Abalone diving: cool hobby around these parts. Also: delicious.
And really, really people–dying–all–the–time dangerous.
Which is why, as we enter the second half of the annual red abalone season, we solicited some ideas for you on how to do it with peace-of-mind intact.
First, call the guys at Fort Bragg dive shop Sub-Surface Progressive, who are happy to tailor a training course to suit your group’s needs.
They’ll teach to never get in the water without a buddy. Show you what it’s like to dive in cold water. Explain the intricacies of the licensing system so you go home with a full belly but no fines for pulling undersized abalone out of the drink.
When people ask if you’re confident about your kelp crawl, you’ll want to say, “Hell yes.” Ditto your understanding of shallow water blackout.
That taken care of, let’s talk about the proper care and feeding of your haul.
Abalone is delicious, particularly in chowder form.
Or just set up camp and throw ‘em on the grill.
And afterward, check in to the Brewery Gulch Inn, our favorite Mendocino guesthouse.
Your rest will be well deserved.
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