NSF Dive Talk

Diving in January

3 members of the NSFC, Dan T, Dan H and Todd R, met up for a day of boat diving on a cold winter morning. We were still very tired from rooting on yet another Patriots victory the night before, but we all made it to the boat for the 9 A.M. departure. I noticed that the Danvers river had iced over in some spots as we lugged our gear over the frost covered the wharf. The sun broke from the clouds as we passed under the bridge and headed out into the harbor, the sea was calm and a great day in the water looked promising

Dive #1 was supposed to be the wreck of the Nina, about a mile off Gloucester harbor. The current at this location was an estimated 6+ knots, so we decided to dive conservatively. After suiting up and struggling to the line,

we dropped down to 95-100 ft. It only took a few seconds on the bottom to realize our coordinates were wrong, there was no wreck here, but this location made for a good dive anyway, despite the 10-15 ft viz. We each bagged a critter or two, I thought I had the trophy piece of the day, an old clay smoking pipe, until Dan T surfaced with one himself (see photo, disregard the time stamp, Todd needs to re-set that!) The makers marks are still visible on both pipes.

Dive #2: We opted for a scallop dive off Misery island. After a much needed cup of coffee and a chance to warm up, we descended to 70+ ft. I was using an aluminun 80 with 2000 psi, so it was going to be a quick one. Dan T managed another bug (2 for the day) and a dozen plus scallops, I landed a dozen, but Todd found the hot spot and brought in the catch o' the day. The storm clouds appeared on the horizon and we headed in, hoping to make it home before the impending nor 'easter hit us with a foot + of snow. All in all, it was a great day.

If you're interested in winter club dives email us at membership@northshorefrogmen.com

Cheers