Nova Tech: Northern Virginia's Technical Diving Community

Dive Reports > 4/21/2002. Mt Storm, WV. Dave Dalton

April 21, 2002, found Nova Tech divers Dave Dalton and Gerard Mulford headed back to Mt. Storm for a practice dive. Todd and Allyson got blown out on their NC trip and were unable to make Mt Storm.

Weather at Mt Storm lived up to its name, being cold (45 degrees), rainy with sleet and fog but water temp was 70 degrees!! With the fog it seemed like the viz was better underwater than on the surface (see picture) and Gerard learned why one ALWAYS dives with a compass! Regardless, the 70 degrees was wonderful to practice in, what are the quarries right now, 40? 45 degrees? I'll take Mt. Storm.

Dave worked with his Gavin scooter and Gerard worked out the kinks being the first time in the water for him this year. He was also trying out a back plate and wings, with a single tank adapter, in lieu of a BC.

Viz was 15 ft (except around the training platform where it dropped to near zero) and Dave and Gerard made 2 dives of about 30 minutes BT each.

I can't stress enough the importance of making sure your "kit" is squared away and you are comfortable with it so your "real" dives go well are more enjoyable. I see far too many divers not be able to make a dive that they paid big $$$$$$ for because of gear problems or lack of familiarity with the gear.

Besides, what else would you do on a day like today? Play golf?????? Get real!!!

Dave Dalton