Anyone interested in starting a scuba/freediving diving club?

[Spearo]

Hi folks..I am just trying to get a feel for getting a diving club started for the Va. and NC. Outer Banks area mostly doing Hatteras to the CBBT in Va. diving sound, shore and offshore sites. I know there are a numbers of "reg. scuba clubs" in these areas but this will be geared more towards scuba and freediving with lots of spearfishing mixed-in. So far there are several interested from the Dare Nags Head area. You can post here, send me a PM or an email is just fine @ speardivers@aol.com:yes:

[kapoc]

Google mid atlantic long fins they are here local in va beach for the free diving side of it.

[Scubapro67]

I mostly spearfish on scuba off Va Beach, but lately have been thinking more about mixing it with freediving in order to target species in the upper water column. Plus, there's more water time, no DCS risk, and the ability to sneek up on fish while freediving. Both approaches have merits, and really apply to the area you're diving e.g. scuba for deep wrecks and limited vis; freediving for clear/blue water and shallower depths.
There seems to be a them and us mentality to scuba vs freediving with some of the people I've met, with freedivers tending to shun scuba (hope it's just my limited impression?). Also, as a spearfisherman on a commercial scuba charter, you tend to get looked at rather oddly by other scuba divers - who mostly want to stay well out of your way, and find it hard to understand why you're killing what they want to look at :eek2:
Locally, there's the mid-atlantic long fins freediving club who meet at Divequarters each month - I'm going to check these guys out to hopefully help develop my freediving ambitions.
It would be good to have a gathering of folks interested in spearfishing both scuba and freediving within the area of SE VA and the OBX - I'm sure there are many like me who dive free or scuba and would wish to share resources, training and fish stories.

[Spearo]

"There seems to be a them and us mentality to scuba vs freediving with some of the people I've met, with freedivers tending to shun scuba (hope it's just my limited impression?). Also, as a spearfisherman on a commercial scuba charter, you tend to get looked at rather oddly by other scuba divers - who mostly want to stay well out of your way, and find it hard to understand why "

You're right about that. In most cases that I have seen, the ones who have a problem with "the other" are the ones who (for some reason or another) don't or can't do it themself. There are some like myself who started as freedivers then moved to scuba and now from time to time love go back to the roots. As you said and I agree.. most of the divers who do the "diving boat" thing paid to see marine life alive and not bleeding under the diving boat bench right next to their new gear and that is one of the reasons resons why I posted the above.

Best of luck in the new season!

[27 sailfish]

Very few boats will mix spearfishermen with regular divers. Best to ask first. There are some charters that cater to spear fishermen.

We got a scuba club up here near Annapolis. Called the muck divers. Our first meeting was held underwater in 40 feet. Idea was to get to bottom and group up. So far - no one has seen anyone else :wacko::wacko:.

Try getting your local dive shop involved - they might offer a place to meet.

Good luck - wish I was closer.

[Spearo]

27 Sailfish, you can be our guest at any time, maybe even join us over an old/new wreck we just found last summer. Alot of the stuff we do is where "most" don't even look, and you know what I mean! Have a great divin year.

[diggy23662]

im interested in one hear locally. the va beach area is a long way to travel so if theres interest here on the peninsula im in. plus i have a boat and i like to go locally.

[27 sailfish]

I'm chomping on the bit to get wet. Got some numbers for a new wreck in the bay - sits in 35 feet - not on any charts , no one remembers anything sinking there.
99% sure it is a wreck - been over it with depth finder a few times.
Figure to explore it in May - can't wait to feel what it is. Might even get lucky and be able to see a few feet.

[jambros]

I'm in! As a rookie in the spearfishing sport I would love to hook up with some veterans for some tips and tricks.

Jason

[CaptNemo]

I'm in! As a rookie in the spearfishing sport I would love to hook up with some veterans for some tips and tricks.

Jason
Same here, been trying to get up with some people with more experience too, got the boat and all equipment, practice in the bay, but haven't shot anything yet. I'm on the water way more then off it, so any experienced guys want a free trip to the wrecks, I'm yours. OBX to OC, MD Weekdays or weekends, makes no difference