First year of diving, done.

Well if nothing more than getting me off the couch and back in decent shape at nearly 40 years old, abalone diving was great to me this year. I started diving this year in August when a friend invited my family on a abalone diving/caping trip at Salt Point.

During my first dive I thought I was going to die. I was totally uncomfortable, out of shape and had no clue what to expect. The vis sucked, the chop was big, the current took us out to sea, I couldn't get more than 6' below the top and we were in 15' of water. The next day I also thought I was going to die, but I finally found the concentration and strength to get to the bottom and there it was, a lone ab sitting on the top edge of a rock. I looked like a shiny new nickel with black whiskers. I was so excited to see it that I plucked it with my bare hands. That was the first.

Since then I have bought the basic gear, made multiple trips to the few areas I have been introduced to, and am now feeling much more comfortable in the water. Heck, I can even get to the bottom in water over 25' and still have the nerve to not freak out at the bottom and to breath thru my snorkle when I get back to the surface. As a rank amature/rookie I am not too proud to admit that I have taken several that a barely leagal, but leagal none the less. I look forward to the day that I only see the 9"ers and better.

As of last weekend I filled my card, a fine ending to a Thanks Giving week at the beach. Mixed emotions prevail as I never got the big one that I hope for, but I am improving. I only wish I had taken it up sooner!

Here's to next year. May I learn many more spots,May I improve my apnea, may the regs not change too much, and may all of our dives be safe.

MN