Pixel-digi dive in So. California?

Just curious if we local wetpixelians and digital diver.net would be interested in a SO.CAL dive. The thought is that I'd book a boat depending on whether the consensus is a 1, 2 or 3 day trip. This would be a cold water trip to the northern Channe Islands EXCLUSIVELY for photographers, meaning the sites chosen will be for us, and if a site seer comes they would have to live by our rules. I am thinking Truth Aquatics or the Peace. There is no money making scheme here, but it seems that there are a lot of us in southern California and I don't recall anyone making an attempt to gather a knowledge base for a local trip. Of course ALL are welcome if you want to fly in.

The cost is rough. A 1-day will be about 125, 2-day 275 and a 3 day about 525. I guess the fuel cost jacks it up exponentially. I am polling you because I have to plop down some doe if we do this. Maybe in November, which is warmer water and better viz. But I have not yet looked to see if there are any slots open on the good boats. For this phase, I am polling you for the following:

1. Are you interested

2. how many days do you prefer

3. Are you a hunter-killer? (just joking)

Just let me know your thougts. If we can fill the boat I will plop down the deposit. PLEASE BE HONEST in your assessment of whether you can go or not. A 3-day deposit is huge.

Joe

I go on such trips about every other month with Truth Aquatics. I recommend them highly. Nov is probably the best time to go. Oct. is the heart of lobster season. I like the northern islands best. Back side of San Migel or the pinnacles; weather permitting. I use to know the owner/captain of the Peace. A nice boat and crew. I don't think it is as nice for over night trips as the Truth Aquatics boats due to the bunk arrangement. There isn't as much room for the gear of a lot of photographers.

Sept before bug season may actually be the best time to go.

I think the 3 day trips are best.

I would strongly advise paying a little more and setting up the trip as a limited load trip. Much better for photographers.

I'd definitely be interested depending on the dates scheduled.

I agree. Before bug season is best. I would use the Howard Hall approach to a photo dive. If you find a spot that's hotg (good viz, lots of scenic areas, good animal life) stay there for a few dives and don't waste time moving around. I, personally, don;t like it when a boat hits a very nice spot, then pulls anchor just because they think they need to hit other sites as a factor of a 3-dive trip.

We'll see if we get anymore interest. And I agree, Truth is awesome. I love their 3-day limited loads. I also have been on 4-day Big Sur trips with them and 5-day Howard Hall film trips. Truth would be my first choice.

Joe

Joe, I think we were on the same trip.