Abalone Diving in Northern California

Feb update: I had to release my hold on the adjacent campsites for divers who were willing to pay for them. I am closing the event to RSVPs at this point.

Originial Post:
Here is another item for a barometer test. Let me know if this is something that you would do and please note whether you are scuba certififed. Campsites fill by Valentine's Day so I need a head count asap to reserve sites.

I make an annual trek to the northern shore of California on Memorial Day and Labor Day for abalone diving. "Ab" diving is free diving (without tanks) in the chilly waters north of Jenner, CA and south of Manchester, CA. We do both boat and shore dives. After the ab dives, and once we have transported that catch back to camp, we sometimes return to do some scallop dives--if conditions are right. These are deeper dives to the caves (about 70 to 100' down).

We camp at the beach. It's usually cold at night. The camp has tent sites, heated pool and spa, hot water showers and bathrooms with electricity, store, nightly entertainment, a kid arcade and more. It is NOT ROUGHING it but it's not a hotel. The group generally has about 3 -- 5 bayliners and a few kayaks. In addition to diving, some of our group will go crabbing, and some bass fishing. Meals are mostly seafood but you should plan in case you don't catch anything. Kids and dogs are welcome at this camp. Pet owners clean up after their dogs.

Trip home: we may go clamming on the way back south through Bodega Bay and will stop in Sonoma or Napa Valley for wine and California cheese.

What to bring: full heavy wet suit and weight belt (bring an extra 5 pounds), personal gear (fins, mask, snorkle), abalone knife, underwater flashlight, nonresident fishing license with ab card (if you will ab dive or fish); scuba gear if you plan to scuba, camping gear, clothes for cold weather/warm weather, and toys.

A note on the requirements and danger: You assume the risk of injury or death when you dive. I have been passed by baby blue whales and chased by seals who wanted my abs. Moreover, there have been great white shark attacks in this area (although rare). The currents can be very strong and the rocks can be sharp. So if you aren't a certified scuba diver, don't free dive for abalone.

Scuba divers/fishermen and women: abalone diving is regulated and you will need to obtain a California abalone stamp on a California fishing license in order to dive for abs. The fine for not complying is huge and the penalty includes jail time. You will also need a full (wet or dry) suit to dive because the water can be 55 degrees in May.

Costs:

• Nonresident fishing license for 10 days: $38.95
  
• Abalone Card: $18.95
  
• Camp site: $120 per site. A tent site will accomodate up to 6 people and the cost is for 3 nights: Friday/Sat/Sun nights, leaving Monday. The camp does not refund your money if it rains. Most campers are going there to get wet.
  
• Transportation: Your cost to drive/you may carpool with another in the group. If you drive, expect about 8 tanks of gas in a truck or SUV. I will probably make a week of the trip and stop at Big Sur and Santa Barbara on the way back.