Tuesday, September 11, 2007

9/11/07


Site: Bird Island

Talked to Brady yesterday and we decided we should try to do a dive at Bird Island. Cooper, always up for doing something crazy, joined us. The water turned out a little rougher than expected. From the lookout it looked pretty calm, but then again you are quite a ways up there. Once we made it down to the beach the waves looked a whole lot bigger. The two normal cuts looked too rough, so we decided to look for an entry on the other side of the island. Found our way into the water inside a canyon (with a hellish current ripping through it) on the South side of the island. Brady and Cooper, carried out by the current, disappeared around the corner in a jiffy and I, the pussy that I am, took my time getting my bearings and trying to figure out if there was even a way for us to make it back alive. Passed the canyon however the water was much calmer and the diving very nice.

Brady and Cooper gearing up in the Bird Island parking lot. They had a little trouble finding the road to Bird Island. When I showed up they were trying to find a way in by the Bird Island Drive sign. I guess they forgot that that sign was placed in the wrong spot and that the road leads to nowhere. The actual road to Bird Island parking lot is the dirt road before the sign.





Brady sliding down the trail aided by an old rope





Looks pretty calm right? Well it wasn't!





This Thorny Ray was chillin' on the bottom of the canyon unaffected by the strong current. I was holding on for dear life with one hand while with the other trying to take this picture. The topography underwater is really interesting with huge rock formations, caves, and passages.





We didn't venture out too far because of the water conditions, but this is definitely a site worth visiting more often. Saw lots of large fish and healthy coral. It is a pain to get down there, but the diving is well worth the effort. On a calm day this could be one awesome dive.

6 comments:

scubatripp said...

Nice post Richard. Adventure diving, getting in shape, (not that you or cooper need any help in that area) Brady's always been about adventure.
I'm sure there are few out there looking to do something different that will give this one a go, myself included!

Richard Sikkel PADI MSDT said...

This dive is not for the faint of heart. Seriously, be careful when attempting this dive.

Bruce A. Bateman said...

If the area is accessed by boat is the diving safe for normal mortals? Is the current so strong as to drive you onto the rocks etc?

Richard Sikkel PADI MSDT said...

Bruce,

When diving from boat, the diving should be pleasant. Here's the dilemma though. Anchor or no Anchor. The coral is pristine and Bird Island is a MPA, would be nice to keep it that way. Best way to dive it from a boat is as a drift dive. -Richard

Jeff said...

I did this via boat almost the same day, and looking at you guys and that entry, I'm glad I spent boat money.

http://turbittj.blogspot.com/2007/09/diving-bird-island-is-way-cool.html

Richard Sikkel PADI MSDT said...

For sure the dive is much easier from a boat. Jeff, the next post is for you.