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

[RickyF]

I Scuba and spearfish. Would love to hook up and share expenses. Never tried freediving but not adverse to it.

[Thrillseeker]

Been diving for around 20 years mostly Carbbean lots of viz.
have dove at the bay bridge don't like low viz. alot of junk around it.
would be willing to try any type of diving
I'm in if anyone needs another diver
Advanced open water

[jcr]

Me and my buddy are avid freedivers and scuba divers, we like to hunt with and without tanks. Keep us posted if you want to get together. Is there anyone who hunts the blue water? We would really be interested in that. We did our check out dives for this year on Sunday on a local wreck, no flounder yet. Its a shame Tog season is closed cause there were some 5+ lb fish available. Spadefish will be arriving soon as well.

[Sawdust]

malfc.com

[Special D]

MALFC club meeting is 17 Jun at dive quarters on Laskin rd in Va Beach from 6:30PM-9PM. If anyone is interested we would be glad to to have you there. A typical meeting includes 30 minutes discussion (tournament/breath hold techniques/safety...) followed by pool time. The last 30 minutes of pool time we break out the targets and practice w/ our guns. Its a great time to try out other people equipment so you can "try before you buy". Feel free to show up w/ no obligations, if you elect to join then dues are $35 a year.
Our annual spear tournament will be in Jul and this year it is open to scuba divers.

[fshbreath]

Anyone intrested in improving their freedive ability & safety PFI is teaching a intermediate course in virginia beach the last weekend of this month.
details at http://www.performancefreediving.com/ or theres a link through malf.com
I signed up, looking forward to it.

[Sawdust]

Anyone intrested in improving their freedive ability & safety PFI is teaching a intermediate course in virginia beach the last weekend of this month.
details at http://www.performancefreediving.com/ or theres a link through malf.com
I signed up, looking forward to it.

That class is amazing! Best free diving investment I ever made. Great people.

[Spearo]

Google mid atlantic long fins they are here local in va beach for the free diving side of it. Maybe you should start your own thread, you may have better luck.

[Spearo]

Anyone intrested in improving their freedive ability & safety PFI is teaching a intermediate course in virginia beach the last weekend of this month.
details at http://www.performancefreediving.com/ or theres a link through malf.com
I signed up, looking forward to it. I am happy for you but this thread is not about improving anything by Preformancefreediving. Try your own thread, it may be even better.

[Spearo]

MALFC club meeting is 17 Jun at dive quarters on Laskin rd in Va Beach from 6:30PM-9PM. If anyone is interested we would be glad to to have you there. A typical meeting includes 30 minutes discussion (tournament/breath hold techniques/safety...) followed by pool time. The last 30 minutes of pool time we break out the targets and practice w/ our guns. Its a great time to try out other people equipment so you can "try before you buy". Feel free to show up w/ no obligations, if you elect to join then dues are $35 a year.
Our annual spear tournament will be in Jul and this year it is open to scuba divers.

Try your own thread, you may do much better!