hey does anyone want to dive malibu with me on sunday 9/13/09
dive site:staircase, malibu, la county, so. california
kelp forest and reef
Staircase is a remote dive site that involves a tough hike up/down a very long staircase. The diver who overcomes these hurdles will be rewarded with a healthy kelp forest, good structure and lots of marine life. The action begins almost as soon as you get in the water, and goes out a long way to 40ft depth. A harbor seal will often visit you on your dive here.
Maps are not to be used for boaters or navigational purposes.
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Interests: Giant kelpfish, sheephead, bat rays, sheep crabs, rockfish, spanish shawl, and reef fish are common here. Lucky divers will see other nudibranchs, harbor seals, spotted kelpfish, or guitarfish.
Entry & Exits: Sandy beach with some small rocks and boulders.
Suggestions: Beginner dives will enter at the bottom of the staircase, and visit the reefs to the left or to the right. The kelp growth is mainly from 18ft - 26ft depth, but reef continues out to around 40ft depth.
Best time to Dive: During small south swells and high tide. Vis is best from late summer to early winter.
Visibility: 5-20ft
Warnings: The climb back to the parking lot can be strenuous. Do not enter/exit at low tide unless conditions are completely flat. Lots of the reef is in very shallow water.
Depth Recommendations:10-40ft is where most of the points of interest are for this site. 60 ft is Recommended maximum depth for novice beach divers .
100 ft is Recommended maximum for advanced beach divers. 130 ft is Maximum Depth for recreational divers.
Safety: Use of float, flag, anchor and descent line is required for beach diving. Cell phone and oxygen first aid kit should be available.
here is the link
http://www.ecodivecenter.com/content/dive-site-staircase-malibu-la-county-so-california
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