Now that you know how to approach a kelp bed let’s talk about how to get untangled, which will happen sooner or later, and it isn’t hard to do.  There are a few things to remember:

<!--[if !supportLists]-->1.      <!--[endif]-->You will find having some equipment with you will make your dive more enjoyable and help you out if you get tangeled.  Here’s a short list of possibilities:

A knife to cut kelp during entanglement.

Your compass to assist you in navigating.

Snorkel to conserve air when you’re doing the kelp crawl.

Dive Light which is optional, but under the kelp canopy it can be quite dark.

A Fish ID Chart is beneficial when you are looking to identify that unusual fish swimming by you.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->2.      <!--[endif]-->Do not make sudden movements or panic if you become entangled in kelp. This will only make your situation worse.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->3.      <!--[endif]-->Getting untangled from the “Kelp Monster” isn’t hard.  Take a deep breath, calm yourself down and remember that your dive buddy is near by to help you out of the situation. Avoid twisting and turning since this will only make things worse. Determine where you’ve been snagged. Usually it will be a fin buckle, tank valve or that knife that’s not suppose be on the outside of your leg.  Once you find the offending strand(s) remove them.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->4.      <!--[endif]-->Don’t pull on kelp wrapped around you or your gear. Kelp is very elastic so pulling on it will simply stretch it. Instead, bend the kelp.  Remember that the kelp strands will break easily if you bend them sharply in two or you can also cut them with your knife.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->5.      <!--[endif]-->If you are new to diving in kelp take a minute and practice breaking kelp when you are on the outside of a kelp bed.  This well help you to be calm when the “Kelp Monster” grabs you and you need to get untangled.  Better to experience it when you are in control and learn how easy it is to solve the problem.

OK it’s time to begin touring your kelp forest.  This is not as difficult as it may seem. By staying close to the bottom among the “feet” of the kelp you will find natural canyons through the forest and be able to pick your way among the creatures living there.  Stay horizontal with your head up to block snags on your tank valve and to give yourself a view of the spectacular forest that you are swimming through.

If you’re diving with a buddy, move single file through the forest while you’re in the thickest areas. If the kelp is more open, you will be able to move side-by-side following parallel canyons through the kelp.

What treasures you may see may include brittle stars on the kelp forest floor, camouflaged kelp crabs, red abalone, and sea urchins seeking shelter in the base rock crevices or dining on the kelps footing.  Horn sharks also live in the holdfast areas of the kelp. As you travel up there is the possibility of seeing jeweled top snails grazing on smaller animals and in the kelp itself senorita fish and schools of rockfish may be seen gathering around the edges of the kelp forest. Keep your eyes open for turban snails and smaller invertebrates. Near the top of the canopy be prepared to discover the well camouflaged kelp fish that look like the blades of the kelp and blend right in while taking on the look and movement of the swaying fronds.

When it’s nearing the end of your dive, or you find yourself low on air, and you have to surface in the middle of the canopy, don’t panic, just remember that it’s time to do the “Kelp Crawl”.  Once you’ve had to experience it you will remember to pay closer attention in the future and hopefully not repeat it too often.

Once you are on top take a moment to rest, remain calm, power or orally inflate your BCD so as much of your body is above the surface as possible.  This is the time to plan your way out through the shortest path in the kelp, this means the shortest route out of the kelp, not necessarily a straight line.  Switch to your snorkel and tuck all of your gear away (anything that dangles) to lessen the chance of being snagged.

The Kelp Crawl

It’s time for the kelp crawl, which isn’t hard but can be a pain and very tiring.  Pull out your knife and keep it in your right hand while keeping your left hand free to work you BC inflator and deflator as needed.  The kelp canopy is quite buoyant and will easily support your weight as you progress out of the kelp forest.  Your arm movement is the most important part of the kelp crawl. With alternating arms, push the kelp under your body and glide over the top of the kelp canopy.   Think back to your younger days when you scooted across the living room floor.  Continue doing this. Your progress will be very slow but steady.  Take your time and rest if you get tired.  If you become too tired or all else fails, drop your weight belt to help keep you afloat.  As a last resort, if you are unable to get out or become to tired, relax and call for help or use a whistle if you have one on your BC.

Remember the thrill of diving in kelp will allow you to see more, improve your diving skills, provide get photo opportunity’s and provide stories to share with your friends and fellow divers.

If you’re unsure of getting out there on your own PADI offers continuing education through a specialty called "Kelp Ecologist", to further familiarize divers with the skills, knowledge, planning, organization, procedures, techniques, problems, solutions, and enjoyment of diving in kelp.

Remember that kelp does not get you, but panic will.  Enjoy your time with the “Kelp Monster” and remember – he can be tamed.