Big Sur Dive, Jade Cove

Two weeks ago, a group of us headed down the coast to dive Big Sur, Ca. I typically dive up North for Abalone, but since the season hasn't started and since it's been ridiculously nice weather, I thought this was a chance to check out what the Central Coast had to offer. 

After reading up on Big Sur's famous coastline, it didn't take long to find out about Jade Cove. Divers and rock collectors have been going there since the 70's in hunt for the precious stone, so we thought we'd take a stab at it and become filthy rich rock collectors.

The diving conditions were perfect. 12 ft visability and almost no swell, made it easy to do some exploring. Once I entered the water, I instantly saw a giant ling cod, and decided to change from rock hunting to spearfishing. I didn't get anything but I did follow Eric around, who got a nice Rock fish that we grilled that afternoon. No Jade was found underwater, but we all grabbed a few small pieces on shore.

I shot my little sea and sea camera underwater and my mamiya 7 on land. Here are the black and whites, a few colors to come. Check out George's blog for his photos and a more detailed tale of the trip. -Tim

Untitled
Untitled
Untitled
Untitled
Untitled
Untitled
Untitled
Untitled
Untitled
Untitled
Untitled
Untitled
Untitled

photos by Tim Gatto

Abalone

Untitled

Made it up to the coast this month to do some Abalone Diving in Mendocino. Possibly my favorite thing to do in the world. We drove the highway until we found the perfect spot, and got some abalone, urchin and some perch with the spears after about 3 hours of diving. I brought along an underwater film camera I bought. The visibility was too poor for any actual underwater shots, but got some pics none the less. —Tim

Untitled
Untitled
Untitled
Untitled
Untitled
Untitled

photos by Tim Gatto

Abalone 2012 pt.2 mega underwater camera edition

Every year, a group of us go Abalone diving up the Northern California Coast. Really glad that Eric decided to hit Best Buy on the way out of town to grab any underwater camera they had. I shot a few rolls, but these underwater camera photos definitely fill in what it's actually like in the water. Thanks again Eric for the great photos and awesome adventure times had. —Tim

We went with friends that actually knew what they were doing.

kelp everywhere. Stuff is very sketchy.

Johns first time diving off of the California Coast. Success.

tasty times.

photos by Eric Eisher