Shore Diving Basics
Choosing Spots, Identifying Dangers
and Hunting Successfully
Photo Session by Glen McDowellBy far the most common question asked by beginner spearos on forums, message boards and Facebook groups is “where should I dive?”
This is an important question, and a valid one for any beginner spear fisher or diver. As newcomers to a sport as inherently dangerous as freedive spearfishing, we are most likely diving from shore, and we want to be sure we are entering the ocean somewhere reasonably safe, and where we have a decent chance of finding some fish to hunt (legally). Ask this question on the internet, and you will more than likely get a short list of freebie locations that more or less meet the criteria. But, you will also learn rather quickly that these locations are offered without hesitation for a reason. Yes, they are reasonably safe, and yes, there are a few fish around, but if you want to progress in the sport, it pays to learn how to locate and choose your own dive sites.
Here in Northern California, shore diving is our bread and butter. We are blessed to be able to step in the water from innumerable access points and encounter amazing biodiversity - complete with sportfish to hunt - within a few kicks from the shoreline. We are also challenged with some of the most treacherous dive conditions a spearo can encounter anywhere: freezing cold water, a rocky, exposed shoreline with big surf, powerful nearshore currents and often poor visibility. We’ve compiled a set of indispensable tips from some of the best and most experienced hunters in our community that will help you choose the right spot, stay safe, and find better fish on your next shore diving adventure.
Shore Diving Locations
I know divers that spend hours looking at Google Earth, searching through old forgotten forum archives and driving along coastal highways looking for their next productive access point. These folks are willing to put in a ton of work and research on the front end, spend free days driving around looking at the ocean from the road, and hike for an hour or more (maybe even doing some rappelling) to access the ocean at a remote location. They are not always rewarded for their great efforts, but when they are, it is usually something special that they will hold closely guarded. It is important to recognize that finding awesome dive spots doesn’t need to take this much effort, and diving in remote, difficult to access locations comes with its own hazards, but as in any pursuit, the rewards reaped are often related to the effort put in.
The modern diver has a number of tools at their disposal that can help in locating new dive sites. As a new diver, your community should be your first and most valuable tool for finding places to dive, and more importantly, people to dive with. Now to be very clear, I don’t mean going on a web forum or Facebook group and asking for everyone’s favorite spots before even introducing yourself. Make friends, join a club, get comfortable with a few different experienced divers and they are bound to take you to some great dive sites. When you are there, take note of the structure, the surroundings, the entry and exit points. Understanding these aspects of a good dive location will help you in the future when you are looking for new places to venture.
Your next best friend when looking for dive locations is the internet. Again, doing your own research will get you much further here than outright asking for handouts. When you start digging in you will be amazed at how much information is floating around out there just waiting to be uncovered. A few hours playing on the search function in your local spearfishing or fishing forum is a good place to start. Choose a few key words that have to do with the access points or region you are interested in, grab a cup of coffee and get digging! Google Maps and Google Earth are also an invaluable resource for getting a closer look at potential dive locations to view structure, find access points and discover hidden trails that lead to the ocean.
What makes a good shore diving location?
There are a few things to consider when you are looking for potential dive sites:
safety, accessibility, legality and potential fishiness.
Safety should be at the forefront of your mind when considering a new dive location. There are a few different things that you should take into account when you are trying to determine how safe a dive spot will be. How exposed is it to the predominant wind and swell in the region? How close is it to civilization and potential rescue should something go wrong? How accessible is it from where you will be leaving your vehicle? These are all aspects that you can usually ascertain from looking at Google Maps before even visiting the location. Take a look at our video on how to use Google Maps and Swell Reports as a Research Tool. An important thing to note is that just because it seems safe doesn’t mean it is! It is very good practice to always visit the location without your dive gear to get a lay of the land and look for potential hazards before committing yourself to something that could prove dangerous. When you are there, look for easy access points. Try to find more than one entry and more than one exit point. Think about what it will look like at high and low tide, or with a larger than average swell. Look for water movement on the surface or leaning kelp that could give away dangerous underwater currents. Make a plan for how you will enter, where you will dive, and how/where you will exit before you ever get wet.
Accessibility can seem obvious, but there are some hidden pitfalls worth mentioning. I’ve had to abandon more than one potential hotspot after checking the regulations and realizing it lies within a protected area that is off limits to fishing. Private property is another issue to watch out for. If you need to cross someone’s property to get to a dive site make sure to get permission from the owner first. Thankfully there are endless public access points all up and down the California coast, making private property a rare and mostly unnecessary obstacle. A final consideration is accessibility from the vehicle. A spot that looks easy to get to on Google maps can prove to be nearly impossible to navigate when you are there in person. Make sure that wherever you choose to dive, you are able to get yourself and your equipment out and back safely, and remember that (hopefully) you’ll be carrying a load of fish on your way back!
Fishiness:
The likelihood of running into your preferred target species -- can be difficult to predict. Sometimes a spot that looks amazing from the surface will be empty below, and in contrast spots that seem unremarkable can produce amazing catches. There are a few things you can look for that will help you determine whether or not a spot will be worth investigating. Just remember the golden rule, you won’t learn anything from sitting at home on the sofa. If your potential spot ticks all the boxes for safety, legality and accessibility then it is probably worth investigating. If you are looking at the spot from the surface or using Google maps, use structure as a clue. Most inshore gamefish relate to structure when choosing holding and feeding areas, so you should definitely choose areas with plenty of structure!
Often looking at the rock formations and structure on land will be a good indicator of what lies underneath the nearshore waters. For example, a rocky headland with big boulders and tall pinnacles leading up to the shoreline will often extend in the same fashion far beneath the surface. In some cases points and rock formations jutting out from the landscape continue great distances underwater. In contrast, a flat sandy beach will often remain just that, a flat sandy beach, when you look below the waves. This might be a good spot to dive if you are after halibut, but if you are looking for a species like lingcod that prefers rocky structures you are better off spending your time elsewhere.
A good tip when visiting potential dive sites is to watch the swell come in and take note of any areas where the swell peaks higher than normal or breaks and creates whitewater. The rising or breaking swell is telling you that there is some type of structure below the surface creating a disturbance, and this will be a good place to look for fish! Access to depth is another important factor, especially when looking for larger predatory or semi-pelagic types of fish. Again, looking at the shoreline can often tell you much of what you need to know. Steep rocky points and cliffs often signify depth within a few yards of the shoreline, while a flatter, more gradual slope will tell you that it is most likely shallow for a good distance offshore. Bottom contour charts and subsurface bathymetric data can be invaluable tools for scouting potential dive locations beforehand. When you learn to read them properly, these tools can show you where there are changes in bottom contour, pinnacles, deep trenches and other features that might hold your target fish species.
The Right Equipment
Just a few of the essentials for a remote spearfishing session.Remember that when you are diving from shore, you have to carry all of your equipment with you to the water. Leave all of the unnecessary gear at home! Each and every spearo learns with experience what their personal kit of ‘necessities’ will contain, but there are some things that are universally important for every diver to bring with them. Making a checklist, whether mental or physical, and going over it before you leave your home, and before you leave your vehicle at the dive site is a good idea. This will prevent the frustrating experience of arriving after a long drive, or strenuous hike and realizing you are missing something.
The basic needs of every diver that should not be overlooked are mask, snorkel, fins, weight belt and wetsuit (if diving in cold water). Try not to overload yourself with other accessories unless you absolutely need them. Here in Northern California, a flashlight would make my list, as would booties and gloves. A dive watch is a luxury that doesn’t add much extra weight to carry, but I wouldn’t consider it an absolute necessity.
Since we all hunt, gather and forage in different ways, whether or not to bring a speargun, pry bar for scallops, lobster gauge, catch bag, stringer etc. is largely a matter of personal preference and/or local regulations. The most important thing is to make sure you have what you need and nothing more that will weigh you down. Normally in Northern California I bring a speargun, floatline and stringer on shore dives where I am specifically spear fishing. If I want to hunt for scallops I might bring a float and include a pry bar along with a catch bag to keep them in.
To float or not to float? There are many good arguments for and against bringing floats on shore dives. In areas with boat traffic, it is an absolute necessity (and often legally required) when it comes to safety. Floats also provide an excellent platform for you to carry more equipment, store your catch, bring other essentials like water, GPS unit with SOS functionality, and snacks. If you are purchasing or building your own float, having something that is lightweight and portable for shore diving is an important consideration. Check out our YouTube video on how to set up your own DIY dive board.
Floats can also create an unnecessary hassle in some situations or a benefit in others. In areas where there is a lot of nearshore kelp, trying to drag a float around with you at the end of your float line can be next to impossible. Many divers in our area either forego the float altogether or bring a kelp clip or small anchor system to keep their float nearby while they dive. However, a dive float like the one in the aforementioned video, can be used to easily glide over the top of kelp if you lay on it while kicking. On long dives, or if I know I will be targeting scallops etc. I will typically bring the float and secure it to the kelp, only moving it if I am swimming to a new area. If I am on a short dive, or hiking a long distance and I don’t need a ton of extra gear I might not bring a float at all. This system works well for me in areas with no kelp also. I will either bring a small anchor (like a 3 pound dive weight and some paracord) and leave the float in the general area I am diving, or tow it behind me attached to my float line. If I know it’s a long hike or steep climb down a trial and want to bring things like water, snacks, shoes and other things that I will leave near the shore while I dive, it’s a good idea to have a float that seconds as a backpack to help carry all of the gear until you’re ready to suit up.
To wrap up our discussion on equipment, the main question to ask yourself when heading out for a dive is “do I really need this?” With time and experience on the water, you will develop a system that works best for you under a variety of different conditions and circumstances.
Locating Fish
A recent dive where we were surrounded by a school of blue rockfish.A lot of the work that goes into locating fish happens on the front end, before you even get in the water. Our section on shore diving locations covers the basics of scouting out fishy spots, and will put you well on your way of learning how to locate areas that hold fish. The second part happens in the water. When visiting a spot for the first time, covering some ground is a good idea. Try to choose a day for your first visit where the conditions (swell, wind, visibility etc.) are ideal for this. Trust me, trying to learn a new spot when the ocean is rough and the visibility is terrible is not only incredibly unsafe, it is often an exercise in futility. When it is nice and calm and you can see where you are going, you will be able to scout for good structure and possibly even see fish from the surface. Pay special attention to kelp beds, rocky ledges, drop offs and large isolated structures, as these are often places where predatory fish like to hunt. Make a mental note of where these areas are; you can drop a pin on a GPS unit or triangulate your position with above water landmarks - and be sure to remember where you see fish so you can always return to these spots in the future.
A seemingly obvious, but often overlooked detail when searching a new spot for fish is to look for life and biodiversity. A single rock or coral head that is teeming with all different species of small fish, maybe even surrounded by baitfish can be a more productive spot than an entire reef of chunk rock that is empty of life. Even though the large reef may seem like the ideal structure for the species you are after, if you don’t see a lot of life around, something is off. In some cases it could just be the wrong season, the wrong tide, or myriad other reasons. It is possible that a spot like this could produce on a different day under a different set of conditions, so don’t write it off entirely. But, if you aren’t seeing much life after a few dives in a general area, it is a safe bet to keep moving in search of more fertile ground. For additional information on interacting with fish, take a look at this guide or at this article about the various types of hunting techniques.
Safety, Safety, Safety
Giray and Eric take time to observe the wave sets and current.Shore diving is an accessible and enjoyable way to enjoy our sport, but it can be potentially hazardous and even deadly if taken too lightly. Entering the ocean from the shore exposes you to a number of dangers that must be factored into your choices on each and every dive.
Wind, Swell and Current
On our Northern California coast, wind, swell and current are the cause of more rescues and preventable tragedies for all ocean goers than any other. Always check the forecast before going out! If you are diving in an area unfamiliar to you, dive with buddies that are experienced there and know what to expect. With experience you will learn what spots will be safe under what conditions, and when it is better just to stay home. As the adage goes, “there are old divers and bold divers, but there are not old, bold divers.”
Check the forecast, but don’t blindly trust the forecast. Every experienced waterman can tell you at least one story about how conditions changed in the blink of an eye, or the forecast called for calm seas, but it was the opposite when they got to the spot. Be vigilant and ready to respond quickly to changing conditions. Know when to call off the dive or head in if things become unsafe.
Nic Ta is a regular for keeping dives safe and fun.
The best possible way to gauge dive conditions is from the shore, at the site, the day of the dive. Arrive early so you aren’t rushing to get in the water and take 10-15 minutes to assess the scene. If the area you plan to dive, especially if the entrance or exit has surf, watch the swell closely to get a feel for the size and “period”, or time between waves. Most often, larger sets of waves are followed by smaller sets. Keep an eye out for “standout sets”, usually consisting of 2 or more larger than average waves rolling in consecutively. Those sets will be the ones to watch out for when entering and exiting. If you are patient, you can time when these sets occur, and how long you have until the next one rolls in, and plan your swim through the impact zone accordingly.
It is best to look for entry and exit points in the lee of the predominant swell to avoid having to swim directly through surf to get in or out of the ocean. For this reason, bays, coves, points and cuts in the shoreline make excellent dive locations. Exposed areas that face directly into the swell are best approached with caution, and only on calm days with little swell.
Wind can create its own hazards, especially in combination with swell and current. High winds will quickly whip a calm sea into a violent froth, making it harder to swim on the surface and keep track of your buddy. It can also contribute to currents, which can quickly carry you into places you may not want to go! Keep a close eye on offshore winds, which can push you down the shoreline, or worse, out to sea. Even if it seems calm where you are standing, there may be wind affecting the area you plan on diving. Watch for signs like peaky, irregular swells and white caps that give it away.
Current can be light, or it can be stronger than you are able to swim. It is important to understand how it works, and how to recognize it at a dive location. Most often currents run along the shore, but in some cases they may run along points or coves, heading right out to open ocean. One of the most dangerous, and infamous types of currents, the “rip-tide” is created by water escaping back toward the open ocean after being pushed up against the shore by wave energy. After crashing into the shore, the water must have a place to go, so it all funnels into deep troughs between sandbars and reefs, creating a “rip-tide” that can carry unwary ocean goers with it out to sea. You can often recognize these areas along beaches by looking for a channel where the wave is not cresting. This will show you where the deeper water is, and where the water is likely to funnel as it escapes back toward the open sea. While rip-tides might help you get out to the dive spot, they will certainly not help you get back and should never be underestimated.
Kelp leaning hard in strong current.
Currents that run offshore or along the shoreline can be more difficult to recognize. A ripple or disturbance in the water, a foam line, or even leaning kelp can all be telltale signs of current. This is another reason why patiently observing the area you plan to dive before heading in is so important. You will hopefully be able to recognize dangers from the shore, rather than being caught by surprise in a tricky situation. It is important to remember that the current strength and direction can change throughout the day. A gentle current can become stronger, or become weaker depending on what the tide and weather are doing.
If you find yourself in a current, the most important thing to remember is don’t panic. In many cases the current will be gentle enough that navigating it is relatively easy, and it does not pose a significant danger. But, a gentle current can become a strong current that you are unable to safely manage, so it is important to be aware whenever diving in any kind of current. Avoid swimming directly against the current, which will tire you out and put you in greater danger. The best option is to swim at a sideways angle until you feel the current becoming less powerful, then head back towards shore.
If you regularly dive in areas with common currents, it might be worth investing in a pair of stiffer fin blades to help you swim against the current. Take a look at our article on blade types and materials.
Access and Terrain
Some shore dive access points are as easy as it gets. Park in a designated parking lot, suit up, walk to the water’s edge and off you go. Others require a bit more scouting and effort. As is the case with most outdoor endeavors, the less accessible, the more likely you will run into something special. There are some things to consider before parking in an empty pullout and scaling a cliff to get to your new honey hole. First and foremost, what you are doing needs to be legal. Make sure you are not trespassing, or worse planning on hunting in a protected area. Always check the regulations before heading out to a new spot, and heed fences, “no trespassing” signs and property boundaries. Beyond that, make sure the area you plan on diving is reasonably accessible, and think about both the approach as well as the exit. Just because you can climb down some steep rocky terrain does not guarantee you will be able to get back up, especially when you are exhausted from diving and carrying a full load of ocean groceries. Plan your dive with these things in mind so you are not tiring yourself out on the way to the water, or putting yourself in a potentially dangerous situation when you get out and have to make the journey back to your car.
Proximity to Emergency Services and Cell Reception
Wherever you choose to dive, it is always a good idea to think about where the closest emergency services are, and how you can contact them in case something happens. The more remote the place, the less likely rescuers will be able to reach you quickly. Before diving in a remote area far from help, make sure you let someone know your plans, and discuss an emergency procedure with your buddy so you are on the same page.
Know When to Stay on Shore
One of the hardest decisions to make as a diver is calling a dive when conditions don’t look favorable. We have all been there. You wait sometimes weeks for a free day to align with a window of decent conditions. You spend the night before planning and preparing equipment. You wake up early to make the trip, sometimes driving for hours to get to your spot. Then, when you are finally there staring out at the ocean, it looks like a chocolate-milk washing machine.
Here is where you learn to follow your gut. If things look iffy, or the idea of entering the ocean makes you at all uncomfortable, don’t dive. There is nothing to be gained from diving in poor conditions, no matter how comfortable you think you are in the ocean. The same goes for diving with your buddy, if he or she shows hesitation, don’t try to pressure them to get in. Save it for another day or find a safer spot to dive. The last thing you want is for one of you to feel uncomfortable speaking up if things look a bit too hairy, and go out anyways, potentially getting into a dangerous situation. Always err on the side of caution when the ocean is concerned. Here is a recent dive-day recap story called “Play It Safe” from when things looked half way safe, but turned out to go south quickly.
Plan Your Dive and Dive Your Plan
One of the most important rules for shore diving, is to always make a plan with your buddy before entering the water, and stick to that plan. This is where all your preparation and legwork comes into play. You will know what the swell and wind are doing, where you plan to enter, the area you will be hunting, where you plan on exiting and approximately how long you plan on staying out. This is also the time to go over equipment, medical and safety supplies and discuss emergency procedures should anything go wrong. Make sure your buddy knows for example where you keep your keys and cell phone in case they need to access your vehicle or where the waterproof marine safety whistle is located in your dive board. Things can change quickly while you are on the water, and sometimes a good plan becomes a bad one when the conditions take a 180. Be flexible, but always discuss a new plan with your buddy before changing things up so that you are both on board and don’t accidentally become separated.
Following these rules will help you stay safe, find great new locations and have plenty of success on your shore dive adventures. Good luck, and most importantly, have fun!
