Cage diving in winter!?
Why it’s great to dive with sharks in winter
People are often put-off by the fact that ‘you are getting wet, in the ocean, in WINTER’.
But in actual fact, diving with sharks in winter is not the worst experience ever 😉
The water along the West coast can be clearer and warmer in winter due to several factors:
1. Ocean Currents: The West coast of many continents, including North America, is influenced by warm ocean currents such as the California Current. These currents bring warmer water from the south, resulting in relatively higher water temperatures along the coast.
2. Offshore Winds: During winter, the West coast often experiences offshore winds that blow from the land towards the ocean. These winds push the surface water away from the coast, allowing deeper, clearer, and warmer water to rise to the surface.
3. Rainfall and Runoff: Winter is typically the rainy season in many regions along the West coast. Heavy rainfall can wash away sediments, pollutants, and other impurities from the land, resulting in clearer water along the coast.
4. Upwelling: While upwelling is more common during the summer along the West coast, it can still occur in winter. Upwelling is a process where cold, nutrient-rich water from the deep ocean rises to the surface. This water is often clearer and can contribute to the overall clarity of the coastal waters.
It’s important to note that these factors can vary depending on the specific location along the West coast and the prevailing weather patterns.