A venture to the Kinghorn

Well this past Sunday saw members of the executive venture to the Kinghorn in Rockport. A dive that was in the longing for a photo opportunity. With very little convincing the plan was put into motion, and we were on our way. Kevin, Josee, Jim, Gaetan and myself made it to the docks in Rockport. Point to note here, this time of year don't expect to get in the water and dive this wreck from shore. As we learned there is no, swimming, snorkeling, or scuba during the summer season. So we opted to do a survey of a keel of one of the dive boats, well once in the water, we managed to navigate and squeak by the docks to the line leading out to the wreck. After a leisurely swim we were on the wreck. Vis was better than 50 ft, and with a bottom temp. of 57 F you couldn't ask for much more. Jim decided to venture into the Kinghorn, where I took advantage of the light for some good photo's. Kevin, Josee, and Gaetan took a detailed look as they swam around wreck, keeping a watchful eye out for the sturgeon that had been reported in the area. We ended the dive with a total time under water of 51 minutes. The Dive was one that was thoroughly enjoyed by all, and will be repeated in late fall.

It must be mentioned here, that this dive must be looked at, as an advanced level dive. Sling bottles, and double's set ups, should be heavily considered for this site. Due to boat traffic it should almost be looked at, as an over head environment. As well, keep a watchful eye on your no decompression limits. Other than that, another awesome dive. The pictures say it all...

Kinghorn Quest...

It's becoming a weekend staple, but there's no harm in that, while the weather cooperates. This morning, Todd, Dianne, Kevin, Jim, Adam, Vinnie and I took a dip in the water again at Rockport, visiting the Kinghorn from shore. The viz was OK - at about 25'. Water temperatures hover at about the same as the Lake - 45℉ (7℃). There was little to see in the way of wildlife. The more cunning divers exited by using a ladder on the back of a berthed diveboat. Others (and yes, I was one) took the hard way out at the corner of the dock. "Time spent in reconnaissance and all that . . . "

I liked it so much...

Yesterday's dive was so much fun that Dianne and I returned to Rockport and the Kinghorn today. It was no less enjoyable an experience, although there were fewer Crayfish to be seen. Conditions were very similar to yesterday, so I'll avoid repetition on that score. I'm providing a few pictures taken today with a wide-angle lens.






And here's a picture of the speedboat hull that lies about halfway out to the wreck along the line. It's adjacent to the 'STOP' sign that warns divers about the perils of being tempted beyond their personal levels of competence and training.



I didn't mention it yesterday, but it's important that anyone attempting this dive from shore appreciate the distance involved and the depth at the final destination (90' ±2' / 27m). While it's by no means essential to use enriched air on this dive, a larger capacity tank and, ideally, a redundant air source are advisable.

Kinghorn Expedition...

Kevin, Jim and I made it down to Rockport today to fulfill a long-held ambition for all three of us; to make the Kinghorn on a shore dive. Respect for the wreck's depth and the presence of current, demanded careful preparation, including assurances of redundant air supplies for each of us (doubles or stage bottle) and the use of enriched air.

The guideline was very easy to locate and follow. An important hint was given before we set off by a local expert. The line ends just west of the bow of the wreck, upstream. Running a jump line across as you drift down onto the wreck is advisable. It makes picking up the main line for the return journey much easier. Actual conditions were near ideal. We had about 40 feet of viz on the wreck (perhaps better) and a very light current. The bottom temp was 46℉ (8℃).

Kevin took much video and some stills, including pictures of large and very brave Crayfish on the clay bank just below the docks. Here are some examples:

Charter Season off to a great start..

Nine members of the Club made it out to Rockport tonight for a season-opening, if unscheduled, dive with Wayne Green's Thousand Island Pleasure Diving operation. Conditions couldn't have been better, with bright sunshine, a slight, cooling breeze and an almost calm River. A slight current was running over the Kinghorn, but this was no deterrent to early season explorers, who searched every inch of the old girl. One important new discovery is the plaque on the Starboard bow - positioned only the day before - and commemorating the life of Doug Smeaton, who died tragically while visiting the wreck earlier this year.

The water was delightfully warm - at 47F (8C). Visibility was about 35-40 feet - and the promised beer and pizza at Caigers afterwards were everything we had been led to expect...