01-04-2008, 09:45 PM
[quote name='d_flitton' post='10183' date='Apr 1 2008, 05:37 PM']can you tell me what makes the water go mirky? i know rain water will but does wave action have an input into it?[/quote]
Rain is the main one, but rough weather for many days/weeks in a row will also impair visibility, and in some spots the tide will have an influence (usually the run out tide is dirty, the run in tide is cleaner).
In my experience, diving most of the ocean spots in Victoria (eg/ Philip Island, Great Ocean Road, Mornington Peninsula back beaches etc) the visibility and access is a lot better at low tide. So I usually plan to be in the water 1-1.5 hours before low tide, then get out an hour or so after low (so in the water for 2-2.5 hours).
Also, for calmer seas (this is particularly relevant to diving the Ocean Road) look for a number of days in a row with northerly (offshore) winds, this will flatten out the swell and make the visibility better, and your dive safer.
Flinders is always worth a look, and not too far from Cranbourne - there are always leatherjackets on offer, and big squid as well in season.
Rain is the main one, but rough weather for many days/weeks in a row will also impair visibility, and in some spots the tide will have an influence (usually the run out tide is dirty, the run in tide is cleaner).
In my experience, diving most of the ocean spots in Victoria (eg/ Philip Island, Great Ocean Road, Mornington Peninsula back beaches etc) the visibility and access is a lot better at low tide. So I usually plan to be in the water 1-1.5 hours before low tide, then get out an hour or so after low (so in the water for 2-2.5 hours).
Also, for calmer seas (this is particularly relevant to diving the Ocean Road) look for a number of days in a row with northerly (offshore) winds, this will flatten out the swell and make the visibility better, and your dive safer.
Flinders is always worth a look, and not too far from Cranbourne - there are always leatherjackets on offer, and big squid as well in season.