Jorge displays the 10 inch abalones he plucked from the waters of Sea Ranch that give our home its name.

It has been some time since I’ve joined my husband, his brother, and our friends in abalone diving. However, my husband, Jorge, continues to dive and loves diving right here at Sea Ranch every time he has a chance. It’s not an easy task but one he loves to take on. And of course we are all glad that he does because there is nothing like freshly fried abalone, or as the locals call them, abs.

To get the to that special spot requires you first have some mountaineering experience, or at least be nimble of foot and not afraid of heights.

Abalone Diving at Fort Ross

Besides abalone diving near Abalone Bay, he also dives at Fort Ross.

Walking with caution down the side of the cliff of loose shale, using his spear gun as walking stick

Then once down to the water’s edge, they suit up into what is essentially a full body girdle made of 3/4 inch neoprene to protect against the cold 55º- 40ºF (13ºc – 4ºC ) water. After that they jump in and swim off.

Ready to go diving

Abalone diving also requires great breath control. Once they think they have a likely spot they free dive, without benefit of scuba and only one very big, deep breath. Down they go looking for the abalone. Abs usually are hidden away within the crevices of rocks clinging with an incredibly strong suction force. The diver must then cautiously and quickly slip the specially made lever, or ab-iron, between the ab and the rock face in order to pry it loose off the rock. If the abalone senses movement above it will clamp down furiously making it virtually impossible to tear off the rock.

After a good day of abalone diving, they make it up to the surface with their limits – no more than 3/day for a total of 24 per year (per 2013 California fish and game regulations)- the divers now must hike back up the hill. Only this time they are tired and with luck carrying the extra weight of abalone and fish they may have speared.

Jorge returns to the top of the cliff, his float bulging with the hefty abalone and fish.

After Diving for Abalone Comes Eating Abalone!

The struggles involved in abalone diving is all worth it though once we are able to gather and feast on the fruits of the sea- fresh abalone and fish among wonderful friends and family!

Our friend, Doug, pries the foot out of the shell then beats it to soften the muscle,

After the foot has been beaten to break up and soften the muscle, it is lightly floured and deep fried

There is nothing better in this world than freshly caught abalone served up hot!
Our friend, Betty offers sliced abalone to friends.

The following video offers a really good example of what it is like diving for abalone.

We hope you try diving while you are at The Sea Ranch. If you do, let us know how your luck was!

Abalone Diving at Fort Ross

After Diving for Abalone Comes Eating Abalone!

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