Frost on Your Wetsuit - Vancouver Island

[Sealizard]

I spent a nippy week on beautiful Vancouver Island last December. Dove several days in Nanaimo, Courtney/Comox, and off Quadra Island. This is wonderful diving with loads of sea life and beautiful water clarity. My dive buddy learned that trying to take a wetsuit off on an aluminum deck in 40 degree weather was tough - his feet kept sticking to the deck. But, with the right boat and a drysuit, this is "not to be missed diving".

Reminds me of another frosty day in Crystal River, Florida. When we awoke, we looked out at our wetsuits hanging on the balcony rail with frost covering them. Had to thaw them out before we could get them on! Made me wish I were built like a manatee.

[Jonathan Bird]

Did you see any giant pacific octopuses in Nanaimo? I was diving in Port Hardy last year (friggin' fabulous!!!!) but we only saw one octopus. I was told that there are more down Nanaimo way.

Jonathan

[Sealizard]

Sad to say, we didn't see any octos, but we found quite a few wolf eels up under the bull kelp on Clark Island. I'd like to go back and spend a couple of weeks poking around - there were so many places to dive - too many for our short trip. The viz and animal life was just incredible. The wrecks alone could keep one busy for a couple of weeks. I'd like to start at Port Hardy and work my way down next time.