And the summer water/winter water thing is something I don't get. Is the summer water really that much warmer? Not so much that I've noticed.

Another good diving/kayaking spot, or so I hear, is the Sea of Cortez.

In Monterey, Cass. Point Lobos, which is a refuge and they only let in 1 dive teams a day. We've kayaked out around the point and there are always otters there. Same with Lover's Cove which is easy in/easy out, there's an old boat launch with stairs so you can make it. The swim to the kelp is maybe 30-50 yards. When we were there, an otter was playing hide and seek with us. SO CUTE.

The downside is Monterey is far colder than diving here. It's really the only time I've ever been truly cold diving. But Monterey water was about ~48 degrees which is awful.

I'd consider certing beforehand just because there is so much to learn and on vacation you want to enjoy more.

But if I've already done the learning, and just want to take the test?

The water, with the wetsuit of course, really isn't bad. I just got spoiled diving in a bikini.

I've only dived in a swimsuit, and that's a big draw.

Is the summer water really that much warmer? Not so much that I've noticed.

It's looked so from the temperature maps, so far, but the temperature of the air contributes to the comfort in surfing too, don't you think?

But if I've already done the learning, and just want to take the test?

That's what I did. Make sure your training in LA matches the program where you go, because if it doesn't, you may have to retake classes.

But if I've already done the learning, and just want to take the test?

Before I took the test, they made me do open water dives anyhow. So we did pool work for a few classes, then we did two open water classes (in a goddamn quarry in goddamn virginia, talk about awful). Then we had a one day certification.

I don't know if it is still that way.

Make sure your training in LA matches the program where you go

Do you mean beyond PADI vs. the other guys (SSI?)? Do I need to get more granular than that?

I don't know if it is still that way.

I have a co-worker who ended up certifying in Bali or somewhere like that, and he's never done open water in California -- just learnt in pools.

If you just have to do the dives, then there were only four and that is two days. Strike the weeks of classes and pool work that way.

Yeah, PADI vs other. I can't recall the names of other but yes.

I'd don a wetsuit to play with otters...

Strike the weeks of classes and pool work that way.

Whee! C'est mon plan.

I'd don a wetsuit to play with otters...

You may have a slight fixation, dear.

Pot. Kettle.

And, yeah, I might.

Do you mean beyond PADI vs. the other guys (SSI?)? Do I need to get more granular than that?

That's what I meant.

I want to go scuba diving again. I'm not sure if my natural breathing apparatus will let me any more.