Kelp Diving Ignorance
Thanks to El Niño, a small generation of divers have grown up “kelp ignorant.” In the mid-’90s a warm water climatic effect stripped many Southern California reefs of a thick, lush kelp forest. In those few years of thin or non-existent kelp, divers continued to get certified, often without any kelp training. Now that the kelp is back, there is a small generation of divers that haven’t a clue as to how to dive in kelp. This summer, I even met up with a resident California dive instructor, certified three years ago, who did not know how to deal with kelp. It scared him. He was shocked at my joy of diving right in the thickest parts of the forest. For you divers out there who perhaps are part of this “kelp ignorant” generation, here are a few simple tips for an enjoyable, and safe kelp dive.
- Kelp breaks easily. It is, however, elastic if pulled lengthwise. Simply bend it to break it. It is also easy to cut, even bite through (yes, its edible!)
- Dive streamlined. Tie down loose straps, consoles, or anything that will snag the kelp on your dive.
- Dive with a helpful buddy. An occasional snag can be easily remedied with the helpful hand of a dive buddy.
- Follow paths in the kelp forest. All kelp forests have natural paths and clearings of little or no kelp. Following these will allow easy passage. The clearings above will allow for easy water entry, descent and ascent.
- Leave enough air in your tank to return to the beach or boat under the kelp canopy. Most of the really thick kelp floats on the surface. Enough air in your tank will allow you to weave your way through the forest to your destination.
- Learn the “kelp crawl.” Should you have to cross a kelp forest on the surface, you can do so easily by laying on your belly and “crawling” across the kelp, pushing it down in front of you. It’s slow, but it works.
- Should you become tangled, remain calm. Do not turn around as rotating your body can entangle you further. Reach behind to dislodge or break the strand.
Getting right into the thick of a kelp forest is fun and you’ll see more than you ever imagined. A few simple techniques will keep your dive easy and tangle free.
