Post by Deleted on Oct 17, 2007 11:48:56 GMT -5
On Monday the 14th I did a one day dive trip to the Big Sur coast to hunt for jade. After looking at the swell model the nite before and seeing it was going to be somewhat calm I decided to go for it. There was rain in the forecast but when you dive it really doesn't matter. When I got to my dive site (The Notch) I watched the waves for about a half hour. After seeing some really large sets about every 25 Min's or so I thought I would try another spot. The entry point to the notch is really narrow with jagged rocks and the thought of getting my head cracked open wasn't appealing.
A Little while later I found an easier entry point to the south, it had a wider beach area and would be easier to navigate through and time time larger swells. After suiting up and jumping in the search was on. Underwater the visibility was pretty good, about 20 ft. When the larger swells came through it would stir things up a bit though. I swam out to the deeper sandy areas in the beginning to poke around in the sporadic rock piles. I didn't have much luck except for a few pieces here and there. After about a half hour I decided to brave the shallows. While in the shallows I started find some good pieces. I had to hang on to some kelp and brace myself in between rocks when the bigger swells hit but it was manageable. Nearing the end of the dive with about 1700 pounds left in my tank I found a real nice one wedged in between two rocks in the 30 pound range. There was a smaller long Vulcan bar wedged right beside too. After digging a little this one was going to need the crow bar. I always carry a 12 inch one in my bag along with a flash lite and lift bag. After working on it for about ten Min's I realized it was going to be tough. I really gave it all I had trying to pry the piece out, it was stuck pretty good. I started to have some doubts if it was going to get it. Time was becoming a factor as my air supply was getting low ( about 700 pounds) and the swells were picking up. After repositioning myself to get a better angle on it the piece finally popped free. I checked my gauge and I was down to 500 pounds, time to head in. With all the other jade stones in my bag and a pretty good swim in I had to attach the lift bag, I just had enough air to do this thank god. After a half hour went by I made to the beach, it wasn't an easy one as I had a lot of weight to pull and and had to duck a few large swells but all went good. After inspecting my finds the large piece was a real beauty, it had some Vulcan, and it was very chatoyant. Also for its size it was really heavy, very dense. All in all it was a good day jade hunting, a lot of work but rewarding in the end. Here are some photos of my finds, these are the best of the bunch.
A Little while later I found an easier entry point to the south, it had a wider beach area and would be easier to navigate through and time time larger swells. After suiting up and jumping in the search was on. Underwater the visibility was pretty good, about 20 ft. When the larger swells came through it would stir things up a bit though. I swam out to the deeper sandy areas in the beginning to poke around in the sporadic rock piles. I didn't have much luck except for a few pieces here and there. After about a half hour I decided to brave the shallows. While in the shallows I started find some good pieces. I had to hang on to some kelp and brace myself in between rocks when the bigger swells hit but it was manageable. Nearing the end of the dive with about 1700 pounds left in my tank I found a real nice one wedged in between two rocks in the 30 pound range. There was a smaller long Vulcan bar wedged right beside too. After digging a little this one was going to need the crow bar. I always carry a 12 inch one in my bag along with a flash lite and lift bag. After working on it for about ten Min's I realized it was going to be tough. I really gave it all I had trying to pry the piece out, it was stuck pretty good. I started to have some doubts if it was going to get it. Time was becoming a factor as my air supply was getting low ( about 700 pounds) and the swells were picking up. After repositioning myself to get a better angle on it the piece finally popped free. I checked my gauge and I was down to 500 pounds, time to head in. With all the other jade stones in my bag and a pretty good swim in I had to attach the lift bag, I just had enough air to do this thank god. After a half hour went by I made to the beach, it wasn't an easy one as I had a lot of weight to pull and and had to duck a few large swells but all went good. After inspecting my finds the large piece was a real beauty, it had some Vulcan, and it was very chatoyant. Also for its size it was really heavy, very dense. All in all it was a good day jade hunting, a lot of work but rewarding in the end. Here are some photos of my finds, these are the best of the bunch.