Lover's Point #3 Monterey

Feb 1st 2025
61st dive
Max depth: 13 m
Dive time: 53min
Avg water temp: 12.3°C
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Finally, got my first dip in California! The conditions were wonderful and I got to meet some very good divers from the local Aqua Tutus club. Thank you for the great company and for making sure the dive was easy and safe!
I had several new variables during this dive: new drysuit, new bcd, new shoe setup and different conditions from what I am used to. My trip was really off this time because I was sure my feet would be floaty due to drysuit+AL Express AdJ's and I started out with ankle weights. This was one of the most terrible decisions ever =D I think the fins are also too light and soft for drysuit colder salt water diving. This lead to higher gas consumption than usual, because I was working hard to keep up with everyone and straining most of the dive. Ended up with only 69 bars (1000psi) after starting with around 240 bars (3500psi).
Several underwater adjustments were made, mainly related to getting the weight from my legs higher up, thus some parts of the video are difficult to watch (around 36:30-39:10 into the video), but I left it there for my own future reference.
Despite the trim and lack of propulsion, the dive was great! I emerged COMPLETELY DRY for once! That made me super happy. The backplate setup was wonderful as well. Some adjustments will be needed, but those were expected. The visibility was good and I got to see some new underwater life, like a different kind of sea stars, anemones, sand dollars, sea cucumbers and a big fat bright yellow nudibranch *_* (~45:30).
Oh, and sand! Salt and sand are everywhere! I forgot that sand was a thing. Oh, how spoiled I was by Iceland =D. I was glad to discover a hose in the back yard of the place I am currently living at, and I think I will miss it when I move in several months.