Southern Minnesota 'Hot Spots'?

[LKunze]

I don't know. I'm not familiar with the Rochester area that's why I asked. Sure Wazee is a great dive site. I think Chris was just looking for suggestions on a place to dive around Rochester that's closer than Wazee. Obviously there doesn't seem to be many dive sites very decent other than Wazee right? ???

[eelpout]

I am sorry moderator, I made a mistake by addressing you. I should have been addressing Chris's
comments instead of yours.

There has been a exsisting search for a closer place to do
training dives or just funs dives for the last decade. There
have been comments and suggestions that have led to 0-2 feet of visibility
or it sits in private property and the owner won't have divers in their
property.

Rochester sits in one of the few counties in our state where we
don't havereal lakes. Our lakes are part of the Zumbro River or
are converted sand/rock quarries. When divers move to our area
they are disappointed with the distance to available dive sites.
Thus, the attraction to Lake Wazee. You can take your family or
a group of divers and be able to enjoy a 30' dive, 100' advanced
dive and a 250' technical dive without the need of a boat. It has
a gorgeous beach, a campground, a casino for non divers. One more
important factor, the main man of Jackson County's park dept (Wazee's
county) is a diver and is dedicated to making his park a divers destination.

The reality for divers who live in southeastern Minnesota is that a
two hour drive is an accepted distance to get to a good dive site.

I also feel that training dives are different than just fun dives.
Saftey and comfort level of students is important. That would be another subject
of discussion.

Again, excuse me for addressing you instead of Chris.

[Chris]

Wazee is one of my favorite places to dive in Minnesota, and like you've expressed... probably the closest 'divable' location. You're right, 2 hours is acceptable, just used to living closer to the cities and having some 30 minute dive sites nearby I guess.

Thanks for all the comments.
Chris