth up to 6" long (they will coner your palm & fingers). Also there is the possibility to find cups, plates, bottle and other historic artifacts dating back to early Indians. My son and I have found small teeth, large teeth and he has even found jaw bones and a leg bone of something very old. The outfitter we used was Captain Tom, www.cooperriver.com. He's been diving the Cooper River over 25 years, knows all the good spots to find stuff. Go to his website to book a trip and to see what gear you need. Yea, a large light would help. The dive is worth doing at least once. Just visit his website for fun, very interesting and full of pictures.

 
  DT (Dry Tortugas, Florida) This was a fantastic trip. Used the Ultimate Getaway out of Ft. Myers Beach, Florida. Captain Rick, his crew and the 100' boat were wonderful, good food (you will not go hungry), plenty of water and soda, nice sleeping quarters, 4 hot showers and a rinse off shower. (Check it out on his at ultimategetaway.net.) We sailed on a Thursday night and when we woke up we were at a dive site with a most beautiful sunrise. It's possible to do many dives in 2 1/2 days, good spear fishing and just plain ole site seeing (might get to tour Ft. Jefferson). Reefs and the SS Baja California were super with large grouper all over it. All types of fish and lobsters and artifacts at the California. Dives any where from 50' to 115', temp 72° to 77°, day & night dives, drift dives and anchor dives, they do have Nitrox on the boat in case you're certified and wish to use it. For prices and schedule of trips check the website. Being from the center of the universe, we flew from San Antonio into Ft. Myers and had a friend pick us up. The Captain can pick you up and he'll even get you back to the airport. They'll clean your fish and even put 'em in your cooler. They do appreciate tips. We're heading back in September 2006.
 
  FG/SB (Flower Gardens/Stetson Banks, Gulf of Mexico) About 120 miles from Freeport, Texas sits the Northernmost coral reefs in the United States. West & East Flower Garden Banks and the Stetson Bank (www.flowergarden.noaa.gov) covering about 42 nautical miles. Diving is from 50 feet to 130 foot plus. Vis is 25 to 100 feet and water temp's 65° in winter to 85° in summer. There were two dive operations sailing to the Gardens out of Freeport, about 100 miles south of Houston, Gulf Diving, LLC (www.gulf-diving.com) and the Sea Searcher (which may not be in business any longer). Been on both the MV Fling and the MV Spree of the Gulf Diving company. Both are both great with good crews and a strong focus on safety (have to be it's a long ways to get help). The 8 hour ride out to the banks is well worth it. Great dive sites and beautiful fish. The also do a rig dive, lots of fish. It's possible to see whale sharks, hammerheads and the coral blooming. Check out the website and plan on going out to the Banks.
 
  GSP (Garner State Park, Texas) Frio River - Below dam, several 15' some 18' holes, vis is about 25' to 30' and water temp is 72° in summer, winter about 10° lower, slight current. Only way in is through the State Park which charges an entry fee. Garner State Park is 31 miles north of Uvalde on US Hwy 83. The water isn't deep but it is clear and you will see large catfish, largemouth bass and perch and an occasional turtle. Who needs a deep dive when there is so much marine life to see & feed, they like hot dogs. It's worth the drive and dive and when the dive is over grill up some sausage & tortillas and open a cool one, relax and enjoy the rest of the day.
 
 

Hinman Park (Comal River, New Braunfels, Texas) What can I say about this place. Not deep, 13 to 15' max, most is 6' to 7', temp 74° year round, vis 6' to 45', A very large amount of fish, large bass, very large perch, huge catfish and turtles and crayfish and several aquarium sucker fish up to 2 1/2 feet long. Lot to see, just a real relax dive. Summer time sees lots of tubers but they're above you. Can do two 45 minute dives on one tank. Picnic tables, restrooms, playground. Do want to say something here, when the NadaNuffBubbles dive club goes any where we take it upon ourselves to take a mesh bag with us so we can pick up trash. Not a bad idea for all divers. Yeah, I know, "I didn't put it there." Pick it up any ways. The fish don't want it in their home. Remember we're guests down there.
 
 

Joe's Place (Medina Lake, Texas) (www.joesmarina.com) That's where NNB goes and Dive World has a platform @ 25' set up for lessons & diving), from the platform you can go to a van, a car or even a boat. Vis is from 4' to 30', temp is 72° down to 42°, Depth from 0' to 150', at Joe's we are usually diving 20' to 60' (get cold below 60'). Lots of catfish, bass and perch, yes, bring hot dogs they'll eat out of your hand. Joe's charges a fee for entry & parking but have a super set up, nice people, nice restrooms and parking areas, boat launch and the dive site has flags and is buoyed off, sort of. Also Dive World has first pick of site, so if you show up you might not get to dive, one has to remember they are giving lessons and don't need distractions. The people with Dive World have been nice to us and we've always been able to dive. You can go on a week day and Dive World probably won't be there. From last weekend in March to about last weekend in October you can go next door to Oasis Bar & Grill (www.medinalake.com) to have a very nice dinner & drinks, sit outside watch the boaters & skiers and the sunset. They also have live entertainment.
 
 

PCB (Panama City Beach, Florida) The Emerald Coast, white sands, emerald green clear waters in the panhandle of Florida on the Gulf of Mexico. Plenty of dive sites for viewing and spear fishing. Wrecks, man made reefs, bridge structures and WWII submarine platforms. Check with Capt. Logan Main (850-230-0004). The people at Dive Locker are great to deal with and host an annual Flounder Tourney.

 
PCB II (Park Chalk Bluff, Nueces River, Texas) 15 miles North of Uvalde, Texas on Hwy 55. Nice drive. River dive is max depth of about 12', vis up to 75', temp runs about 74°, easy shore entry. Also if some one doesn't dive it great for snorkeling, swimming and just relaxing. Schools of catfish, bass and many large & small perch and several turtles. We go in to middle and go up river around bend then head back, about an hour and a half dive. Bird watching is also great. Park Chalk Bluff (www.chalkbluff.com) charges a day entry fee and they also have cabins, camp area and RV spots. Nearest restroom is by office or up hill from river at shore entry. They sell food, drinks, ice and etc. Again after a dive grill some sausage & tortillas or whatever you like, pop a cool one and relax.
 

SMR (San Marcos, Texas) River current dive, 72° F year round, vis is 3' to 25', shore entry near Aquarena Springs Drive and University Dr across bridge from Joe's Crab Shack. Divers will need two vehicle, one being left at Rio Vista Park (Cheatham Street & the river) and the other at entry site, about an hour and a half dive, get in and let the current do the work. Lots of marine life, you'll go under a train bridge, a couple of street bridges, around an island through water grasses but make sure you get out before you go over the dam at Rio Vista Park. If you ever get a chance go to Aquarena Springs. You will have to have the Scientific Divers certification offered from Aquarena Springs (part of Texas State University). Go to www.aquarena,txstate.edu for more info on this and other certifications.
SPI (South Padre Island, Texas) Not a well planned dive trip as it was a few weeks after Katrina had hit and debris and dark waters plus a major thunder storm didn't help. The dive operation, American Diving were super people, will use them next trip we go on. SPI has reefs and wrecks. Nice beaches to walk and great places to go, just for fun drop by Wanna-Wanna for a little music and a cool one and then go for a walk on the beach.

Fine print & Disclaimer -- Always remember before diving to ensure you and all your gear is in safe operating condition and never dive past your skill level and training. If your equipment or skills are questionable, get it checked out before getting wet.

Also, all of us in the NNB dive club no matter how shallow or deep we're diving, think it's a great idea to have dive insurance. It's cheap so just go ahead and do it. We're not endorsing any particular organization but we just happen to all use DAN. Other organizations may serve just as well. You need it even if you only do river dives. Did you know that most, if not all, Live Aboards require dive insurance.

Be safe and be prepared so we can all hoist a few together rather than in rememberance.

Thanks!

The NNB Officers