The Rip is the name given to that renowned stretch of water at the entrance to Port Phillip Bay, separating Points Lonsdale and Nepean. This area can be one of the most dangerous stretches of water on our continent, but at times can be so peaceful and calm that one could not envisage the hundreds of ships which have been lost in its vicinity.
One of the reasons for the severe turbidity of the water in this area is the deep rift which travels from the edge of the Kelp Beds, towards Lonsdale and then out through the centre of the Rip, towards and then past Point Nepean. This rift gives us the popular diving locations of the Drop Off and Nepean Wall. The currents in this area can reach speeds in excess of 5knots and it is at this time that the fabulous Rip Drift is conducted, on an incoming or flood tide only, for obvious reasons. The divers, attached to a line and float, descend and travel along the top of the rift, following the contours at approx 20m, until they are swept past the rift as it veers to the right; they then continue into the area approaching the Kelp Beds.
The underwater landscape during this drift is phenomenal, with large bommies and deep gutters teeming with fish and general marine life. It is impossible to stop and look at any one particular spot as the current is to strong, and in fact, will usually carry the group several kilometres during a 30minute dive. Care must be taken of course not to snag the float line on rocks or other protrusions.
This dive, due to the underwater scenery, and sheer exhilaration, would be one of the most "raved about" dives in the Bay, and consequently one of the most popular.