Tony, I used to be a dive instructor out here, trust me when I say, "You're right, our waters are a bit cold this time of the year" We used to take folks out for their training dives almost every weekend of the year. Got pictures (Somewhere) of an open water class that we did in what would be considered a blizzard for us out here. Once your in the water the snows not a big deal. Interestingly enough, once you get below about 15 feet our water temperature only changes by about 3 degrees summer/winter. The top layer though can vary greatly (which is were you'll find eel grass etc). Our Island (vancouver island) has some of the most amazing places to dive, you'd be surprised at the varitey of marine life and colour you can see out here. Plumose anemone that are massive, flowing in the current, little strawberry polyps, amazing red creatures, sea squirts, nudibranchs, etc etc etc... Wolf eels that will eat an urchin out of your hand, they look like scared up old mens faces on a 6 foot long tadpoles body but they can behave like lonely puppy dogs.... anyway..
Doug
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