Diving Lake Jocassee for the first time in 2007

Been a couple of weeks since the last post. Yes I have been diving, but nothing new to report since most dives were at the "Hot Hole" at Lake Keowee.

So - had the opportunity to dive the "Junk" Wreck for the first time in 2007. Our local Dive Shop has finally moved back to Jocassee since it should be warmer - little did we know! The weather was fantastic outside, and one of the best days so far this year. Air temperature was near 80, and only a few clouds in the sky and little winds. Water level at the lake was -1.1' below full pond, which was very unusual. This made the sites about 20 feet deeper than my last dives here in November/December 2006.

We loaded the students on the boat - who were on their second (and final) day of Open Water Certification. Took the short boat ride over to the Junk Wreck. Tied off the boat, completed the dive briefing, then the group splashed in - 6 students, the instuctor, and I was DM'ing for the dive.

Visibility was suprizingly good at about 20' until the students stirred up the bottom!. Max depth was about 65', water temp a brisk 55 degrees, and a total dive time of 22 minutes. All in all a good dive, and we swam around the wreck several times giving the students a chance to acclimate to the depth (and temperature). Just as we were settling in, a student indicated he only had 1000 psi (turn pressure was stated as 1500 psi in the dive briefing!), so we turned the dive. I gave the thumbs up to all students, and directed them back to the line for the acsent and safety stop. After the students turned, I went back to the wreck and did a final sweep to make sure no one left behind. Students did an excellent slow ascent up the line, and safety stop.

Most students had at least 1500 psi left, so we made the short trip over to the rock wall near the Junk, and did a second dive. Considerably shallower here, and I ended up with Max Depth of 42 feet, water temp 57 degrees, and dive time of 23 minutes. I had about 2100 psi left starting the dive (100 cuft steel tank), and really enjoyed this dive. Since the students were technically certified, they were more or less on their own, and I went in and first check the anchor set, then swam to the wall, starting deep, and worked my way up checking the student groups I passed to make sure they were OK and air was holding. Visibility again was very good at about 20 feet, and this was a very peaceful dive and opportunity to work on frog kick and bouyancy. Bouyancy on this dive was about the best I have had. Turned the dive, and navigated underwater to where I thought the boat was, and unbelievably came up at the boat ladder. Considering the depth, low vis, and dive time, this made a great finish to the dive!

Will be back out again soon with the classes, and hope to see you at the Lake!

Dive Safe,

Caribbean Blue.