Goal
PostsThe destruction of El Niño warm water and storms is now but a distant memory. But not unlike a forest fire, new, even healthier life has risen from the ashes.
A great place to experience the rebirth of the Point Loma kelp forest is at a spot known as Goal Posts. Much of the bottom off Point Loma is flat rock bottom. While it supports the kelp holdfasts, it can be a bit boring. Here and there, however, are patch rock reefs of stone, sculptured by waves from millennia ago when the sea level was lower. Now submerged, these sculptured monoliths are now underwater and fascinating to explore. Some of the more popular locations include New Hope Rock, Nort's, Horse Head Reef, and, of course, Goal Posts.
The name comes from two radio antennae ashore atop the ridge with a radar dome "between the uprights," as in a field goal being scored during a football game. It is also directly offshore of a red-roofed building, also between two radio towers.
This an easy dive, but interesting. Average bottom depths run 45 to 50 feet. Profile and interesting exploration comes from the reefs that rise 15 to 20 feet from the bottom, often in mini-walls or large overhangs. The reefs top out at 30 to 35 feet. You can find arches, small tunnels, and rock piles. There are several patch reefs in the area that covers a couple acres, but no reef is much larger than a big pick-up truck. And the reefs are close enough together that on a day of good visibility, it is easy to hop from reef to reef.
Each
reef seems to have its own distinct character. On my dive we visited
three, with a fourth looming in the distance, as we ran low on air.
One had a small rock pile from a collapsed overhang. In the deep
holes were a half-dozen lobster. Only one appeared to be legal-sized
but he stayed well out of reach.
Another reef was excellent for macro-photography. Angled just right to the currents, the nooks-and-crannies held chestnut cowries, small crabs and shrimp, and tiny fish. Sea stars were numerous and colorful. The star population included the red-orange blood star, blue-gray giant-spined stars, and the huge multi-armed sun star.
The third reef was overrun with kelp. Fish were abundant and included calico bass in the kelp, barred sand bass on the surrounding flats, and sargo under the ledges.
Nearly all the reefs had large gray moon sponges. Here and there were congregations of large sea hares, and underwater slugs that can reach the size of soccer balls. Their sluggish meetings on the bottom are mating dances that result in huge piles of spaghetti-like yellow egg strands.
As the summer approaches the kelp will thicken, further increasing the lure of diving Point Loma. Goal Posts is a great place to witness this remarkable comeback.
Dive Spot At - A - Glance
Location: Off Point Loma near San Diego. GPS N32°41.667', W117°16.121' (GPS for reference. Do not use as your sole source of navigation).
Access: Boat only.
Skill Level: All.
Depths: 35 to 55 feet.
Visibility: Good, averaging 20 feet.
Snorkeling: Poor, bottom too deep. Only up in the kelp canopy.
Photography: Good for macro with a wide variety of subjects. Move from reef to reef. Fair for wide angle in the kelp if the visibility is good.
Hunting: A few lobster and occasional rock scallop. Other spots at Point Loma better for spearfishing.
Suggested Dive Boats :
Lois Ann - (619) 450-4478
DiveQuest - (800)
303-3483
Blue Escape - (619)
223-DIVE
One-Eyed Jack - (619) 523-9282
or see the California Scuba Calendar section for trips to Point Loma.
Dale Sheckler is editor and publisher of California Diving News as well as co-author of the book Southern California's Best Beach Dives.
