Diving atKyle Wahl Memorial Reef A (United States)
As divers descend upon the Kyle Wahl Memorial Reef A, an artificial ecosystem constructed from concrete and limestone modules comes into view. This site serves as a poignant underwater memorial while simultaneously providing a structured habitat for diverse marine life. Expect to encounter its initial formations within the recreational depth range of 17 to 18 m (55 to 60 ft), inviting exploration into its developing seascape.
Tonight's objective overview for Kyle Wahl Memorial Reef A shows an air temperature of 23.6°C. The measured surface conditions include wave heights around 0.54m. This environmental data is logged for the close of the day.
Dive Site Coordinates
27.5319, -80.1789
Dive Site Overview
Kyle Wahl Memorial Reef A functions primarily as an artificial structure, meticulously designed to enhance local marine habitats. Its construction utilized 1,500 tons of secondary concrete and 25 locally-produced limestone modules, representing a significant community effort.
Robust materials, including clean concrete collected through local agreements, contribute to a complex underwater topography across the site. Some modules are clustered close to the main 1,500-ton reef, while others are strategically disbursed among five existing artificial reefs within the broader Lee E. Harris Memorial Site.
Divers exploring these sections will find the structures provide essential shelter and foraging grounds. Strategic dispersal of modules aims to alleviate pressure on individual areas, thereby fostering a wider distribution of biodiversity across the entire complex.
The collective reef structures are accessible at consistent depths, typically between 17 to 18 m (55 to 60 ft).
Best Time to Dive
Optimal diving conditions at the Kyle Wahl Memorial Reef A generally prevail from May through September, with July frequently offering excellent opportunities for prime visibility. Wave heights during these months are considerably lower, averaging around 0.43 to 0.62 m (1.4 to 2.0 ft), which significantly reduces surge and enhances underwater clarity. Rain is also less prevalent during the mid-summer period, with July recording an average of only 1.9 mm (0.07 inches). Air temperatures during these best dive periods are comfortably warm, typically ranging from 25.3°C (77.5°F) in May to 28°C (82.4°F) in August, ensuring pleasant surface conditions. Conversely, October and December may present higher wave action, sometimes exceeding 1 m (3.3 ft), leading to more moderate dive scores.
Climate Historical Averages
Monthly records compiled from satellite and marine observation nodes over the last 3 years. Data provided by Open-Meteo and MET Norway.
Dive Experience & Conditions
Exploring the Kyle Wahl Memorial Reef A immerses divers into a structured, man-made environment designed for marine habitat. All reef materials were deployed in a consistent recreational depth range of 17 to 18 m (55 to 60 ft), making the site highly accessible for certified divers. Within this depth profile, expect to navigate between and around clusters of various concrete and limestone modules. Visibility at the site can fluctuate based on local currents and weather, but historically, the Lee E. Harris site is recognized for its capacity to attract substantial schools of baitfish. Encountering these dense aggregations of baitfish is a characteristic feature of dives in these shallower sections, often indicating the presence of larger predatory fish.
Dive Difficulty & Safety Guidelines
While the Kyle Wahl Memorial Reef A provides an inviting dive environment, divers should always prioritize safety when exploring artificial structures. No specific hazards are reported for this site; however, maintaining excellent buoyancy control is crucial to avoid inadvertent contact with the reef modules, which may have irregular or sharp edges. Always dive within the parameters of your certification and experience level. Consider the prevailing current conditions, which can vary, and plan your dive profile accordingly. Utilizing a surface marker buoy is a good practice for ascents, especially in areas with potential boat traffic. Adhering to responsible diving practices helps preserve the reef's integrity.
Recommended Equipment
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Verified equipment recommendations for this dive site are being reviewed and may be added as additional source checks are completed.
Recommended Dive Suit
Divers visiting Kyle Wahl Memorial Reef A today can expect water conditions around 25°C (77°F). Surface air temperatures are resting at 24°C (74°F).
For the majority of recreational dives here, 3mm wetsuit should provide suitable protection. A hood or vest is suggested for sensitive divers due to surface winds.
Weather models currently point toward consistent diving conditions over the next several days.
Conditions last reviewed: 18:00 using the latest environmental data.
Dive Logistics & Preparation
Hyperbaric Chamber
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Entry Requirements
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Currency
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Marine Life at Kyle Wahl Memorial Reef A
The artificial structures of Kyle Wahl Memorial Reef A rapidly become focal points for a diverse array of marine species, creating a vibrant underwater landscape. This reef attracts numerous fish from the snapper-grouper complex, including black grouper, black seabass, gray snapper, and yellowtail snapper. Large schools of baitfish, such as goggle eyes and blue runners, are frequently observed congregating around the modules, providing a vital forage base for the ecosystem. These dense baitfish aggregations, which have been documented almost immediately after deployment, effectively draw in a variety of larger pelagic species, as well as juvenile amberjack, gag, and goliath grouper.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary purpose of the Kyle Wahl Memorial Reef A?
The Kyle Wahl Memorial Reef A serves a dual purpose: it acts as a poignant underwater memorial, honoring individuals, and it functions as an artificial reef. By providing structure, it enhances the marine environment, offering habitat and fostering biodiversity for various species.
What types of materials were used in its construction?
The reef was constructed using a combination of secondary concrete, including materials sourced from FP&L and local contractors, and locally-produced limestone special artificial reef modules. Varied surfaces and shelters for marine life are created by this combination of materials.
What is the typical depth range for diving at this site?
Divers exploring the Kyle Wahl Memorial Reef A can expect to find the artificial structures deployed within a recreational depth range. All materials were placed between 17 to 18 m (55 to 60 ft).
What kind of marine life is commonly observed here?
The reef attracts a diverse array of marine life. Divers frequently encounter species from the snapper-grouper complex, such as black grouper and gray snapper, along with juvenile and adult amberjack, gag, and goliath grouper. Large schools of baitfish like goggle eyes and blue runners are also a common sight.
When is the best time of year to dive Kyle Wahl Memorial Reef A?
The optimal time to dive this site is generally from May through September. During these months, wave heights are lower, and rainfall is reduced, contributing to better underwater visibility and more comfortable surface conditions.
Are there other memorial reefs nearby?
Yes, the Kyle Wahl Memorial Reef A is part of a larger initiative, situated within the Lee E. Harris Memorial Site. Other memorial reef modules, such as the Shirley Starbird Dubois Memorial Module, are also present in the vicinity, contributing to a network of artificial habitats.
How were the construction materials for the reef collected?
The concrete used for these artificial reefs was collected through agreements with FP&L for its old concrete, alongside clean concrete taken to the transfer station by various contractors. Through this method, materials are recycled to create new marine habitats.
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