Help finding the reefs at Rockaway

[overandunderwater]

I was thinking of trying a shore dive this Sunday at Rockaway which is just far enough for me to feel like I went somewhere but won't take all day to get there. I've been to the outer reefs by boat but have a little concerned on finding the inner ones by shore. Can anyone give me any tips? How's the viz been there lately?

Thanks everyone.

[coachrenz]

If you stop in at the Local Dive Shop on the Island, and talk really nice to them, and maybe pick up a small gadget of some sort, they are likely to draw you a map of the site. At least they did when I was there.

It is always a good idea to stop in at the LDS when going to a new area to get the most up-to-date scoop on the local dive sites.

[Tom Nic]

'scuse my ignorance...

Rockaway? Never heard of it. :geek:

[overandunderwater]

Correct me if I'm wrong but I believe Rockaway Beach Park is the park that you can access Norrander Reefs. Good idea about visiting LDS (Sound Dive I believe). I took a fun charter out of there once.

Thanks.

[Tom Nic]

Ah, Norrander. Bnboly and I have been talking about doing that forever and haven't gotten around to it.

Please post a report if you do the dive!

[60south]

A.K.A., Norrander's Reef. Rockaway is the name of the adjacent city park.

Last time I was there, there were a couple of buoys. Swim to the nearest buoy offshore from the park and follow the anchor line down, then look for a rope along the bottom leading out. The rope should guide you to the reef. From the deepest part of the main reef there are more ropes leading to the deeper rock(s).

A map of the reef. I think this map puts the reef a little bit north of where it actually is.

Driving directions.

Actually a very nice dive. Look for the resident ratfish -- and we've seen a 6-gill here once.

glenn

[overandunderwater]

Outstanding Glenn this is great and I'll make sure and keep this map.

You have to admit that the PNW diving community really is the best. We might have our differences however I've never met anyone that wouldn't lend a hand if asked.

Randy

[Dusty2]

Pick a day this month and I bet you could get Glenn and my good buddy KIm, who lives on the island and is always looking for a local dive, to meet you there. Kim is a great dive buddy (he puts up with me) He is is not on the forum but I can relay an invite if you like or 60south can also.

[Gooch]

The maps, driving directions and everything else at http://www.pnwscuba.com/ truly rock. I've been loving their dive maps for sometime and this is why. Good site to keep in your scuba bookmarks.

Yeah- post a trip report and pix if you go. It would be great to hear about how it went!

[60south]

Say the word! I'm around quite a bit and [usually] have a flexible schedule.

Kim likes doing it on a high tide; I don't really care, but it does make things easier -- not as much slogging over slippery rocks. We like to spend the safety stop... and many more minutes... exploring the shallow areas. Very colorful! That's also easier on a high tide.

There are sometimes currents at Norrander's, so I suggest picking a day with a small exchange. Choose a high tide and we'll go.


glenn

Edit: Oops -- I forgot, my reg is in the shop this week. It'll have to be, say, two weeks from now unless you have a spare I can borrow. It's either that or I'll rent one, with some extra notice.

[olyvtx]

just did Norrander's last weekend. There's a white bouy just off shore about 50ft. at low tide, straight out from the beach entrance. Drop down to a rope running out to the reef. The reef runs perpendicular to the shore. Great, easy dive! Most dificult part was walking on the rather large rocks (4-5in diameter) on the beach...hurts the feet a bit.

[overandunderwater]

Glenn-
That's a great offer but next weekend we're going to be on the Mark V doing Neah Bay so it has to be this weekend. I don't have a spare reg and frankly am still trying to get my partner to commit (the hardest part at times). I hear this place isn't too current dependent?

[60south]

It's usually not too current sensitive... but it can happen.

We were going to surface swim down to Metridium Wall one time but the currents nixed that idea. We ended up doing Norrander's Reef, and staying low. It's a lot more fun when there's little or no current at all.

So I suggest picking a day when the tidal exchange is small, or aim for slack tide, just to avoid any issues.

g