- Q: Just how cold is the quarry? I've heard that quarry diving can be extreamly cold.
A: At the surface quarry's are generally no colder or warmer than local lakes, however since most quarries are spring fed with a significant thermocline you can expect bottom temperatures to be in the mid to upper 40's. Above the thermoclines the surface temperature is usually 70F to 80F in the summer months and in the 40's during winter.
- Q: What kind of environmental protection do I need? Do I need a hood, gloves, etc?
A: In the summer months we recommend full protection with a minimum of 1/4" wetsuit, hood, and neoprene gloves. This way you will not be limited in depth and can comfortably dive below the thermocline. In the winter months drysuit protection is recommended.
- Q: How deep is the quarry?
A: The quarry has depths ranging from 18ft. to 150ft. The NW end of the quarry is shallow with a gently sloping bottom which begins to sharply drop off as you reach the quarry's mid-point to around 90ft. The SE end of the quarry is the deepest with depths to 150ft.
- Q: What's down there? Are there any points of interest on the bottom.
A: There are quite a few old boats and scattered around the bottom, and a semi's trailer which rest on the North/South ridge at about 40ft depth, but the quarry holds a true natural beauty with auto-size boulders throughout and a surreal moon-like landscape at depths below 100ft.
- Q: How is the Visibility?
A: Above the thermocline visibility generally ranges from 10 to 30 ft. Below the thermocline this increases dramatically. At depths below 100ft. it is not uncommon for visibility at least 70ft.
- Q: Do I need any special equipment?
A: Other than complete thermal protection, you need the same equipment required making any open water dive into a natural environment safe and pleasurable, including a light, knifes, and compass. If you plan on doing deep diving then you may want to consider a dive computer to make more efficient use of your bottom time.
- Q: What about lunch? Do I need to bring food and drink.
A: At this time John is hard at work on the concession stand, but until it's open you may want to pack lunch for your own convenience, there are however several stop-n-go type stores within a few minutes drive.
- Q: What kind of facilities can I expect Dive Land Park?
A: Dive Land Park has a full service dive shop with rentals of all dive equipment required for a safe and comfortable dive, as well as large dressing rooms completely separate from the bathrooms. John will soon have the concession stand finished for snacks.
Dive Land Park - Scuba Supply
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401 Webster Chapel Road
Glencoe, AL 35905
Phone 256.492.4455
E-mail Diveland Park
