I read a lot about diving in kelp. However, I've never had the chance to dive a kelp garden. I'd like to give it a go, but when I think about it, it seems like a lot of work -- both in terms of personal safety as well as avoiding damaging the kelp. After doing a little poking around, I learned a lot about kelp and diving in it. As such, check out these interesting resources:
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First of all, if you're diving in kelp, you should probably know what kelp is. NOAA has an interesting primer on kelp, describing the primary kinds (giant and bull kelp), explaining what a "holdfast" is, and discussing why kelp forests are important. Moreover, if you want to see what kelp forests look like, be certain to check out Phillip Colla's spectacular gallery.
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Jean-Michel Cousteau has written a guide to diving in kelp forests. Included in his tips are how to extricate yourself if you accidentally become entangled (move slowly and get your buddy to help).
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Francesca Coe explains how to do the "kelp crawl," an unglamorous but effective way to maneuver over a kelp field.
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For those people who are interested in free diving in kelp (!), California State Parks' website has some great tips and suggested equipment (e.g., a sharp knife NOT strapped to the thigh) for the adventurous.
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Dive Tek Adventures, located on the Big Island of Hawaii, is a full-service dive center and DIR-instructional facility. On their website, they have a very cool video of a scooter ride through a kelp forest in California. Further, Ocean Light has some interesting, short videos of kelp forests.
If you have any tips or resources for diving in kelp, let us know.
