Cape Town Yellowfin Tuna Open Tournament

[Wilddiver]

Thought there may be some interest in this upcoming tournament in May (May 6-10).

An "open invitational team" event for teams of three spearos has been scheduled for Cape Town (diving the legendary waters off Cape Point) later this year. Entry fees are ZAR4200 (less than $700) per team of three with an additional boat fuel deposit of ZAR4000 (about $600). Boats and skippers are to be provided by the Cape Boat & Skiboat Club as well as an opening function and all meals during the tournament for this money. The diving days will be the best 2 days of May 7,8,9 or 10. May is typically regarded as the month with the biggest tuna in these waters, and is late autumn in Cape Town. This is unbelievable value as for about $1300 (divided between 3 divers!) you get two days of tuna spearing as opposed to the one day normally available for this cost.

Plus the meals etc and camaraderie of meeting other spearos from around the world.

It is expected that Cape legends such as Tommy Botha, Miles Sonday and Louis Hattingh (Mr Rabitech) wll be there and a huge number of prizes are on offer. The best 10 tuna per day for each team will be counted at the weigh-in.

For more details contact ajr001@mweb.co.za or craig@hdpbrokers.co.za.

[Man-O-War]

Thanks for the information, I will try and put together a team for this tournament

[virgili]

Great compet! Unfortunaly I'll stay in South Africa in June taking part to a sardin run. I'll put the info on my website. Got some pics from S.A.

http://www.spearfishingmotion.com/pictures.html?category_id=48&subcategory_id=51&lang=en

[kill shot]

This is going to be great. I can't wait.


Eric

[Mattedhead]

I might have to see if Team redNeCk is interested.

[kjflyfish]

I would love to go if I wasn't going to Vanuatu...:D

[TheMackDaddy]

...this sounds like the most hardcore tournament ever

[HurricaneBK]

if they supply the boats for the tournament, doesn't it really come down to the captain being able to put you on good fish. While spearing a yellowfin tuna is a formidable undertaking, if your competing in this tournament you prolly have the know how to be successful. Also how does this work out for the locals?

looks like a pretty sick tournament, good luck to those going.

[Wilddiver]

They supply the boats, which will be drawn for on a daily basis - no team will go out on the same boat twice. All the captains are regular fishers in the tuna grounds, and finding the fish is generally not too difficult if they are around.

[Seth]

wow :O i hope someone makes a dvd of this one

[ROBERTO REYES]

This is going to be THE ONE.

[Wilddiver]

Would be great if Speargun Hunter would come and make an episode from it... How about it Sheri, Terry?

[kill shot]

Ok Daryl. I'm in. Me, you and Zak. See you in May!!!!!!

[Wilddiver]

Ok Daryl. I'm in. Me, you and Zak. See you in May!!!!!!

Team DaZaRic!

[AJRABIE]

Hi Guys
Just a quick word from the organizers. I just want to emphasize that this comp will be held to improvement the image and knowledge that the local public have of our sport. All fish will be donated to Unite against hunger.
Do bring digital cameras along. There will be a Rodman available for media coverage and anyone interested to come film it, if you can get yourself to Cape Town we will give you a spot on either the media boat or and participating team's boat. Media representatives will be randomly selected to boats before teams get to randomly select a boat so there will be no unfair disadvantage. There is no financial or business goal to this comp. We would just like to get some hardcore spearo's to come have some fun in the Cape of Good Hope. We will organize some local entertainment on the days off like visiting Table Mountain and maybe go on a famous Stellenbosch wine tour. You do not have to be crazy to participate, but it will help!
Cheers
AJ

[SpearMax]

We would just like to get some hardcore spearo's to come have some fun in the Cape of Good Hope. We will organize some local entertainment on the days off like visiting Table Mountain and maybe go on a famous Stellenbosch wine tour. You do not have to be crazy to participate, but it will help! Cheers AJ


Sounds great AJ! :thumps:

I have taken the cable car up to the top of Table mountain. What a fantastic view that is!

Good luck to all participants! Tony

[Wilddiver]

This comp looks like it is going to be a great event - so far it looks like there will be two teams from the USA, 2 from Russia, one from Australia and a few from South Africa - so get your entries in and flights booked. Cape Town is one of the great cities of the world and the spearing there is just awesome...

[SpearMax]

Interest is brewing for this event. I set up a new forum for the event. I have been there several times and South Africa lives up to its old travel slogan -

A World within One Country!

[kill shot]

Daryl,

Any idea on who the other teams are yet? Anyone else from the board going?


Eric

[Wilddiver]

Daryl,

Any idea on who the other teams are yet? Anyone else from the board going?


Eric

Not sure who the other teams are...one from Australia and one from USA and possibly one from Russia. They are expecting 4 international teams and have 8 teams from South Africa signed up.

Bernie is coming out and I am fixing him up with two other divers, an Aussie and a South Africa. Sterling Kaya from HSD magazine is interested and may get a team from Hawaii...hopefully that will pan out.

Our team is registered and I'll get t-shirts and hats made up! Started training?

[scubadown16]

Daryl,
Very interested in this... How ever I don't have any other people to partner with. I am also already committeed to Dennis Hausslers 3rd annuel Blue Water Invitational in La Paz Mexico in July. So if I can swing the extra 2500 bucks (Airfare from Denver Colorado is not cheap) I am in.

[Wilddiver]

Daryl,
Very interested in this... How ever I don't have any other people to partner with. I am also already committeed to Dennis Hausslers 3rd annuel Blue Water Invitational in La Paz Mexico in July. So if I can swing the extra 2500 bucks (Airfare from Denver Colorado is not cheap) I am in.

I've PM'd you...hope it works out.

[kill shot]

Scubadown, 2500 seams steep. I have left from St. Thomas for around 1200. If you can't find anything cheaper let me know. I have a great travel agent who might be able to help you out.

Eric

[NOTANX]

Thanks for the information, I will try and put together a team for this tournament

im in if youre paying!!:thumps:

[scubadown16]

Scubadown, 2500 seams steep. I have left from St. Thomas for around 1200. If you can't find anything cheaper let me know. I have a great travel agent who might be able to help you out.

Eric

It wouldn't be 2500 for airfare in fact its 1500 to fly. I am saying 2500 for air, cost of entering, spending money, and things like that. I want to do this so bad thou. I will try and swing it. I already have 3000 out there for La Paz in July.

Eric are you in for sure. If so with who?

[kill shot]

Yep, In for sure with Daryl and Zak from South Africa. Also signed up for the World Cup as well. So I will see you there for that.

Eric

[Seth]

cant make this years so ive allready started saving for next year :)

it sounds like the perfect event

[ricky05]

I put a thread about in my site, Apnea Magazine, Italy.

[downandout]

Can competitors use pneumatics?

[Wilddiver]

Spearfishing equipment & Rules:

Competitors shall be allowed to use the following equipment: mask, snorkel, fins, protective suit, knifes, gaffs, torches, reels and floats, fish stringers and weight belt.

One or more spearguns of spring, rubber or compressed air variety, loaded with the competitor’s own muscular skill, may be used.

No auxiliary breathing apparatus (other than snorkel ) or powerheads may be used in anyway to assist in shooting or fighting fish.

Floats must be used at all times when the diver is in the water. Floats must be a readily visible colour, be a minimum of 1.5 litres, and be clearly visible in the water during choppy or rough seas.

It is forbidden to use gut to secure marker buoys, as the means of attachment must be clearly visible.
Allowing the optional use of Shark Pods will be decided upon by the tournament Committee.

Any fish wounded by a spearfisher can under no circumstances be claimed by another competitor spearing it on the same day of the competition.
No fish shall be entered in the competition if it was speared while being hampered by any line or apparatus, from swimming freely.

No help may be accepted in fighting a fish. Once a fish has been subdued and brought to the surface, a competitor may only accept outside assistance in boating the catch.

Any competitor loading a speargun outside the water or leaving the water with a loaded speargun is automatically disqualified. It is also forbidden to have a loaded speargun attached to the buoy.

It is forbidden to exchange catches. Any competitor found doing so may be disqualified and banned from competing in any future SAUHF events.

Competitors must remain within 40 meters of their floats.

All participants must comply with the current regulations of the South African Sea Fisheries and Marine Resources legislation and everybody is expected to be familiar with the current legislation relevant to the area in which they are diving.

Media representatives will be randomly assigned to boats before the boat draw is made and may enter the water on occasion.

All fish except one per boat per day will be the property of Bellville Underwater Club and will be donated to charity. We have obtained official dispensation.

Scores:
All gamefish score one point per kilogram. Additional points per specie still to be decided by Tournament officials.

No individual scoring will be made, only teams will get points

No minimum weight for gamefish other that legal size if prescribed by legislation.

The following fish will not be eligible in the yellowfin competition: Sea barbell, babel eel , any specie of shark, skates, rays, sunfish, brindle bass (grouper), potato bass (grouper) or any reef fish.

Weight must be measured to the lowest 100 grams. The scale must be correctly calibrated not more than six months prior to the championships.

If two or more teams score the same points, then the team with the most fish shall win the competition.
The team captain and one team member shall be present within the weigh in area during the weigh in and recording of the scores for the team in question. The captain shall witness the weights of the fish in his team’s catch, whilst the other member witnesses that the scores are correctly recorded. Before the weigh master commences the weigh in for the next team, the captain shall sign the score sheet accepting that he is satisfied with the scores recorded.

Trophies:
Bellville Underwater Club will hold any floating trophies after presentation to winner.

Officials:
Officials, media representatives or crew may swim, without guns, with the team they are accompanying or inspecting.

Boats:
The use of boats in this competition is compulsory.
All boats used in this competition must comply with local regulations governing the use of such boats
All boats are to fly Alpha flag( diver down flag) whilst diving is in progress.
Less divers per boat allowed provided that the team captain could remain in contact with their team at all times.

Interpretation of the rules and complaints:

These rules may only be altered by an annual general meeting or special meeting or by post annual general meeting, except where it is indicated that the tournament committee may enforce special regulations made for a particular competition by the organizing committee.
The interpretation of any regulations by the Tournament Committee shall be final.
The Tournament committee shall have the power to enforce any laid down regulations or any decisions made by the committee.

[Wilddiver]

Here's some more info I have received from the organising committee. There are a few individuals looking for others to make up teams...contact me so I can put interested parties together.

In our Tuna grounds we are lucky, in the sense that we have a very large small
boat commercial tuna fleet, as well as a Longline fleet who target a fish
called Hake in our tuna grounds. Finding the fish is not a problem .The Tuna
in our water are pristine and in great numbers and spearing them is
extremely easy in the sense that once you locate a longline boat you fall in
behind them while they retrieve their line and you start chumming and the
yellowfin appear around the boat - that is why we limited the catch to 10 fish
in total per boat per day between 3 divers .The average weight per fish for
last season was 58.8 kg with many up around the 80 and 90 kg mark.

The accommodation is for your own account and we can assist by doing the
booking from our side to save you money as well. Average costing at a guest
house per person will be $40 to $50 . Some 4 to 5 star guest houses are
available close to the venue. Should you want to stay in really comfortable
self catering units it will cost $15 to $20. (We do provide Meals in the
morning and most evenings at the Tournament)

Our water temp is between 17 to 21 degrees C so a full 3mm open cell is the
minimum wetsuit required - we South African divers here in the Cape all use a 5mm farmer john and a 3mm hooded
jacket.

We really would like to have international competitors so the costs for
our overseas visitors are the same as for the local competitors. We as the organisers
will assist in any way we can by collecting you at the airport and taking
you to the venue etc. Distance to the venue from Cape Town International
airport is +- 40 km.

There are no problems at customs bringing in your diving equipment or
spearguns for that matter.

There are direct flights to South Africa from Washington Dulles or JFK, and from most other countries in the world. South Africa offers gtreat value for international visitors - the US $ is currently about $1=R7.80 and local goods, meals, beers etc are really inexpensive. Pluys you can pick up locally made dive equipment - Rabitech, Rob Allen, Tommy Botha, and even the Aussie Pelaj at great local prices.

[SpearMax]

Very good information Daryl! Thanks for posting it up. Tony

[Wilddiver]

One more team from the USA signed up today so I've heard. Bernie Finnerty, former dogtooth tuna world record holder, and two others...great news, I look forward to spearing with you again Bernie!

[Wilddiver]

Latest news on this comp is that a big international spearfishing equipment manufacturer may come on board as event sponsor for a five-year term. This will assure the future of the event and also add considerably to the prize pool. It is also likely that the event will always only allow a limited number of teams - this year it is 12 x 3-man teams - so teams that have participated in the past events will probably get preference for future registrations.

This is shaping up to be a great addition to the world spearfishing events calendar, and IMHO these open bluewater events, much like La Paz and Hatteras are the future of spearfishing competitions.

Well, my team is in...is yours?

[Wilddiver]

I just received my new gun for this contest - 3 band 1,5m Euro style gun, 8mm shaft...will try to post some pics when I can!

[kill shot]

Yes this is surely going to be a great competition. The location of this event will prove to be a exellent location for a long time to come in the future.

Eric

[AJRABIE]

Hi Guys
Thought I'd give everyone a quick peak of some of the international guys coming to the event. If you need e-mail addresses mail me personally and I'll supply.
Please book accommodation at Oatlands Holiday village before it's full.
The organizing committee will assist were possible.
I will post tournament booklet with the menu's/ dates /time of the events like the opening function closer to the time.
The organizing committee consists of close to 30 members from either Bellville under water club or Cape Boat club, who will organize endlessly to give everyone an international class event. There will be SAB events equipment to create a carnival atmosphere.
The venue is awesome and we encourage teams to spend some time at the Cape Boat club house.
Participants will be greeted with warm soup and coffee after diving days and most days your breakfast and dinner will also be served at the club house.
Boats will be pre-fueled and launched for you, you can just board and off you go.
Feel free to go look at Cape boat's webpage: http://www.capeboatandskiboatclub.co.za
There is a nice picture on the home page of the club house.
The international teams joined so far is:
TEAM CORAL SEA AUSTRALIA
Captained by Martin Cunningham
Crew: Chris Brumley
Crew: Reece Bennett
TEAM IF + SN
Captain by Daryl Balfour
Crew: Zak Zuccaro
Crew: Eric Walker
TEAM NORTHEAST YANKS
Captain: Bernard Finnerty
Crew to be confirmed
USA Team lead by Wolf Zizic from florida
Tentative not yet confirmed
Cheer's
AJ Rabie
Tournament Secretary

[Stealth Stoners]

Sounds good will post on our web-site.:thumps:

[SpearMax]

USA Team lead by Wolf Zizic from florida
Tentative not yet confirmed

Hmmmmm................that is good Wolf! Let's discuss that when you have a chance. Tony

[Man-O-War]

We are waiting on confirmation from our equipment sponsor, and are pricing flights. In few days I will contact AJ and wire the entry fee for our team. 23six, myself, and third diver is TBD.

Wolf

[SpearMax]

That is wonderful! Keep us posted. It should be a fabulous trip.

[AJRABIE]

Every competitor where possible, should bring a digital camera/ recorder. The club house have a large flat screen TV and computer hooked up and we will download all the action/ pictures everyone took during the day and show it during dinner.
Also all data will be burned on DVD and supplied to all contestants at the price giving event.

AJ Rabie

[ANYH2O]

Would you might posting all the details on the meet and the trip and costs there?
Mike

[AJRABIE]

Question:
I would love some more details on this meet.
If flying from the US where do we fly into? And then how far to we travel to the port and then how much is it to stay and eat there?
Cash prizes? Fish counted by wt? limits on the fish? Yellow fin only? Do they school around high spots or just chase bait?

Answer:

You need to fly either directly to Cape Town International or via Johannesburg but end up in Cape Town.
The airport is about 45 km from the venue.
On the transport side you have 3 options:
Rent a car for about $50 dollars a day with a GPS included from AVIS car rental.( for the duration of the comp(+-$300) in total divided by 3 contestants is about $100 per person.
This would probably be the best option, since public transport is not advisable and on your days not diving you will be able to go see Table Mountain and maybe Stellenbosch wine route.
The second option is to rent a Taxi at the airport to Simonstown and it will drop you of at Oaklands holiday accommodation. The venue is walking distance from the official accommodation.(+-$100 or $200 return divided by 3 divers is about $70 per person)
The 3'rd option is that we will come and pick you up from the airport if you give us your date and we will drop you at your accommodation. Make sure you bring a international driving license, for your days off, it will be cheapest to rent a car for driving in an around Cape Town. Avis will deliver the car to your accommodation for the 2 days not diving.(+-$100 for renting a car on your days off = $ 35per person)
Most competing days food breakfast and dinner will be included. Generally food is very cheap for international people. Beers should cost about $1 to $2 US, and a 500kg T-bone and chips should cost about $12 in a good steakhouse. Fuel is expensive for us at about R8 a liter, +-$1 a liter. But you will not use more than a tank full for the duration of your stay in the rental. (+- $60 = $20 per person for the duration). Accommodation is at Oatlands holiday accommodation (Accommodation to be organized by teams. Oatlands Holiday Village 021-7861410 or Boulder’s Beach Guest House 021-7861758 ) change the zero to +27 .
Cost per day at Oatlands is about $20 per person and for the guest house at about $50 per person per day. There will be allot of spearfishing prizes mostly sponsored by Rabitech and Rob Allen both owners should be present at comp. The cash prizes however will mostly be going to the Skippers who will be donating/sponsoring their boats free of charge for the duration of the comp. Since we want this comp to be an annual event the main focus with cash prizes will go the skippers.
Fish will be counted by weigh, any game fish, this will mean either Yellowtail, LongFin tuna or Yellowfin tuna. In our Tuna grounds we are lucky, in the sense that we have a very large small boat commercial tuna fleet, as well as a Longline fleet who target a fish called Hake in out tuna grounds. Finding the fish is not a problem .The Tuna in our water are pristine and in great numbers and spearing them is extremely easy in the sense that once you locate a longline boat you fall in behind them while they retrieve their line and you start chumming and the yellowfin appear around the boat that is why we limited the catch to 10 fish in total per boat per day between 3 divers. Hence the yellowfin chase the bait generated as waist from the nets being pulled in by the big fishing vessels. The average weight per fish for last season was 58.8 kg. You may keep one fish per competing day, the rest gets donated to unite against hunger. Our water temp is between 17 to 21 degrees so a full 3mm open cell is the minimum wetsuit required we all use a 5mm farmer john and a 3 to 5mm hooded jacket.
This means that you will probably spend $ 300 per person above and beyond your entrance fee to cover all your basic expenses for the comp. The entrance fee and fuel costs for the boats are +- $ 1200 per team divided by 3 members = $400 per person + $ 300 per person for accommodation + car hire + site seeing and food not included. This means you are looking at +-$700 per person, excluding your plain tickets.


The dates for this year’s tournament are as follows:
Tuesday:
6th May 2008 Opening Function at 19H 00
Wednesday to Saturday
7th - 10th May 2008
2 Diving Days starts at 06H00 - 15H00
Saturday 10th May 2008 Closing Function 19:00

[SpearMax]

Would you might posting all the details on the meet and the trip and costs there?
Mike

AJ, Mike here is one of our top US freedive contestants in our tournaments. FYI, Tony

[AJRABIE]

BLUEWATER TUNA INTERNATIONAL 2008

Spear fishing equipment & Rules:

1.) Competitors shall be allowed to use the following equipment: mask, snorkel, fins, protective suit, knifes, weight belt and

2.) One or more spearguns of spring, rubber or compressed air variety, loaded with the competitor’s own muscular skill, may be used.

3.) No auxiliary breathing apparatus (other than snorkel ) or power heads may be used in anyway to assist in shooting or fighting fish.

4.) Floats must be used at all times when the diver is in the water. Floats must be a readily visible colour, be a minimum of 30 litres and no more than 80 liters, and be clearly visible in the water during choppy or rough seas.

5.) Any fish wounded by a team can under no circumstances be claimed by another team spearing it on the same day of the competition.
No fish shall be entered in the competition if it was speared while being hampered by any line or apparatus, from swimming freely.

6.) No help may be accepted in fighting a fish from any other team. Once a fish has been subdued and killed, a competitor may accept outside assistance in boating the catch.

7.) Any competitor loading a speargun outside the water or leaving the water with a loaded speargun is automatically disqualified. It is also forbidden to have a loaded speargun attached to the buoy.

8.) It is forbidden to exchange catches between teams. Any team found doing so may be disqualified.

9.) Competitors must remain within 40 meters of their floats and may not be further than 100m from his boat.

10.) One team member will always stay onboard the boat to assist the skipper.

11.) All participants must comply with the current regulations of Sea Fisheries and Marine Resources legislation and everybody is expected to be familiar with the current legislation relevant to the area in which they are diving. Every diver must insure that he is in possession of a spear fishing permitted.

12.) Media representatives will be randomly assigned to boats before the boat draw is made and may enter the water on occasion.

13.) All fish except one per boat per day will be the property of Bellville under water club and will be donated to charity. The organizers of the event have obtained dispensation.

14.) R100 will be paid to be able to lodge a complaint.


Scores:
1.) All game fish will be scored as follows:
a.) Tuna’s one point per kilogram
b.) Cape Yellowtail two point per kilogram
c.) Dorado’s Three point per kilogram
Additional points per specie still to be decided by Tournament officials. Only ten fish may be speared per team per day.

2.) No individual scoring will be made, only teams will get points

3.) No minimum weight for game fish other that legal size if prescribed by legislation.

4.) The following fish will not be eligible in the yellowfin competition: any specie of shark, skates, rays, sunfish or any reef fish.

5.) Weight must be measured to the lowest 100 grams. The scale must be correctly calibrated not more than six months prior to the championships.

6.) If two or more teams score the same points, then the team with the most fish shall win the competition.

7.) The team captain and one team member shall be present within the weigh in area during the weigh in and recording of the scores for the team in question. The captain shall witness the weights of the fish in his team’s catch, whilst the other member witnesses that the scores are correctly recorded. Before the weigh master commences the weigh in for the next team, the captain shall sign the score sheet accepting that he is satisfied with the scores recorded.

Trophies:
Bellville under water club will hold any floating trophies after presentation to winner.

Officials:
Officials, media representatives or crew may swim, without guns, with the team they are accompanying or inspecting.

Boats:
1.) The use of boats in this competition is compulsory. Only boats allocated to this competition will be used for the event. One team per boat will be appointed before each diving day or during the opening function raffle.

2.) All boats used in this competition will comply with local regulations governing the use of such boats
3.) All boats are to fly Alpha flag( diver down flag) whilst diving is in progress.
Less divers per boat allowed provided that the team captain could remain in contact with their team at all times.



Interpretation of the rules and complaints:

These rules may only be altered by an annual general meeting or special meeting or by post annual general meeting, except where it is indicated that the tournament committee may enforce special regulations made for a particular competition by the organizing committee.
The interpretation of any regulations by the Tournament Committee shall be final.
The Tournament committee shall have the power to enforce any laid down regulations or any decisions made by the committee.

[AJRABIE]

THE FIRST EVER YELLOW FIN TUNA INTERNATIONAL OPEN

VENUE:CAPE BOAT & SKI-BOAT CLUB, RUMBLY BAY, MILLER’S POINT (just past Simon’s Town) SOUTH AFRICA

DATES: Opening Function TUE 6TH MAY 19:00
2 Diving days WED 7TH to SAT 10TH MAY 6:00 to 17:00
Closing Function SATURDAY 10TH MAY AT 19:00

TEAMS: 3 divers per team, we supply the boats and skippers.

ENTRY FEE:R4200 per team. This includes boat, meals at opening & closing functions, breakfasts and lunch packs. Deposit into Bellville under water club to secure your entry
FUEL:Additional Fuel deposit of R4000.00 to be paid in full with entry fee. (Fully refundable if not used)
All fuel bills will be pooled and divided equally between the teams.

ACCOMMODATION:To be arranged by the divers themselves.

RULES:Three divers per team of which only 2 divers in the water at any given time. Fish will be weighed in as a team. Max 10 fish in total per boat per day.
TARGET SPECIES:Yellow fin, Long fin and/or any Game fish.

BAIT:
Available daily for purchase on a cash basis from the supplier.

REGISTRATION:On arrival, team captain must register, confirm team, sign indemnity form et cetera.

[Man-O-War]

Wired funds for "Palm Beach Freedivers" 3-man team

[kill shot]

Wired funds for "Palm Beach Freedivers" 3-man team

Nice. Any idea what day you guys are leaving to go?


Eric

[greekdiver]

Nice. Any idea what day you guys are leaving to go?


Eric

May 5th thru May 12th

This is Stringer Bell posting from geekdivers account

[kill shot]

Looking forward to seeing everyone there, hopefully it will be another great year down there.





Eric

[virgili]

I'll be in S.A. later in June... but I put the info on my website:

http://www.spearfishingmotion.com/pictures.html?current_page=5&picture_id=126&lang=en

Have a great challenge!

[Wilddiver]

Hi Philippe,
I have made the enquiries about boats for you in June. I will try to join you for your two days spearing. I have PM'd you too.

daryl.


I'll be in S.A. later in June... but I put the info on my website:

http://www.spearfishingmotion.com/pictures.html?current_page=5&picture_id=126&lang=en

Have a great challenge!

[Wilddiver]

If any of the international teams are arriving in Cape Town early and would like to try arrange some warm-up dives (in Cape waters, perhaps cool-down is more appropriate) please let me know. I will be in Cape Town from April 28 and will probably get some dives in.

As AJ has already said above, Oatlands Holiday Village is probably the best place to stay during the event at least - most of the other contestants are already booked in there, it is cheap and close to the launching area at the boat club. It is bound to be a centre of activities, apart from the clubhouse itself. There are lots of good eating places and pubs around Simonstown. www.oatlands.co.za

Be advised that Cape Town can get really cold in May if a cold front comes through - last year in May we had some of the coldest weather recorded in 30-odd years. A good water and wind-proof parka is a good idea! On the other hand the weather could be hot and sunny - let's hope for that.

And if you suffer from sea sickness...bring medication...it can be a long and bumpy boat ride to the tuna grounds!

[Man-O-War]

May 5th thru May 12th

This is Stringer Bell posting from geekdivers account

Leaving May 4th, due to the fact that travel time is 2 calendar days....returning on the 11th

Will not have a chance for "warm-up" diving, unfortunately

[AJRABIE]

Hi there
Thought I'd give everyone a sneak preview of how the add will look like in the April/June issue of IF&SN mag.

Thx for all the great exposure International Freediving and spearfishing news magazine
Ps Thanks for Daryl for the great picture( I think its daryl ? )

[AJRABIE]

I have added a pdf file, page 3 is the page everyone needs to fill in and e-mail back to me on ajr001@mweb.co.za

[AJRABIE]

Hi Philippe,
I have made the enquiries about boats for you in June. I will try to join you for your two days spearing. I have PM'd you too.

daryl.

Daryl you should contact/speak to Craig and ask him for some contacts on boats, we have organized 2 X Rodmans for media so far and a 28 foot Cobra Cat if needed. Also one of our committee members has a 28foot butt catt. He catches commercially but loves to spearfish also (Wayne Nowers) Maybe you can ask him at comp. He will be sponsoring his boat to take out media/sponsors also. Then of course there will be the 14 boats with skippers to ask if they want to take you guys out again in june.
Lastly if you guys are insane/brave enough, my 19 foot semi-rigit rubber duck called Ysteraas gives a bumpy ride but have landed the present SA yellowfin record. Willi my partner in ysteraas and myself have 40 miles skippers and can maybe help out. Also you should definitely speak to Ryan Nienaber the present SA yellowfin holder. He has a company that buys all the fish from the commercial tuna vessels. Needless to say if you need GPS marks on where the fish is at that moment you need to speak to him. He is also on the yellowfin committee and can be approached in May or I can give you his e-mail address/ cell number. He's very generous with this sort of thing regardless if you know him or not as long as you invite him along once in a while and can even organize Rodmans if needed be! There is also a new charter company called Awesome charters that are still new in the game but has a great 28 foot butt cat and could be approached at maybe a reduced charter cost. Lastly there is of course your expensive charter routes.
Hope this helps
AJ

PS Also we have our 3'rd US team coming in the form of Keith Simmons and his team from the Gulf Coast!
Awesome Keith see you in May!

[Wilddiver]

Hi there
Thought I'd give everyone a sneak preview of how the add will look like in the April/June issue of IF&SN mag.

Thx for all the great exposure International Freediving and spearfishing news magazine
Ps Thanks for Daryl for the great picture( I think its daryl ? )

Thanks AJ, it is actually my fellow IF&SN/Pelaj team member Zak with an 82kg tuna shot off Cape Point last year in May.

And thanks for the update on boats etc for Virgili in June. I'll be in touch.

[NOTANX]

i cant wait

[kill shot]

i cant wait

You going with Wolf?

[NOTANX]

yea. looks like palm beach freedivers team=

wolf (stringerbell)
les (23six)
shane (notanx)

[Wilddiver]

yea. looks like palm beach freedivers team=

wolf (stringerbell)
les (23six)
shane (notanx)

I look forward to meeting you guys and welcoming you to Africa...see you at Oatlands Holiday Village in May.

[AJRABIE]

Hi guys
Got the below e-mail from Craig the tournament organizer. He asked me to post it!
Craig:
Just a quick one we must get the competitors to give us their loved ones
email addresses so we can email pics and keep them posted on tournament
activities on a daily basis. As well as if they need to get hold of a
competitor urgently they can send emails.
Greg's really good at it and we can send the emails out from the club. Just another professional service from the tournament.

So have those e-mail adresses of your loved one ready at registration please. Also bring your own camera cord so we can plug it into the computer. thx

Cheer's
AJ


Craig Hagan

[AJRABIE]

Just thought I'd give a update on the tentative menu for the comp.
Also I updated the rules for the comp so please re-read it on page 4 of the forum!!
Cheer's
AJ

[AJRABIE]

Update on the boats and skippers for comp so far, nice spread of boats if I have to say so myself.
AJ

Boat Name Skipper/owner's name Boat type and size

1 WHITE MARLIN Jeff White 23 BUTT CAT
2 SAN MICHELLE Eugene Hope 660DV
3 SHYGUY John Relf 21 BUTT CAT
4 RAINBOW RUNNER Dave Estment 24 ROB
5 FANTASEA John Sivewright 24 KEI
6 ERNA 3 Ian McHendrie 21 ROB
7 DEEP BLUE Chris Wilson 620 CAT
8 GOTCHA Stuart/Mike 21 Kei
9 OPEN OCEAN 26 Howard Murray OPEN OCEAN 26
10 OPEN OCEAN 32 Howard Murray OPEN OCEAN 32
11 CASTAWAY Ron Dunn 24 KEI
12 STARFISH Peter de Stadler 660
13 MET EISH Stephen Griffiths 28 BUTT
14 VIXEN Ryan Swindale 19 KOZI CAT

[sacha58]

yea. looks like palm beach freedivers team=

wolf (stringerbell)
les (23six)
shane (notanx)


OUCH......I am hurting ....well, may be next year :thumps::thumps::thumps:
Have fun and bring back a few O Toro fillets :toast::toast:
Alessandro, Rome / WPB

[NOTANX]

it says that we need a fishing license in the rules, does anyone have information for us on how to obtain one from here prior to flying over.

[AJRABIE]

The rules state we have to have a spearfishing permit. Where do we get said permit?
Thanks,Keith

We will have forms at the registration on 6 May and will do a group purchase saving the competitors in having to stand in ques at the post office.

AJ

[NOTANX]

thanks.

[Griswold]

Thanks for all the effort and attention to detail putting this thing together. Looking forward to it.

[AJRABIE]

A wise man once said:
"...And being hooked hurts. Fish have very sensitive mouths, so it hurts
badly when they are caught on hooks. "

Which is why I choose to shoot them in the head with a spear. It's the right
thing to do!

[kill shot]

Update on the boats and skippers for comp so far, nice spread of boats if I have to say so myself.
AJ

Boat Name Skipper/owner's name Boat type and size

1 WHITE MARLIN Jeff White 23 BUTT CAT
2 SAN MICHELLE Eugene Hope 660DV
3 SHYGUY John Relf 21 BUTT CAT
4 RAINBOW RUNNER Dave Estment 24 ROB
5 FANTASEA John Sivewright 24 KEI
6 ERNA 3 Ian McHendrie 21 ROB
7 DEEP BLUE Chris Wilson 620 CAT
8 GOTCHA Stuart/Mike 21 Kei
9 OPEN OCEAN 26 Howard Murray OPEN OCEAN 26
10 OPEN OCEAN 32 Howard Murray OPEN OCEAN 32
11 CASTAWAY Ron Dunn 24 KEI
12 STARFISH Peter de Stadler 660
13 MET EISH Stephen Griffiths 28 BUTT
14 VIXEN Ryan Swindale 19 KOZI CAT

AJ,

Looks like some nice boats. Are all the boats checked out for marine standards with EPIRBS and the normal safety gear? I remember from being there last year that it was pretty important to be in contact with the Penquin when leaving the point and noting when you returned. That can be one nasty ocean out there and the safety of all the divers will be of the utmost importance, along with the boat captain as well. Being on David Cristy's boat last year made me understand the importance of safety in that ocean when we were out on some really rough days.

Eric

[AJRABIE]

Hi Eric
All the boats are part of the pool of boats that are used every year for the October Yellowfin angling competition which is a world renowned angling comp.
So yes all the boats and skippers have 40 nautical miles boat and skippers certification. The captains all have years of experience in the deep of cape point. The captains might lack the experience with regards to handling divers, but that is why we have a skippers briefing on the 17'th of April with some of SA's best divers explaining Shallow water black outs et cetera. Also both diving days we will have a trauma doctor on the media boat as a back up with oxygen and National sea rescue will be on high alert.
Any diving competitor is also welcome to be present at the skippers briefing.
Hope that answers your question.
AJ

[AJRABIE]

Hi guys
6 WEEKS TO GO!!
Thought I'd include the tourament directors welcoming letter.
Cheers
AJ

Tournament Coordinator

In welcoming you to this tournament, a life-long dream has become a reality for many of us. A year ago it seemed wishful thinking that we’d ever have a blue water spear fishing tournament in South Africa. Yet today, we’re hosting an international competition.

Welcome to the first ever Blue Water Yellow fin Tuna Spear fishing Tournament to be held in African waters!

The organizing committee has gone to great lengths to ensure that your entry is rewarding and we trust that you will have an unforgettable experience both in and out the water. The consensus is that the tournament will be as successful as the rate of fish speared, so best of luck with diving and spearing the big ones! Lets all ensure the future of spear fishing by being ambassadors for the sport during the next few days.

I did not realize the magnitude of a project of this nature until we started planning. However, every great idea requires a great deal of work and together with our committee of enthusiastic fellow spearo’s who gave up time, money and effort for sheer love of the sport, this project is now a reality . To the committee, and especially AJ Rabie, thanks for all the hours you put into making this tournament a world class event.

Thank you also to the following supporters:

The Chairman of Cape Boat and Ski Boat Club, Dolf Arenhold. To you, your committee and members. Thank you for your venue, commitment and all you did to assist us.

The Boat Owners, without you this tournament would not have been possible.

To Tiger Brands, a big thank you to Steve Hagan for distributing the fish through the Tiger Brand’s Unite Against Hunger initiative.

To MCM, especially Craig Smith, for providing us with dispensation to donate the fish to Unite Against Hunger.

Finally to all the Sponsors. You are the backbone of this tournament. Without your products and financial support, an event of this magnitude could never take place.

Craig Hagan
Tournament Coordinator

[Wilddiver]

Hi Eric
All the boats are part of the pool of boats that are used every year for the October Yellowfin angling competition which is a world renowned angling comp.
So yes all the boats and skippers have 40 nautical miles boat and skippers certification. The captains all have years of experience in the deep of cape point. The captains might lack the experience with regards to handling divers, but that is why we have a skippers briefing on the 17'th of April with some of SA's best divers explaining Shallow water black outs et cetera. Also both diving days we will have a trauma doctor on the media boat as a back up with oxygen and National sea rescue will be on high alert.
Any diving competitor is also welcome to be present at the skippers briefing.
Hope that answers your question.
AJ

Also, to add to AJ above, this is why the rule of only two divers of the three-man team can be in the water at any time...so that there is always a DIVER on board the boat to advise and instruct the skipper as to what and where divers are, how to approach them etc.

[Man-O-War]

International competitors, dont forget that you will need TWO completely empty passport pages in order to enter South Africa!

[NOTANX]

International competitors, dont forget that you will need TWO completely empty passport pages in order to enter South Africa!

im good....i have a license to kill.

[SpearMax]

International competitors, dont forget that you will need TWO completely empty passport pages in order to enter South Africa!

Is that so you can tear them out later? I went there during Apartheid in the 1980s and one trip after Apartheid, but I don't remember that requirement. :scratch:

[NOTANX]

i dont know why they have that requirement but they do. i checked into it as well. they will not!! let you in.

[23six]

I'm good

[kill shot]

Guys, last year when I was there you only needed a page for the stamps and visa. Obviously things can change but that is how it was last year. They did the stamps and visa on the same page and it omly took up 3 squares on one page. I guess it really depends on how the person stamping the book decides to do the stamping. They can get pretty crazy with were they stamp sh-t sometimes.

Just a little more then a month left guys!

Eric

[AJRABIE]

Hi there

Please bring along your country storm flags if anyone has one, we have flag poles. It will be nice for the rivalry!

With regards to the Visa remarks, just be patient and smile it usually works.
Make the official feel importent.
It sucks to say it ,but we are a 3'rd world country even if we pretend we are first world. Most officials will probably not even have grade 12 under their belt.

Cheers
AJ

[Griswold]

Can't wait!

[kill shot]

Chad,

Looking forward to meeting up with you and your team.

Eric

[kill shot]

AJ,

Is it possible to have some lead available for the traveling spearos? That stuff gets heavy in the bags.

Thanks
Eric

[BigMako]

Eric brings up a valid point. Everytime I've had lead in my gear bag and flew somewhere, the lead was gone when I got there. My team member is retired from Delta airlines and he says that they confiscate it because it can be used to shield an explosive device from the scanners. Thanks for bringing up a really important point Eric.

[NOTANX]

good point!!

[AJRABIE]

Hi Guys
Yes ofcourse I can arrange lead. I will ask a couple of friends and I'll ask Louis from Rabitech if we can borrow a couple of second hand lead weights.
I will however need your requirements as soon as possible so we can make a plan. If possible bring your own belt.
Cheers
AJ

[Wilddiver]

Just so you guys know, for us South Africans to visut the USA we need to submit a visa application well in advance, report to the US Embassy in Cape Town or Johannesburg for a personal interview, pay a visa fee of about $500, provide proof of employment, residence and income (usually 6 months bank statements and/or salary slips)...and then we may be refused and not get the visa fee refunded. So two blank pages is not a big deal...some countries insist on 6 pages blank (it is not that they use them though) and a passport that is valid for at least 6 months after entry.

[NOTANX]

i dont think anyone had a problem with it. i think it was put out there to help people prepare and not get turned away.

[AJRABIE]

Hi guys
We have 11 teams filled up of the possible 12, but I feel confident there is a couple of singles we can use to fill up the last team.
Here is the details I have on you guys so far. If anything is wrong with my spelling(which sucks since I'm a afrikaans first language member) or sizes let me know as soon as possible.
Thx
AJ

[AJRABIE]

Hi everyone
I need PAssport numbers from all international competitors and ID numbers from SA guys.
Thx
AJ
Reason read below:

We(MCM) need to consider creating a new recreational permit that will be issued directly by the Department for sport competitions. This is considered because tournaments provide a neat opportunity to obtain data and secondly it is a way to address issuing permits to non-nationals (the current recreational permit issued by the post-office does not allow foreigners to apply - or so I hear).

I need to know exactly how many teams will participate and if we issue recreational permits from the department then we would need to know the particulars of everyone participating, including passport numbers for foreigners.

Regards
MCM

[SpearMax]

Hi guys
We have 11 teams filled up of the possible 12, but I feel confident there is a couple of singles we can use to fill up the last team.
Here is the details I have on you guys so far. If anything is wrong with my spelling(which sucks since I'm a afrikaans first language member) or sizes let me know as soon as possible.
Thx
AJ

Good progress AJ!

[RyanNienaber]

Hey Everyone

just a little up date on whats happening off cape point at the moment
today a couple deck boats got some good yellowfin (average carcass in the range of 35 to 55kg) at the 35"16 and 18"42, its a little further south than were we normally run (normally anywhere around the 34"36 & 18"06, 34"48 & 18"10) but we'll just have to go were the fish are,

i spoke to the longline hake skippers on monday and they all said they had yellowfin feeding on the stockfish off there lines, swimming freely around there boats in the canyon, and on there way home saw shoals of tuna chasing bait fish on the surface

in the canyon yesterday some ski boats had up to 30 longfin tuna on a boat ranging from 7-12kg with the odd fish just over 20kg

with the SW wind that should be blowing for the next 2/3 days after this good SE (Cape Doctor) wind thats just ended the fish should be on the boil closer to cape point

lets hope the water, weather and the tuna that make cape town so famouse make there apperance on what promises to be an amazing competition in early May

Il be fishing in the tuna grounds tomorrow and will try post a report on our days catches asap

thanx
Ryan

[AJRABIE]

Nice one thx ryan
Keep us posted
AJ

[kill shot]

Hey Everyone

just a little up date on whats happening off cape point at the moment
today a couple deck boats got some good yellowfin (average carcass in the range of 35 to 55kg) at the 35"16 and 18"42, its a little further south than were we normally run (normally anywhere around the 34"36 & 18"06, 34"48 & 18"10) but we'll just have to go were the fish are,

i spoke to the longline hake skippers on monday and they all said they had yellowfin feeding on the stockfish off there lines, swimming freely around there boats in the canyon, and on there way home saw shoals of tuna chasing bait fish on the surface

in the canyon yesterday some ski boats had up to 30 longfin tuna on a boat ranging from 7-12kg with the odd fish just over 20kg

with the SW wind that should be blowing for the next 2/3 days after this good SE (Cape Doctor) wind thats just ended the fish should be on the boil closer to cape point

lets hope the water, weather and the tuna that make cape town so famouse make there apperance on what promises to be an amazing competition in early May

Il be fishing in the tuna grounds tomorrow and will try post a report on our days catches asap

thanx
Ryan

SWEET!! Thanks for the update Ryan. Will be seeing you soon.


Eric

[Griswold]

If anyone is putting together tuna trips right before or after the tournament, I'd like to spend as much time as possible in the water while we're there. Others on my team would probably be game too.

Thanks,

Chad

[BigMako]

:thumps:

[kill shot]

Not absolutely sure but if we have an extra day or so after the comp I am sure Daryl, Zak and myself would be. We are supposed to head up to Durban and dive the Aliwal Shoal area afterwards. If the comp goes on the first two days then everyone will have an extra couple of days to dive I am sure. Would be nice to work something out.

Eric

[BigMako]

Sounds good to me , Eric. Anytime out on the water beats hanging out drinking beer. Wait a minute......

[AJRABIE]

Hi guys
Remember there is 15 skippers with boats and only 12 will be used, so discuss your needs with the skippers, if there is off days, yet divable I don't see any problem if you pay the fuel for the trip. Also if you want boats for before the comp we can arrange it, but ask craig in advance cause we are in mozambique from the 25 th of April to the 5'th of MAy. Hence we will only be back in SA the day before the comp starts. I'm sure also daryl can be of help if your a day or two early. Also Ryan Nienaber who posted the nice post above will not be in mosambique and is a master of getting great safe boats with basically only you needing to pay the fuel bill. Ryan has also decided to shoot in the comp since he has the present SA record of 106,5 KG's on the yellowfin tuna. Ryan also have a skippers and maybe we can ask a other friend wayne for his boat for the day. Or even my boat is avaliable, it's small but it landed the SA record so Ryan it's there to be used.
Cheers
AJ

[Griswold]

Let see:

We needed a place to stay, and one of the organizers paid for it with his money.
You're feeding us.
You will pick us up at the airport and take us back if we are too slack to get a car.
You are dealing with the fishing regulations and have that under control.
Excluding air fare, the whole thing costs significantly less than a 1 day charter where I live.
You will give us weights if we need them.
You've told us how many pages we need in our passport.
We are limited to 10 yellowfin per boat per day (never had that problem before).
You have organized emailing pics, video to our families on a daily basis.
The fish go to charity.
And most important, the beer costs $1 there.

You guys need to step it up. Is that the best you can do? :D

Hats off the everyone involved your attention to detail and making it easy for the teams has been way over the top.

Thank you,

Chad

[SpearMax]

Let see:

We needed a place to stay, and one of the organizers paid for it with his money.
You're feeding us.
You will pick us up at the airport and take us back if we are too slack to get a car.
You are dealing with the fishing regulations and have that under control.
Excluding air fare, the whole thing costs significantly less than a 1 day charter where I live.
You will give us weights if we need them.
You've told us how many pages we need in our passport.
We are limited to 10 yellowfin per boat per day (never had that problem before).
You have organized emailing pics, video to our families on a daily basis.
The fish go to charity.
And most important, the beer costs $1 there.

You guys need to step it up. Is that the best you can do? :D

Hats off the everyone involved your attention to detail and making it easy for the teams has been way over the top.

Thank you,

Chad

I will second Chad's motion! :notworthy :toast:

[NOTANX]

me too.

[AJRABIE]

Update on rules:

BLUE WATER YELLOWFIN TUNA OPEN INVITATIONAL TOURNAMENT.

RULES:

1. INTRODUCTION

This is the first open water, game fish competition to be held in South Africa and will be called the BLUE WATER YELLOWFIN TUNA OPEN INVITATIONAL TOURNAMENT. Only twelve teams consisting of three divers per team will compete.

All matters regarding safety of everybody involved in this competition is of the utmost importance. The assistance and integrity of each contestant is called upon to help make this event a success and pleasurable experience for all.


2. ENTRY FEE AND REGISTRATION

2.1 The entry fees is R 4 200 per team and is payable when entering a team. This fee includes the cost of the opening function, breakfasts, lunch boxes for each of the two diving days, T- shirt and the prize giving functions.

Boat fuel and oil are for the Teams own account the total cost of which will be tallied for all participating Teams over the tournament and then divided equally between the participating Teams. Each Team, with entering the competition, will lodge a deposit of R 4 000 towards these costs and any surplus/shortfall of monies will be refunded/paid equally to/by all Teams after the last day of the Tournament.

2.2. The sign on will be at Cape Boat and Ski-Boat Club, on Tuesday, 6h MAY 2008. All teams must register with Derek Muller and AJ Rabie the Registration Officers.
All the competitors must sign an Indemnity Form, which indemnifies the organizers, SADSAA,SAUFF, the sponsors and any personnel involved in the Tournament or the organisation thereof.


3. WELCOMING FUNCTION: BRIEFING AND BOAT DRAW3.1 Briefing and Boat draw will take place at the Cape Boat and Ski-Boat Clubhouse on Tuesday, 6th MAY 2008 and will start at 18H00.

3.2 Attendance of all competitors is compulsory. Dress is informal.

4. BOATS AND SKIPPERS
4.1 Boats and Skippers will be provided by the Organisers and no other boats will be permitted in the competition. Only boats deemed suitable by the Committee have been chosen.

4.2 Skippers will adhere to all the rules, radio reporting times and procedures as laid down by the Organisers.

4.3 All boats used in this competition will comply with local regulations governing the use of such boats.

4.3 Each boat will carry only one Skipper together with one diving Team. No other people are permitted on any Tournament boats without the consent of the tournament committee.

4.4 The Skipper of the boat will be bound by Tournament Rules. The Skipper may assist the competitors making baits whilst at sea and with the gaffing of fish, but only when expressly requested to do so by the Captain of the Team.

4.5 Boat Skippers will at all times act as referee and will report any transgression in the rules to the Organisers.

4.6 All boats must fly an Alpha flag (diver down flag) whilst diving is in progress.

4.7 No boat may have fishing lines in the water when any diver enters the water.

4.8 Media representatives will be randomly assigned to boats before the boat draw.

4.8 All radio communications between tournament boats and between the Organisers and tournament boats will be initiated by a call-up on VHF Marine Channel 71 only, unless otherwise Instructed by the Organisers.
Cellular telephone communications, wherein any matter related to the Tournament is discussed, is strictly prohibited. Trunking Radios are strictly prohibited.

4.9 No alcoholic beverages shall be consumed or be allowed on the Tournament boats during the Tournament whilst at sea.

5. SPEAR FISHING EQUIPMENT

5.1 Competitors shall be allowed to use the following spear fishing equipment: mask, snorkel, fins, protective suit, knifes and weight belt.

5.2 One or more spearguns of spring, rubber or compressed air variety, loaded with the competitor’s own muscular skill, may be used loaded with the competitor’s own muscular skill, may be used.

5.3 No auxiliary breathing apparatus (other than snorkel ) may be used. No power heads may be used in anyway to assist in shooting or fighting fish.

5.4 Floats must be used at all times when the diver is in the water. Floats must be a readily visible colour and must be a minimum of 30 litres and no more than 80 liters, and be clearly visible in the water during choppy or rough seas.

5.7 Any competitor loading a speargun outside the water or leaving the water with a loaded speargun will be automatically disqualified. It is also forbidden to have a loaded unattended speargun attached to the buoy.

RULES
5.1 There will be no discussion and/or deviation from any of the Rules unless officially made by the tournament committee.

5.2 Only game fish may be speared. No species of shark, skates, rays, sunfish or any reef fish may be speared.

5.3 Any fish wounded by a team can under no circumstances be claimed by another team spearing it on the same day of the competition.

5.4 No fish shall be entered in the competition if it was speared while being hampered by any line or apparatus, from swimming freely.

5.5 Team members may assist each other in fighting a fish. No help may be accepted in fighting a fish from any other team. Once a fish has been subdued and killed, a competitor may accept outside assistance in boating the catch.

5.6 It is forbidden to exchange catches between teams. Any team found doing so will be disqualified.

5.7 Competitors must remain within 40 meters of their floats and may not be further than 75 meters from his boat.

5.8 One team member will always stay onboard the boat to assist the skipper.

5.9 All participants must comply with the current regulations of Sea Fisheries and Marine Resources legislation and everybody is expected to be familiar with the current legislation relevant to the area in which they are diving. Every diver must insure that he is in possession of a spear fishing permitted.

5.10 Each team will be responsible for obtaining bait for each day of diving. Bait will be for sale at Cape Boat and Ski-Boat Club on the morning of launching.





SCORING

6.1. Only game fish may be speared and will be scored as follows:
a.) Tuna’s ONE point per kilogram
b.) Cape Yellowtail TWO points per kilogram
c.) Dorado’s THREE points per kilogram


6.2 Points for other species of game fish will be awarded to any other game fish not listed above.

6.3 Only ten (10) fish in total may be weighed in per team per day.

6.4 All fish weighed in will be the property of Bellville underwater club and will be donated to charity. The organizers of the event have obtained dispensation.


6.5 No individual scoring will be made, only teams will get points.

6.6 No minimum weight for game fish other that legal size if prescribed by legislation.


6.7 Weight will be measured to the lowest 100 grams. The scale will be correctly calibrated for the competition.

6.8 The Official scales will be maintained each of the two diving days from 16H00 at the weigh in station situated at CAPE BOAT AND SKI-BOAT CLUB and all fish must be weighed on these scales as soon as the fish is brought ashore.

6.8 Only the members of the team shall be present within the weigh in area during the weigh in and recording of the scores for the team in question. The captain shall witness the weights of the fish in his team’s catch, whilst the other member witnesses that the scores are correctly recorded. Before the weigh master commences the weigh in for the next team, the captain shall sign the score sheet accepting that he is satisfied with the scores recorded.

6.9 All fish submitted for official weighing shall be weighed and judged only by the published Official Weigh master and the fish may have its stomach contents examined for whatever purposes

6.10 Any PROTEST, concerning the validity of any catch shall be filed in writing by the protesting team and addressed to the adjudicating Committee and delivered to the Tournament Chairman within one hour, of the close of weigh-in.

6.11 The decision of the Adjudicating Committee is final.


6.12 All Fish, on being weighed, will be marked by the Weigh master.
6.13 The Team with the highest number of points will be the winner.

6.14 In the event of a tie the Team with the lesser number of individual qualifying fish will receive one (1) additional point.

6.15 The results of the Tournament will be decided over the actual number of days fished.

6.16 Skippers positions over the Tournament will be calculated by using the point scoring system.

6.17 When a standby boat which was not in the boat draw is activate replace a tournament boat for whatever reason, it shall score position points from the day it is activated only.

[AJRABIE]

7. TOURNAMENT ADJUDICATING COMMITTEE & WEATHER COMMITTEE

7.1 There shall be a Tournaments Adjudicating Committee consisting of:
The CBSC Tournaments Officer or his Nominee, CBSBC Radio and Safety Officer, the tournament director and the club Chairman.

7.2 There will be separate weather committee consisting of:
The CBSC Tournaments officer, CBSBC Radio and Safety Officer, an elected Team Captain and an elected Skipper.


8. FISHING TIMES
8.1 The competition will start on Wednesday the 7th May 2008 and the end on Saturday 10th May, weather permitting. The best two weather days will be used for going to see.

8.2 Launching of Tournament boats shall commence from the Cape Boat and Ski-Boat Club. All boats will congregate immediately behind the Boat Rock on each diving day of the competition at 06h30. All the boats will commence to the fishing grounds as a group.

8.3 “DIVERS UP” time each day will be 15H00 except for Saturday, the 10th May 2008 which shall be 14H00.

8.4 The radio officer will call “DIVERS UP” daily. Any fish still being fought which were speared prior to the call-up must be reported immediately to the radio officer and/or as soon as the skipper is able to make the call. All Skippers must conform to this call and they must specify the number of fish on board at this time.

8.5 One (1) hour EXTRA TIME will be allowed to fight the fish from the time of the lines up call, this call may be taken by the “control Boat of the Day, Scarborough Radio or the Radio and Safety Officer” NO EXTRA TIME WILL BE GRANTED ON SATURDAY THE 10TH OF MAY 2008.
8.6 In the event of a weather decision being made during a diving day, all boats must immediately return to Cape Boat and Ski-Boat Club. No more than ten (10) minutes will be allowed to boat an already speared fish.


9. PRIZE GIVING FUNCTION

9.1 The prize-giving Banquet will be held at the Clubhouse of CAPE BOAT AND SKI-BOAT CLUB on Saturday, the 10TH MAY 2008 at 19H00.

9.2 Attendance of all competitors is requested and the dress is informal.

Each skipper must act as a referee and ensure the rules are strictly observed

Tournament Director: Craig Hagan (082 465 0297)
Tournament CBSC Officer: Greg Pengelly (072 417 8120)
Boat Master: Mike Pulcella (082 894 9208)
Radio and Safety Officer: Geoff Hawkins (082 955 4440)
Clubhouse Manageress: Colleen Pulcella (082 320 9591)
Tournament Financial Officer: Derek Muller (082 459 3071)
Catering : Willie v/d Merwe (0731643379)
Fuel Officer: Stuart Meikeljohn (083 675 3518)
Weighmaster: Budgy Grant (083 287 9040

[Griswold]

I see that the rules have been modified to allow team members to assist each other in fighting a fish. I assume that this was done due to the team nature of the event.

It raises a couple of questions in my mind.
(1) Can a team member other than the one who initially shot the fish 2nd shoot it?
(2) Can the third team member who is in the boat pull in the bungie?

Please understand that I'm not advocating or arguing against either, I just see these as potential areas of disagreement if they are not clearly addressed in the rules.

Thanks,

Chad

[downandout]

I would like to thank All involved in the tournament's preparation, so far this has been the best organized and best, bang for the buck tournament I have ever heard of, I am truly looking forward to fishing with and enjoying this great event with you all.

Just over one month until we hit the water and I can't wait,

D&O:thumps:

[AJRABIE]

I see that the rules have been modified to allow team members to assist each other in fighting a fish. I assume that this was done due to the team nature of the event.

It raises a couple of questions in my mind.
(1) Can a team member other than the one who initially shot the fish 2nd shoot it?
(2) Can the third team member who is in the boat pull in the bungie?

Please understand that I'm not advocating or arguing against either, I just see these as potential areas of disagreement if they are not clearly addressed in the rules.

Thanks,

Chad

Hi Chad
To answer your first question absolutely the second diver can shoot the second shot it's a team comp and we want you to land some fish.
To answer your second question I'm not sure we will have to discuss that at the next meeting. I did not make the rules so I'm uncertain. I prefer to land my fish myself.
If it's your first yellowfin tuna the other divers should let you land it yourself cause it's part of the experience to fight the fish yourself, but that's a team decision. If it was me on the boat as the 3'rd diver I'd laugh and help, but you'll never hear the end of it at the bar that night!
AJ

Hope that helps
AJ

[Wilddiver]

6.4 All fish weighed in will be the property of Bellville underwater club and will be donated to charity. The organizers of the event have obtained dispensation.

HI AJ,
Originally teams were allowed to keep one fish per day. Has this changed? I know a lot of the guys are looking forward to eating their fish, making sashimi etc, and even taking some home. After all, most of us spearfish for the eating of it and such a ruling could certainly put some spearos off entering events like this in the future...
Daryl.

[AJRABIE]

Word from Craig on Chad's question:

In answering Chad's Query.
On his first question;
Can a second team member shoot a kill shot, yes we are going to allow it.
On his second question can the third member pull in the bungy cord while in the boat this assisting to land the fish; no it will not be allowed. We realize that with assistance the diver will not be able to claim a record but it is the call the team and the team captain will have to make at the time.
Our reasoning is to get the skipper and team to work together to land their maximum tally of 10 fish per day. Our aim is also to try and maximize each divers chance of getting a chance to shoot and land a trophy fish.

A tournament of this magnitude could not take place without Sponsors. I realize the rules is not the norm, however we need to also give the sponsors value for their money by bringing fish to the scales . All fish will be cut and boxed and the sponsors logos will be put on the boxes and handed to charities of their choice where they will get great publicity.

( Changed the rule wording to )



5.5 Team members may assist each other in fighting and subduing a fish. No help may be accepted in fighting a fish from the skipper or the 3rd team member while on the boat or another team. Once a fish has been subdued and killed, the team and skipper may accept outside assistance in boating the catch.

[AJRABIE]

Hi Daryl
I hear you and you carry my centiment, and I know I have said you can keep one fish per day, however I must appologize since I'm only one person and it seems I have been out voted. However I will take this up with craig and get a final answer to your question. I hope we can find some middle ground and be able to satisfy everyone.

Thx
AJ

[Wilddiver]

If anyone is putting together tuna trips right before or after the tournament, I'd like to spend as much time as possible in the water while we're there. Others on my team would probably be game too.

Thanks,

Chad

Hi Chad,
Yes, there is a possibility of getting some water time before the event. When do you arrive in Cape Town? Where are you staying ? (Oatlands like the rest of us?) Give me a call when you're there, my cellphone number is +27726226299. I'll be in Cape Town from about April 28, but the weekend May 3,4,5 could be good.
Daryl.

[AJRABIE]

Hi Daryl
Harch words but everyone has an opinion I quess. Maybe before any further opinions are formed and any more damage is done let me explain something, we are in the public eye with this comp and you should not forget that and let me explain our position:

Craig will give a formal reply which I will post, but I think I need explain a couple of thinks you might or might not be aware of, but the international divers do not know.
The commercial anglers have been complaining for a while about recreational divers selling illegally fish caught and speared. At present 10 yellowfin per recreational diver per day, flooding the marker illegally hurt the commercial anglers. The commercials want to reduce our quota to 2 fish per day. For us to obtain dispensation we have to keep MCM happy and need to set a example. So you can maybe understand why we have to take a strong stand on rule 6.4. We did not know MCM would give us such a hard time but we had too say all fish shot will be given to charity to obtain dispensation.
However we as committee and fellow spearo’s understand where you are coming from and we want to accommodate everyone. All fish will be audited, but what we propose to do is ask which teams want fish, if there is fish speared, and we will cut up a fish or two and provide the divers with a fillet or two. Say 10 kg’s a diver?, even place it in a nice bag for you. However we cannot simply say have a fish, because of what I just explained. So we need to keep a record of all fish and prove that no fish could be sold illegally. Also of course we want to keep the sponsors happy and there is quite a few, by of course giving as much as possible of the fish to charity.


AJ

[Wilddiver]

Thanks AJ, and Craig called too. Great to hear that we will be able to get some fish...you are welcome to join us for some sashimi one night! Maybe even a char-grilled tuna steak (rare!) on the braai at Oatlands! I'm sure many of the divers will be happy with this dispensation...

[Wilddiver]

Hey Everyone

just a little up date on whats happening off cape point at the moment
today a couple deck boats got some good yellowfin (average carcass in the range of 35 to 55kg) at the 35"16 and 18"42, its a little further south than were we normally run (normally anywhere around the 34"36 & 18"06, 34"48 & 18"10) but we'll just have to go were the fish are,



Hey Ryan, how much further south is that really? Just a little or are we talking further than most of the boats in the comp are allowed to operate? From your reference that looks way south of the canyon...are we talking 50, 60 or 75 miles offshore? More? Less?

Do you have any knowledge of the boats that are being used in the comp? Obviously some will be bigger and more comfortable for long hauls out to the tuna grounds, but have the boats in use been vetted for ease of exit from the water for divers? I'd hate to have to try pulling myself over the gunwales of some of the big fishing boats, specially if they don't have a loading door in the transom. As I reckon a lot of the contestants in the comp will be of the more senior variety this is an important consideration!

[Griswold]

Thanks for the clarification of the rules - I'm happy with the results. As a team event, I can see allowing team members to help each other. I also agree that having the 3rd team member in the boat pulling in the bungie goes too far.

Wilddiver, We are staying at the Oatlands too. Looking forward to meeting everyone - sashimi sounds great.

[RyanNienaber]

What an interesting bit of reading on this wall

Since everyone is entitled to there opinion id would just like to share mine with fellow divers.

To me it seems like this comp so far has been very well planned and a lot of organization done, to make it a fun, enjoyable trip for everyone without having to sacrifice a lot of money. This is obviously due to the tremendous sponsorships that have been obtained.

It saddens me to read such negative remarks by a mild few, but I guess in every group there will always be one or two that are not happy ( and it is so easy to shout the odds, and is normally done so by those who are not willing helping to solve a problem and just like to create problems)

People not been happy on donating there fish from the comp. to needy charities because they want to take it home to eat it quite frankly shocks me,
1) Firstly how can you eat a 50kg fish between your family, even a group of friends is very difficult, I mean how much sashimi can you eat? One or two pieces a person and we all know yellow fin tuna does not freeze well for sashimi, unless you have a minus 60 degrees freezer at home or a carbon monoxide vacuum packing machine.
2) Secondly do you really think the international guys are going to take there fish back home with them? Are they going to pack it in there bags and put it on the airplane?
3) Thirdly if you spear in cape town often go catch a tuna to eat on any other of the 365 days a year when there is not a comp. on that you have entered.

Plus come on guys we all know why the fish is been donated to charity, this is
a) so dispensation is granted by the MCM officials
b) to help those less fortunate than ourselves
c) so that positive light can be shed on spearing, to try move away from the negative light that is placed on spearos of depleting the oceans fish stocks (which we all know is not true because spear fishing is very selective)
d) the fish is given to a charity so that no recreational individual can benefit from fish illegally sold. As it is recreational fisherman in south Africa are already in jeopardy of loosing there right to catch tuna from 10 a day to 2 a day (after the last rights committee meeting) because of the large numbers of tuna that are sold to the local market illegally, and the comp is trying to show the officials at MCM that we are not all blood thirsty spearo’s/fisherman that want to rape the ocean and sell stock illegally. They are already limiting our rights to dive in certain areas in south Africa lets not burn our bridges and give the government any leg to stand on to ban any more areas or activities (ie. Spearfishing, crayfish diving etc…)
e) as divers in south Africa it is our responsibility to set a positive example of sustainable fishing if we all want to continue the sport we love!!!




Quote from wall above
“Quite frankly had this rule been in force from the outset - ie. when the tournament was first advertised and rules set out and I paid for my team - I and my team members probably would not have bothered coming. I think it is unfair that once teams have paid and committed this important criteria is simply changed to our detriment.

Is there also a rule saying we have to weigh every fish we land...or can we keep back a fish for our own consumption. Or shoot an 11th or 12th on the boat?

I guess this is why the divers the internationals on this board would really like to meet - Tommy and Miles - are not participating!

I think it sucks and really hope your organising committee have a rethink on this one...it is not even as if every team would want to take a fish, but some of us do actually shoot to eat, not just to parade a trophy!”


I see no reason why fish donated to charity would put divers off from coming to sunny south Africa in the future, to come spear fish and enjoy our culture.


To shed a little positive light in everyones direction I believe there was some tremendous tuna landed this weekend by the returning deckboats off cape point far in the south as I mentioned before. After speaking to a couple of the deckboat skippers today they told me they had followed the fish from the 35”34 and 18”55 heading in a direction towards the canyon to the 35"16 and 18"42 were they finished off there catches before retuning home. They had catches of up to 120 yellowfin and 700 long fin on a deckboat for three days fishing. They got the fish behing the longliners where they said they battled to get the yellowfin to bite the hooks as the water was so clean and the fish were lazily swimming around the boat all day in the chum line. I think total catches in houtbay for deckboats packing for Mondays export market is about 600 yellowfin and in cape town around 500 odd yellowfin, all fish are averaging around 45-50kg and one or two carcases I saw today upto 80kg.

In the canyon where we hope to dive the comp, the water has not quite made up its mind on what it wants to do yet, I spent three days there this week fishing and diving there and had mixed results. It seems like the water has’nt quite settled after the weather that we have just had and we found pockets of hot (blue water) and cold (green water but still divable), with lots of skippies and long fin tuna on there “current” lines were the hot and cold water met, we got a couple yellowfin on the bait, backlines and spear, with the biggest yellowfin weighing in at 72kg’s

Also even closer to the point at the 34”34 and 18”22 piles of longfin tuna were caught, these were only 7-10kg and jumping all over the surface, with some large yellowtail swimming along with them.

The weather is bad here for the next couple days but I will try get another report to everyone asap.

Enjoy
Ryan

[miles]

Hiya

I don’t see any big excitement in meeting “tommy and co.” and im sure no divers are coming here to meet a golden oldie spearo, im sure they are coming here to shoot a yellowfin

Yeah, would would possibly want to meet Tommy Botha? The legend, who dominated the spearfishing scene in South Africa, who won 11 spearfishing nationals, the guys who Terry Maas calls one of the best spearo's on this planet in his book Blue Water Hunting, the guy who perfected the art of spearing and landing Yellowfin tuna off Cape Point, the guy who has designed and built his own range of wooden speargun, the guy who has designed and perfected probably the best float system for large tuna, the guy who has possibly speared the most Yellowfin tuna on the planet. Yeah, who'd possibly want to meet that "golden oldie":rolleyes::rolleyes:

Your second post here and your ignorance is astounding!!

After speaking to a couple of the deckboat skippers today they told me they had followed the fish from the 35”34 and 18”55 heading in a direction towards the canyon to the 35"16 and 18"42 were they finished off there catches before retuning home.

For those not in the know, the "Canyon" is about 25nm from land. The closest co-ordinates, as per Ryan above is almost 50nm from the canyon!! Just for the record, i was in that area on Thursday, my other mates, who are all commercial DAY fishing boats also fished the "Canyon" area on Friday and Saturday. Between us 4 experienced commercial boats, we managed 4 yellowfin for the 3 days!! When i was out there on Thursday, the fish had actually moved a 30nm FURTHER off-shore than where they were the previous day. What boat were you spearing from?? You are aware that the boats listed as comp. boats are only allowed to go 40nm off-shore? The fish have been caught the last few day between 60 and 80nm off-shore.

Do you have any knowledge of the boats that are being used in the comp? Obviously some will be bigger and more comfortable for long hauls out to the tuna grounds, but have the boats in use been vetted for ease of exit from the water for divers? I'd hate to have to try pulling myself over the gunwales of some of the big fishing boats, specially if they don't have a loading door in the transom. As I reckon a lot of the contestants in the comp will be of the more senior variety this is an important consideration!

I know for a fact that on the Kei-marine, 660DV and the Robcraft, i most certainly would not be able to get back into the boat, as they have no swim/boaring platform and the gunwhales are quite high. Wilddivers concerns are therefor quite legitimate...........

Words of advice, you're talking about hosting an INTERNATIONAL event. ATTACKING the very same people that helped promote your event is plain silly!!

Regards
miles

[AJRABIE]

Hi everyone.
Let's not spoil the event.
IF anyone wants to make personal remarks rather send personal messages.
Hi Miles nice to finally meet/hear of you also.
As we said from the beginning we are doing it for the greater good of the sport.
AJ

[AJRABIE]

Hi Daryl

Thank s for the comment! We are open to suggestions and criticism and therefore value the opportunity to clarify all these and any other issues, before the competition starts.

South Africa finds itself at a point in time where new legislation has been introduced to protect marine resources and to correct the injustices of past legislation. Recreational diving and fishing finds itself in a political hot spot at the moment.

In order to guarantee the future of the tournament and the sport we have adopted a proactive approach . Marine and Coastal Management (MCM) is supportive of the tournament mostly because of the fact that the fish will go to Unite Against Hunger and we’re going to give them our full support in order to ensure the future of the tournament.

We did state in the original posting of the rules that a fish can be taken, and of course we want the guys to enjoy a fish. However we have to ask for your understanding of the legislative environment within which we operate.

It is a pity that Tommy will not be diving. I know he has sold some of his products to competitors and he has accepted our invitation to the opening function.

Craig Hagan

[SpearMax]

Yeah, would would possibly want to meet Tommy Botha? The legend, who dominated the spearfishing scene in South Africa, who won 11 spearfishing nationals, the guys who Terry Maas calls one of the best spearo's on this planet in his book Blue Water Hunting, the guy who perfected the art of spearing and landing Yellowfin tuna off Cape Point, the guy who has designed and built his own range of wooden speargun, the guy who has designed and perfected probably the best float system for large tuna, the guy who has possibly speared the most Yellowfin tuna on the planet. Yeah, who'd possibly want to meet that "golden oldie":rolleyes::rolleyes:


Most spearos I know would want to meet Tommy Botha for sure! One of the things that is great about certain tournaments and expos in the USA like the Nationals and the Blue Wild Expo is the great opportunity to meet and spend time with the "legends" of the sport of spearfishing. Miles is right on in his post about the value of doing that.


In order to guarantee the future of the tournament and the sport we have adopted a proactive approach . Marine and Coastal Management (MCM) is supportive of the tournament mostly because of the fact that the fish will go to Unite Against Hunger and we’re going to give them our full support in order to ensure the future of the tournament.

Craig, the above is an outstanding point. Having good relations with the fishing regulatory authorities and portraying a positive public perception of the sport are two super critical priorities to be kept in mind. Proactive approaches work for us here in the USA. For example, in Florida and California, certain spearfishing tournaments have great track records of working with fish scientists to help collect valuable data about the current state of the fishery. Over long periods of time in many case, this can be very useful data for their research. The same is true of donation of excess fish to the poor. The public relations value is wonderful. The steps you are taking are positive things to help foster the preservation of the sport of spearfishing. Good luck to everyone! Tony :cool:

[AJRABIE]

Hi everyone.

Regarding Ryans remark about Tommy, he's young and probably should have know better. I had a nice discussion with miles this morning, and thank you for phoning me miles! Now I too know miles! Rather late than never!
It's a shame the committe should however carry the brunt of Ryans remarks, since everyone here speaks for themself even me. Only Craig Hagan's posts that I post from time to time as Tourament Organizer in italics should be taken as binding regarding rules et cetera.
Thank You Miles for all your contrabutions I look forward to meeting you in person maybe on the 6'th of May for the opening if you can make it? I know Tommy will be there to give the competitiors their floats et cetera.
Maybe Ryan and you Daryl can take your discussion up in private cause you are doing more harm than good.
Whatever anyone says from here will just add fire on the wood so lets rather focus on getting everyone safe is SA and shooting BIG fish!

AJ

[AJRABIE]

Hi Eric

No beef and some fish will be given to divers, the exact amount I cannot say, but it will be done.
I promise you that.
Let's have a drink on tuesday the 6'th and all remember this is a big PR event for spearfishing.
Ryan did not mean it the way everyone is blowing it out of proportion and for obvious reasons we have asked him to not post anymore posts so please stop hammering on that point.

Who needs lead for thier weightbelts I need to start getting numbers/ amounts
Thx
AJ

[BigMako]

Chalk me up for 12lbs please AJ. Just in case no one has said this lately...
I think you guys are doing a great job. All of my concerns/needs have been taken care of expeditiously. Great Job so far.

[NOTANX]

On his second question can the third member pull in the bungy cord while in the boat this assisting to land the fish; no it will not be allowed.

good call

[NOTANX]

im sure you guys wont have enough wieght for everyone. is there anywhere to buy cheap wieghts there?

[Wilddiver]

im sure you guys wont have enough wieght for everyone. is there anywhere to buy cheap wieghts there?

Weights are pretty cheap most places here in SA...I think I paid less than $3 each (for a 1kg weight) last time I bought some. You will find most dive gear prices, specially the locally produced guns like Rabitech, Rob Allen, Freedivers and Pelaj (assembled locally), really cheap. Louis from Rabitech can get you fitted out in a custom wetsuit for about $200!

Maybe contact Louis - he will be at the tournament - and tell him what you need and place an advance order. His email is rabitech@netactive.co.za

Come on over, the water's great!

[AJRABIE]

Chalk me up for 12lbs please AJ. Just in case no one has said this lately...
I think you guys are doing a great job. All of my concerns/needs have been taken care of expeditiously. Great Job so far.

Sure no prob. Louis is the best bet if you want to buy, I and 8 friends have kindly donated our belts + weights for the cost of a beer or two at the bar in the evening ofcourse. I have discussed the issue with louis and he has some second hand lead we can borrow if we run short for international divers needs.
A bit of a waist to buy for only using once.

Anyone else?
AJ

[AJRABIE]

Today I received some great IF&SN magazines and back issues for the lucky packets however i'm in two minds of keeping them for myself(joke). I love the older mags I only found out about this mag last year june, now it's like christman came early with issues all the way back to 2000!
AJ

[23six]

AJ - I have been impressed from day one of learning about this tourny. Keep up the good work, you can not make all people happy all the time. You have my gratitude for putting in all the effort (you and your team/crew/promoters) for what will amount to a good time, a great event and some lasting memories (for little personal financial gain if any). I can't wait to meet all you guys and the other competitors. Thanks again...

[23six]

wow :O i hope someone makes a dvd of this one

fear not...

[AJRABIE]

From the Organizers.
Cape Town’s first Tuna Spear fishing Tournament
Based on what has transgressed on Spearboard.com over the past few days the tournament organizers would like to respond as follows in the interest of good relationships and transparency.
The tournament was started by a handful few of Bellville Underwater Club members with the following in mind:
• To enhance the sport of blue water hunting in South Africa.
• To build relationships between divers and the fishing fraternity.
• To give divers a cost effective opportunity to hunt in our waters.
• To enhance the image of spear fishing with MCM and other interested parties.
• And to meet fellow divers and just have a fun filled event.
With our budget of just over $10 000 (US) we cannot possibly compete with international tournaments the likes of La Paz World Cup, Blue Water Classic, Cape Hatteras Blue Water Open etc. What we can deliver on is energy and enthusiasm for our sport and a unique venue off Cape Point known for its world-class tuna waters.
If you have followed the various web postings of the last few weeks you’ll know that the fishing hasn’t been that great. The season has however definitely changed and we’re hoping for the fish to come closer in-shore.
We have said from the outset that to be able to make this tournament work we had to involve boat owners who are recreational fisherman. Not all of these guys are experienced in taking divers out to sea, but they know the water off the Point like the back of their hand and their boats were selected for being capable of navigating safely to and from the tuna grounds. The sport is just not big enough in South Africa yet to have boats that are specifically designed for diving, and divers might therefore find some of the boats difficult to exit the water. But, like our oldest and revered competitor , who is in his seventies Springbok Attie Lourens said, his team mates must just help. He will be participating in this tournament and only his own funeral will stop him from entering!
The support and appreciation from competitors on Spearboard.com has been enormously motivating and we must thank you for your support. A big thank you also goes to Daryl for the airtime and for putting this tournament on the map via spearboard.com. We will be asking for feedback during the course of the tournament and will appreciate honest comment in order to host an ever better event next year.
We really look forward to receiving you all with some good, old-fashioned South African hospitality – the one thing that we can promise! And off course we’re hoping for the big fish to come in and create an experience that will make your trip the best ever.
Craig Hagan:thumps::thumps:

[Wilddiver]

:thumps::thumps:Heard from tuna dive and fishing charter operator and marine biologist Dave Christie, with whom I've dived before, yesterday that although the tuna season has had a slow start this could be beneficial for us in May, as he says the fish are starting to move closer to The Canyon and we could be in for a great time in May and June (when I will be back there with Virgili from Canada).:thumps::thumps:

So thanks to AJ and Craig (plus all the others behind the scenes) and hopefully thanks in advance to Neptune and the weather gods too!:D

[AJRABIE]

Hi there
Bait will be between R7 and R10 per kg. Thant's whole sale price and will be avaliable in 5kg or 10kg boxes depends on what we get.
You will need atleast 10 x 5kg boxes per day.
Hope that helps for the budget.
AJ

[Wilddiver]

Giving Away the Local Secrets!

For those not familiar with the Cape style of tuna diving, with reference to AJ's note above, how we operate here is first to try to find the trawlers (hake fish) or long line boats and pull in behind them when pulling up their lines or nets. This usually tends to bring the tuna up as they feed on bycatch spilling from the nets or lines. If you find tuna with these big commercual boats you still generally need to keep them up close to the surface with chum (burley) which is where the bait - usually frozen sardines or pilchards which you chop up and drop over the side of the boat...this is where the third team member on the boat plays his role - is important. We will be diving in water that is perhaps 2000 feet deep, with no structures to attract the fish (no, you won't see the bottom!!!) and the only way to keep the tuna up shallow enough to spear is with bait/chum/burley. Make sure you have something to cut the burley...the boat skippers may not supply it. Flashers can have some effect, but are generally not as efficient as the burley trail, which you need to keep going constantly. Flashers work best in conjunction with a lot of burley. Understand that the tuna are perhaps cruising around under the boat at 50 or 60 metres depth, suddenly find chunks of burley raining down on them and follow this trail up to find the source. That is when you nail them with a piece of 3/8" steel! Circumstances can vary greatly...if the fish are shy and not plentiful you might be diving to 20 - 25 metres and placing long shots, which is when a big wooden blue water gun capable of nailing a fish at 10 metres range shows its advantages. On other occasions the fish can be so "tame" and aggressive over the bait/burley, usually when the tuna are plentiful, that you are almost having to push them away from the spear tip prior to shooting, and shooting from the surface. I have speared 60+ kg tuna within a minute of getting into the water, from the surface 10 feet from the side of the boat. I've also swum for more than an hour without seeing a fish within range.

Euro-style railguns are more than adequate if the fish are tame and numerous. However note that the tuna usually take off with such force and speed when hit that you can usually, if not always, count on a bent spear per fish, specially if you are using a railgun with Hawaiian flopper type spears, and the fish are in the 25kg+ range. For this reason slip-tips are preferable (though some might argue with that.) So be prepared to go through a lot of spears if you are using anything other than 3/8" (10mm) and slip-tips. You are best served by having several spare spears already rigged with line etc, so it is a simple matter to swap spears if one is bent.

Conditions out in the tuna grounds can be quite gnarly. We are 20 - 30 nautical miles offshore in one of the potentially wildest oceans on the planet. Although the organisers will choose the two best days for the comp this does not mean it will not be bumpy, wet and cold. While 3 - 5mm wetsuits are most adequate, windchill out of the water can be a factor, so have a parka or something to cover-up if necessary. Some of the boats may be open or semi-open. If you suffer from seasickness you know what works for you...take or do it! It can also be extremely hot and sunny, so a good broad-brimmed hat and lots of sun gunk is recommended. I've seen guys unable to dive after one day with their faces burnt so bad by wind and sun.

[AJRABIE]

Hi

We had a good meeting last night with some positive feedback.
It will be decided on the skippers briefing if trawling will also be allowed, since if the fish are few and far apart this might make the difference between success or failure. Obviously since there is large price money for the skippers and divers getting 1'st, 2'nd and 3 places I personally would think the skippers would want to trawl. However the tackle lost will have to be replaced by the divers. And of course these fish may not be entered into the comp. However as I said this will be a decision for the skippers. I don't think we will change any rules again, so this will probably stay a gray area, including any fish shot more than the allowed 10. These are all things divers must discuss with their skippers and I don't really want to know about.

PS the above opinion is my own, and may change after the skippers briefing depending on what the committee/ skippers / divers decide ,since anyone is welcome to come and join the skippers on the 17'th of April.

Cheers and hope this helps with clarifying some gray areas.
AJ

[Wilddiver]

Hi AJ, Good one, I was going to ask about that. I've found in the past sometimes the best way to bring fish up if they are swimming deep is by fishing for them...either trawl or bait. Once one has been hooked it causes excitement among the others and they come up to the surface to see what is going on. It would be nice if skippers have the tackle to do this (obviously on a replace if lost basis) as I guess most of the international guys would not have rods and reels etc. Just another way to ensure success!

Obviously in terms of the rules divers are supposed to stay out of the water while lines are in or a fish on the line, until it has been boated or released/lost.

[AJRABIE]

Hi Daryl
Yes for safety reasons divers must stay on-board, however there is always the commercial way of landing a fish under 5 minutes if you have thick line on the rod and you use your hands, while chumming allot, giving the other fish time to come up and the divers to get ready to dive.
AJ

[NOTANX]

just spoke with TSA. they advised that lead wieght is fine as long as it is in the check on luggage and to expect the luggage to be opened and physically inspected. he suggested that you put the lead on top so it can be seen when the luggage is opened.

[Wilddiver]

Note that although the weight may not be a problem when you fly from the USA with the "two piece" rules, once you get to SA and fly domestic from Johannesburg to Cape Town and back again you will usually be limited to 20kg baggage (30kg business or first class) unless you manage to check your stuff all the way, which is probably not possible anymore - so it is preferable to take up AJ's offer of lead being supplied, or even buy some in Cape Town.

[BigMako]

Daryl,
Do they allow you to pay for overweight baggage? I'm sure my sportube with my gear in it will weigh more than 60lbs.

[kill shot]

They did last year when I was there. I think I left with 4 bags of stuff. Most airlines will always be glad to take your money for extra baggage! I flew British Airways last year and they allowed one sport bag free which was my gun bag. I am not sure they still do this but they might. Also when leaving Cape Town take advantage of the shrink wrapping option. I remember it being pretty cheap( a few bucks and takes a few minutes) and from what I understand it keeps people from looking into your bags which as I understand can be a problem. For what it's worth nothing of mine was taken last year.

[Wilddiver]

HI BM,
Yes, as Eric says they are always happy to take your money...as much as possible! Excess baggage is unavoidable with dive gear (they don't charge for golf clubs by the way!!!???) but leaving lead behind is something you can do, as the organisers will supply it.

Play the "sporting equipment" card every flight you check in...and in South Africa tell them you are an international team coming to take part in " a big international event in Cape Town"...it always gets a little sympathy. This is a sport loving country!

[downandout]

Was just wondering what the Power (electricity) is like in South Africa, is it the same as the European system or the US?

Thanks
D&O

[AJRABIE]

Was just wondering what the Power (electricity) is like in South Africa, is it the same as the European system or the US?

Thanks
D&O

You make 1 fatal assumption and that is that you will have power.
I'm just kidding it's not that bad, but we have some problems lately with Escom our national power supplier. Two hour black outs are quite common lately. Regarding the plugs, I'm not sure, I think we are the same as Europe 220V, Daryl some help please! But the beer is cheap!
AJ

[Wilddiver]

Hi Guys, Our power here is 220volt AC, and the plugs are 15amp 3-pin round sockets. So no, it is neither like the USA or Europe or UK. I will toss into my gear bag a strip adapter that will take up to 6 USA-type mini 3-pin plugs (or 2-pin plugs) for charging camera gear etc, in case you don't find the right adapter. If you are flying SAA to South Africa they do sell an international plug adapter kit in the Duty Free on the plane! But I will take down a plug strip in case.

Most electrical components such as camera battery chargers, laptops, Ipods etc have a dual charge capability and will work on anything from your 110v - 240v.

As AJ says, because of extra demand on our national power grid (and a host of other political problems we won't go into here) we experience 2-hour load-shedding black-outs on a regular basis...but very similar to what California was experiencing last time I was there. It is an irritation and inconvenience at times, but we live with it.

Daryl.

[kill shot]

Well it is a good thing the boats run on gasoline then.:D

[Wilddiver]

[But the beer is cheap!
AJ

And strong!:D:thumps:


I'm setting off for a slow road trip to the Cape on Sunday 4/13...so if you don't hear from me again I will be looking forward to meeting all of you in Simonstown at Oatlands Village on the 4th, or failing that at the opening function of the 6th.

[AJRABIE]

Hi ALL

Please let the guys know that Registration starts from 16h00 on May the 6 at the Club house . They can call me on the cell 0824650297 or at the club 021-7861763 (Colleen is club secretary) if they have any problems. I will be out the country and arrive back on the 5 May if they need to speak to anybody they can call Ryan Nienaber 0721104709.
Looking forward in meeting them.

Craig Hagan

[miles]

Hiya

Some very good news!! Look like the tuna are back!! Fish were 18-25nm from land, and LOADS of very big albacore. Most of them in the 40-60lb class. The yellowfin were also around in good numbers, but they weren't feeding well. You could clearly see them swimming around the boat in the chum stream, often staying with you for up to an hour. Water is 22 degrees celcuis and BLUE and clean!! Best part, all the yellowfins are BIG. Two of my fish were in the 200lb class, whilst the rest were 130-150lb's.

[kill shot]

Thanks for the update Miles. Looks like you are covering the new boat with plenty of fresh tuna blood.

[AJRABIE]

Hi Guys
Yip Loads of reports streaming in that the yellowfin is finally in the CANYON!
Lot's of them.
Now let's just hope they stay there, for 2 more weeks!
AJ

[AJRABIE]

:thumps:Hi everyone
I'm off to Mosambique on Friday the 25'th of April and will be back on the 5'th of MAy the evening. So see you guys at registration. If anyone has an emergency mail me to ajr001@mweb.co.za. I'll try and look at my inbox while in Moz. So if there is anything more needed please let me know before friday the 25'th.
PS:
Get your butts over hear the fish is cooking!
:thumps::thumps:
AJ

[AJRABIE]

Hi everyone
Had a discussion with divers yesterday in the Canyon.
Dorado was shot, Yellowfin tuna, Longfin tuna and even a Big eye tuna was shot!
Apparently loads of fish out there, let's just hope it lasts till you guys arrive.
AJ

[AJRABIE]

Hi everyone
This will be my last post till comp time. Off to Moz for 10 days to go shoot some, hopefully a marlin!

I'm getting the following people at the airport on the 5'th of May.
Brian Jessurn, Jonathan Lounsbury,Vukasin Zizac ( maybe collect/ maybe own car)
Les Moscariello, Shane Burns (AJ collect)
Keith Simmons ,Jack De Villiers ,Chad Moris (AJ Collect)

I have arranged a shuttle to leave from the airport say 9:30 pm
I know Wolf will be coming in late so I'll stay and bring him myself or we can just stop at a nice waterhole at the airport until he arrives depending on own car.

Fly safely and see you soon.
Ps Berni, Ryan is getting you on the 4'th. Ryan: 0721104709 AJ :0832326381

[Wilddiver]

Well, I'm in the Cape and the weather is glorious at the moment, following a brief cold front this past weekend. Hopefully it (the good weather) will stay around for a few weeks now. Great news from Miles and others about the fish coming out at the Canyon...this contest is shaping up to be the dream we all have in our hearts and minds. Can't wait. Once again, for any of the international guys arriving early my cellphone is +27-72-6226299...I will be in Cape Town from the 28th April.

[Man-O-War]

Great news, thanks for the updates guys!

Does anyone know the best way to contact Andre Hartman for the GWS dive (sans cage)? I have tried emailing - no luck.

Have Gansbaai GW dives resumed after recent fatalities (http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,23541870-952,00.html)?
Which one was the operator that capsized?

Thanks!

W

[Wilddiver]

I'll get Andre's number and PM you later. About to pop around to see Tommy Botha and he will have Andre's current phone details. Not sure it is permitted to GWS dive sans cage anymore, for the protection of the sharks...but tghen ifg you go spearing yellowtail off Gansbaai area you will see them if that's what you want!!!

[kill shot]

I can almost smell the chum now!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Wilddiver]

Great news, thanks for the updates guys!

Have Gansbaai GW dives resumed after recent fatalities (http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,23541870-952,00.html)?
Which one was the operator that capsized?

W

Yes, all operators are back at work.

The fatalities referred to, for anyone not opening the link, were caused by a freak wave flipping one of the dive operator's boats and passengers being trapped underneath. Rescuers came to the aid of others in the water very quickly, and none of the fatalities could be attrributed to sharks, or even negligence. Just one of those freak occurrences.

[Wilddiver]

This is, for the benefit of those of you coming to Cape Town for the comp next week, the view I woke up to this morning, off the rocks in front of the house where I am staying. For those of you not coming...this is what you are missing. Start saving for 2009!

[SpearMax]

This is, for the benefit of those of you coming to Cape Town for the comp next week, the view I woke up to this morning, off the rocks in front of the house where I am staying. For those of you not coming...this is what you are missing. Start saving for 2009!

Daryl, I remember that view well. Has to be one of the best on earth! :yay:


I assume you can still take the cable car to the top of Table Mountain. Tony :)

[NOTANX]

i cant wait!!

[miles]

Lets taunt you guys a bit more....:D:D

[Wilddiver]

Daryl, I remember that view well. Has to be one of the best on earth! :yay:


I assume you can still take the cable car to the top of Table Mountain. Tony :)

Oh yes, the cable car still goes up (and down) and there is also a path for the energetic to go up (hard) or come down,(easier). The organisers are planning excursions such as this for the non-diving days during the week next week, and I've been in touch with Andre Hartman of great white shark fame as per Wolf's request above and he will organise trips for anybody wanting to do a GWS cage dive. And, he says, if it is for spearfishermen he will personally accompany the trip(s). Andre of course is a former SA champion spearo who competed at the Worlds back when.

[Wilddiver]

Lets taunt you guys a bit more....:D:D

Hey Miles, we're missing you here in CT. How are things in Canada? Shot any tuna yet? Haha!

[NOTANX]

ok....ive officially stopped sleeping until i get there.:bang:

[miles]

Hey Miles, we're missing you here in CT. How are things in Canada? Shot any tuna yet? Haha!

:lol::lol: Two words for you...... NOVA SCOTIA!!!:D:D

[Wilddiver]

Hi guys, I'm looking forward to meeting all you international competitors soon. Please take this serious piece of advice, and warn your fellow team members. Theft from check in luggage is an epidemic at South African airports, specially Johannesburg.:mad: You will probably be flying to Cape Town via Johannesburg. Please ensure your bags with valuables - such as dive knives especially!!! - and any electronics such as GPS, cameras etc. are properly locked. I know you may not lock your luggage departing from US airports (land of the free? :rolleyes:) except with the approved locks your TSA guys can open, but they are better than nothing. Preferably keep valuables (except knives! :D) in your carry on bag. Try not to check in to the flight from Jhb to Cape Town too early - in other words try not to leave your bags lying in the baggage handling area for hours, allowing thieves a longer time to open them.

Baggage theft is truly a SERIOUS problem here, and the authorities are not doing much to stop it (it is called redistribution of wealth! :()

I have had discussions with Louis Hattingh, owner of Rabitech, and we will have a selection of Euro-style spears - RA and Rabitech mechs - mono, crimps etc available at Oatlands Village where I will be staying, for those of you needing spares etc after each day's diving. You can basically count on one fish-one spear if you are using standard Hawaiian flopper type spears, so replacements could be a necessity. Spears cost about $25 each. Louis has plenty in stock specially for the tournament, so you need not carry too many spares with you.

Cheers and travel safely,
Daryl.

[kill shot]

See yall real soon.

[Wilddiver]

Well after that last post above Kill Shot unfortunately and sadly had to withdraw from this comp due to personal reasons...but the great news is that I have recruited the legendary Tommy Botha into the team in his place! I just spent several hours today at Tommy's workshop along with Chad (Griswold) and Keith (Big Mako) and both were humbled by Tommy's wealth of knowledge and hospitality. Yeah...Tom was giving away trade/team secrets!!! Wish I'd had a camera long to post some pics after the day spent with Chad & Keith, but I can assure all their friends they are both having a ball, but tonight will be an early night for them.:sleep: They took on half the Brazilian Navy in Simonstown last night and were feeling the effects today! Say no more...

The bad news for the immediate future is that a major cold front is pushing in, with winds forecast at 40, 50 and 60 km/h for the next three days. But the comp will run on the best two days of Wednesday - Saturday next week, with the later days in the week looking to be pretty damn good.

Will keep the updates coming and hopefully some pics of the Spearboard guys having fun!:beer::beer::beer::thumps::thumps::thumps:

[fishmustdie]

What is the latest guys? Pics needed to feed the ....need.....for more pics....of dead fish....big dead fish! :D

[ricky05]

mettere foto!
Echar fotos!
Put pictures!

[downandout]

Welcome from Capetown,

Not much happening here right now, the wind has come up and looks like we might get blown out and not get to fish. Maybe we can fish on Thursday, a break between storms. Right now on the fishing ground we have 10 meter waves and 60 knot gusts. Not good conditions for a 24 foot boot.

The reports have been good from the past weekend fish in the 200lb class were being caught, and the were schooled up in large schools. Longfin and big eye mixed in. hopefully we will make it out!!!

I accutally got out for some yellowtail hunting yesterday with the some local boys, no fish to be seen the storm that was in on Sunday pushed the fish out. Not that I was spending much time looking for fish. I spent most of my time looking over my shoulder for a shark with the nick name "Submarine" a 25 ft great white that cruises the spot we were hunting. The secrest spot is not hunted much by spearguys as it is only 1 mile away from the Leganday Seal Island.

Well not much esle happening here, passing the time exploring the local town and eating, to my surprise the food is world class and this area is very enjoyable and the exchange rate is greatly in our favor, so plan your trips now before that changes.

Hope to figure a way out to post some local pictures, did not bring my USB connector, but will try and find one.

Signing off,
D&O

[Wilddiver]

Down&Out has said it all. The wind continues to blow and the seas are massiove. Thursday is a "maybe" but will only be decided at 5am tomorrow morning. It does not look promising. Meanwhile the guys are kicking their heels, eating and drinking some of the Cape's world class food and wines. I have taken Griswold and Big Mako to the winelands, several visits to Rabitech and Tommy Botha and now all we need is the opportunity to kill some tuna.

The registrtation last night went well, with all teams drawing their boats and skippers for the event, and then an auction selling off the teams for a sweepstake/lottery, the winning team owner taking the pot.

Most expensive team of the night was that of yours truly, no doubt because of the presence in my team of the legandary Tommy Botha. But at the end of the day, it will come down to a lot of luck.

Ironically it looks as though early next week will have perfect conditions with 3-4 knots of wind and a 2 foot swell! Some of us will certainly stay on, if not for a comp then only to shoot fish.

Here are some pics from the opening function, with images 1-3 showing Griswold and Big Mako being auctioned, Man-o-War and 23Six with Tommy Botha, and Team IF&SN/Pelaj's Zak, Wilddiver and Tommy Botha.

[SpearMax]

Daryl, I pray the seas have subsided for you guys. Good luck! Thanks for the report. Tony

[virgili]

Rain and smog? cold front... do you use 5 or 7 mm wsuit?

[AJRABIE]

It's cold at Cape Point, say the water is about 13 degrees celcius at the moment but it picks up to about 21 degrees in the deep where the big tuna's are. 7mm will be over kill, 5 mm was recomended from the start.
Thx

AJ

[AJRABIE]

List of sponsors for the gift bags handed out at the opening function.
Included I have a picture of the contents of one of the two gift bags that was handed out at the opening function. The theme is proudly south African and most of the products in the bags are Local produce usually not found any where else in the world.
Things like Rooibos tea , Vital health products, Peppadews, Amarula ( Great liquer, I heard Wolf says it goes great with coffee if you don’t have any cream and sugar!) only to name a few.
The opening function was a great success and Daryl already posted a few pictures.
One of the great things to see was the amazing guns, like Keith gun (BigMaco). One day if I’m big I’m getting one of those. Maybe you can post a picture Keith if you get back to the states. Regarding the Australian boys real hardcore lads, Martin and gang are really friendly maybe a bit crazy to go out in weather I’d never go, just glad they made it back. Amazing blokes and I’m really glad I could meet them. Bernie Finnerty is a great gentleman and I hope I can learn allot more from him. Tommy Botha and Daryl Balfour are great guys and I just want to thank both personally for what they have done for the for the International competitors and for the sport of spearfishing in general.

[ZAK]

Well, bad weather continues to dog the first ever Cape Town Yellowfin Tuna International contest, with strong northwesterly winds preventing the fleet of 15 boats setting to sea. Yesterday two “weather boats” were sent out to assess conditions, but the spearos weathermaster, Tommy Botha, along with yours truly and Zak Zuccaro, Peter Burley one of the boat captains, as well as the team and crew on one of the other boats ruled that it was not possible or safe to dive the conditions. Remember that this event takes place at least 30 miles off Cape Point, one of the most dangerous and stormy points in the world, at the southern tip of Africa. Lost divers out here will die, almost undoubtedly.

Several of the international spearos have already elected to return home, a day before the contest is due to end, because of continuing bad weather predictions. However, according to Tommy Botha, one of the most experienced divers in Africa (if not the world) and a veteran of these tuna grounds, a window could open up at any stage and the remaining contestants are holding thumbs for the final day, Saturday. The fish are there, according to all reports, with both yellowfin and big-eye tuna up to the 100kg mark and above around, as well as numerous albacore (longfin) tuna.

It is sad that this inaugural event has been plagued by inclement weather…this is however the best time of year for an event of this kind and in fact a major national yellowfin angling event is due to start at the same area next week.

The attached picture shows frustrated divers Tommy Botha, Keith Simmons (Big Mako) and Zak Zuccaro at the Cape Town aquarium, dreaming about big fish and taking imaginary pot shots at some huge white steenbras!


POSTED BY WILDDIVER FROM ZAK'S COMPUTER

[AJRABIE]

Some pic's of venue:
The booklet, Registration, the team raffle, the boats and venue
AJ

[AJRABIE]

Some more pictures:
IFSN the official mag , the bar , the goodies, the venue and the boats.

[AJRABIE]

Hi guys
I'm going to go off topic for a sec. Since I said on this topic we were off too Mosambique for 10 days before the comp, and I dived 8 out of the 10 days. We saw marlin, sailfish but only landed spanish makrel, green jobfish and different tipes of kingfish everyday. I'm planning a trip for next year june, I'll organize the whole trip, basically we fly in to Inhambane. The tourgide brings 2 chefs allong, so all food is made. Clothes are washed, boats are launched for you and retrieved for you. Basically you just need to dive everyday and drink cheap local beer at cheap rates even for a south african, US or Aus will probably get 3 beers for a dollar!
I have place for 3 more, allready booked is 2 SA divers and 3 AUS divers.
The first picture is of one of the lodges, basically there is only a bar and lodging, probably not wife proof.
The individual on the left hand side is Jaco one of the tournament organizers.
The second picture aslo jaco, he's probably going to kill me if he sees what I posted, but since I can't remember taking it, I'll claim intoxication!
THe third picture, I'll start from left with Craig the tournament organizer, Yours truly in the middle and Jaco on the right side.
The Fourth picture is Willi also on the committee showing how to drink the native stuff shark style!
Cheers
AJ

[AJRABIE]

Hi Guys
Just thought I'd mention that one of the main things the international competitors went on about was the low prices of the spearfishing equipment which can be bought in SA. So next time you guys come around you can buy equipment for really cheap. We will take you to the manufacturers shops like Rabbitech and you will get whole sale prices during the competition. S/S spears are like $20 a spear.
Cheers
AJ

[AJRABIE]

Hi everyone
I'd just like to send out a special thanks to spearboard for hosting our thread.
Included is a couple of more pictures of the venue and teams.
I'll post the prize giving pictures as soon as possible
We will be taking out some if the International divers next week so that hopefully weather permitting, I can post some big fish shot
The first picture is of the venue
Followed with Attie @ 71 years of age our oldest diver ( green springbok jacket from some time in the 80's)
Followed with Shane, Les and Wolf from Palm Beach Divers
Followed by Team Corral Sea Australia, Martins team
The last picture is of the team raffle of how the boats were chosen for which day.
Cheers
AJ

[BigMako]

This post is a big THANK YOU to all the organizers of the tournament as well as the others who helped to make our stay in South Africa a memorable one even though we never got to go to sea. Specific members I'd like to thank for their assistance and kindness are A.J. Rabie who seemed to go out of his way for our team, and also Louis from Rabitech who was a fabulous host and went out of his way to ensure that we had every possible thing we needed.
A special thanks from our team to Daryl and Sharna Balfour, Zak and Lynne Zuccaro, and Tommy Botha who all went way out of their way to ensure Chad(Griswold) and myself had a fabulous experience in South Africa. Chad and I arrived in Simonstown on 1May and were not expected until the 5th. One phone call to Daryl and he met us in our hotel the next morning and never stopped entertaining us until the minute we left. That group took us everywhere from the Capetown mall, to Rabitech, to wine tastings, lunches, dinner, etc. These people were the epitomy of hosting and kindness. Despite the fact that they were technically on holiday with their wives, we never felt like we were unwanted. Had it not been for their efforts, the experience would not have been a very pleasant one for Chad and myself.
Last, but certainly not least, Tommy Botha. Being, probably one of the top three spearos in the world, you'd assume he'd be difficult to approach. WRONG. Tommy shared everything from his home and workshop, to tips on shooting the Tuna, to giving my team a lift to the airport as we left. Tommy's not only a world class spearo, he's a world class human being. I can't say enough about his hospitality.
In closing, I'd like to say that South Africa is a beautiful country. The people are all friendly and helpful and do all they can to make your stay a comfortable one. Even though the weather never co-operated and we didn't get to dive, will I be back next year........
YOU BET YOUR ASS!!!!! I'm booking flights as we speak to try again. Thanks again to all who made my experience a memorable one.:thumps::thumps::thumps::thumps::thumps:
Keith Simmons

[Griswold]

I have to echo Keith's thanks. The SA guys went way overboard in taking care of us.

Craig, AJ and crew - Very sorry that mother nature kicked the tourney in the arse this year. Your hard work did not go unappreciated.

Daryl, Zak and Tommy - Can't thank you enough for taking us under your wing, toting us around, showing us the country, sharing technique advice, sharing awesome stories, and doing your best to make sure we would gain enough weight that our wetsuits wouldn't fit.

Mark, Mark and Perie (sp?) - Thanks for letting me tag along to Dungeons to watch the big wave surfers get towed into huge waves. We talked to a few of them and they were pissed that the waves were only about 25'. They also thought we were crazy for planning to shoot big tuna.

Thanks for all the kind words about the carbon gun. It ment a lot that guys like Tommy and the rest of the experienced SA divers saw promise in it.

Well, I made it home for Mother's Day and will be cooking a bunch of crawfish soon, so I shouldn't be in the dog house too long.

Looks like I'll just have to come back to get a chance to shoot some of those fat tuna.

Chad

[OceanEd]

Chad & Keith:

Sorry the weather did not cooperate. I know you were really looking forward to getting out in the water.

Chad, the good news is that now you can start work on my gun!!

[AJRABIE]

Chad, the good news is that now you can start work on my gun!!


I am seriously envious. :thumps::thumps:The degree of craftsmanship in Chads gun is unrivaled; I’ve never seen crafmanship/ degree of skill like it. Its not to bulky like most wooded guns yet is has enough ballast and weight where it matters. It must have taken some years and many tries to get it to that shape. I’d even go so far as to say it’s probably 10 years ahead of it’s time. However having said that, there is obviously nothing wrong with wooden guns like Tommy Botha’s. I suppose if everyone could drive a Ferrari instead of a Ford they would, however both cars will get you from point A to B. And with that I mean shoot the Sh_t out of a 80kg+ Tuna.
Cheers
AJ

[SpearMax]

This post is a big THANK YOU to all the organizers of the tournament as well as the others who helped to make our stay in South Africa a memorable one even though we never got to go to sea. Specific members I'd like to thank for their assistance and kindness are A.J. Rabie who seemed to go out of his way for our team, and also Louis from Rabitech who was a fabulous host and went out of his way to ensure that we had every possible thing we needed.
A special thanks from our team to Daryl and Sharna Balfour, Zak and Lynne Zuccaro, and Tommy Botha who all went way out of their way to ensure Chad(Griswold) and myself had a fabulous experience in South Africa. Chad and I arrived in Simonstown on 1May and were not expected until the 5th. One phone call to Daryl and he met us in our hotel the next morning and never stopped entertaining us until the minute we left. That group took us everywhere from the Capetown mall, to Rabitech, to wine tastings, lunches, dinner, etc. These people were the epitomy of hosting and kindness. Despite the fact that they were technically on holiday with their wives, we never felt like we were unwanted. Had it not been for their efforts, the experience would not have been a very pleasant one for Chad and myself.
Last, but certainly not least, Tommy Botha. Being, probably one of the top three spearos in the world, you'd assume he'd be difficult to approach. WRONG. Tommy shared everything from his home and workshop, to tips on shooting the Tuna, to giving my team a lift to the airport as we left. Tommy's not only a world class spearo, he's a world class human being. I can't say enough about his hospitality.
In closing, I'd like to say that South Africa is a beautiful country. The people are all friendly and helpful and do all they can to make your stay a comfortable one. Even though the weather never co-operated and we didn't get to dive, will I be back next year........
YOU BET YOUR ASS!!!!! I'm booking flights as we speak to try again. Thanks again to all who made my experience a memorable one.:thumps::thumps::thumps::thumps::thumps:
Keith Simmons


Glad you all had a positive experience down there. There is always next year.

[ZAK]

:thumps:It was great meeting all you guys from the USA, and so sorry we could not arrange better weather for you. But next year is another year...hope to see y'all here!

[Wilddiver]

Well, it looks like the weather is changing at last...too late for the comp, alas, but there are still a few guys itching to get tunas. Zak and I are 500 kilometres up the coast, but after a call from Tommy today with the news that Wednesday onwards looks good we will return to Cape Town tomorrow and hopefully get some tuna pics to post later in the week. Wolf (Man-o-War) is still in Cape Town and so are the 3 Aussies, so hopefully some fish will be speared to grace these pages.

Hold thumbs for us!

I'll post some pics of the guys out tasting good South African wine, as well as a selection from the prizegiving (lucky draw) as soon as I have an opportunity to edit and size them.

[Griswold]

AJ and Craig, Please don't forget to forward all the email address to the team captains. There are several people I'd like to stay in touch with.

Thanks,

Chad

[Wilddiver]

Here are a few pics from the prize-giving...all prizes were awarded on a lucky draw basis...so nobody who stayed to the end went away empty handed.:thumps::thumps::thumps:

[23six]

Shane (Notanx) and I have made it home safely. It's a long two days of travel, but I can't wait to get back to settle some "unfinished business" with the local (aquatic) wildlife.

[AJRABIE]

Glad your safe Les and see you soon back down under in Africa.
Also those guys who want, please don't forget to send me a PM about any improvements or needs for next time around. I only received 3 expenditure reports. We are thinking of having 2 or 3 bigger boats avaliable for our more prestigeous guys, next time round, which will be launching from mooring in Simonstown. This will happen on request only.
Thx
AJ

[AJRABIE]

Just a last couple more picture of the prize giving:
Starting with Steward a skipper taking the case of brandy!
Followed by Mark and his Natal team getting 3 tuna guns, one from Freediver, one from Rabitech and one from Rob Allen.
The clubhouse taken just before starting the prize giving event
Followed by some skippers prizes, the skippers also each got cash prizes for donating their time and boats to the tournament even though we never got to sea.
Lastly some more spearo prizes, which were donated by the 3 SA largest suppliers .

[AJRABIE]

The elusive culprit

[NOTANX]

got back in yesterday afternoon. i wanted to thank all the divers, skippers and tournament organizers. they truly made me feel at home, which is important when you are half a world away. simonstown is a beautiful place and the cape boat and ski club was awesome. all of us were hearetbroken that we could not get out to the tuna grounds, however their were lots of things to do in the area and lots of shinanigans to get into. id like to thank the great whites for leaving me and les alone while we did our shore dive in false bay, id like to thank the baboons for not mauling me (i just wanted to be accepted), and id like to thank the seal in the harbour for showing some restraint when being harrased by a member of the team. i am looking forward to the trip next year. hopefully we will be able to get on the boats. i will try to post a few pics.

[BigMako]

Glad to see the Palm Beach contingency made it home safely. We'll keep our fingers crossed for Wolf. I'm sure there are some fish in South Florida that are not as happy to see you've returned. Great to meet all of you. See ya next year.
Keith

[NOTANX]

here are some. i cant stress enough the level of generousity of the SA people.

[AJRABIE]

Glad you made it back home safely shane.
I had a dream last night, I dreamed I had a glimps of a yellowfin off cape town, and it had your name written all over it.
More pictures please?
AJ

[Wilddiver]

For you guys who left early and heard the Aussies and Wolf were staying on to try for tuna after the comp closed...they went out yesterday, about 15 miles I hear, and were hammered by the wind and waves and had to return to port, no diving, no fish. Last I heard they have thrown in the towel and returned home. Zak and I are about 500 kilometres up the coast and waiting for Tommy B to join us tomorrow for some yellowtail spearing up here, but the sea looks pretty dirty with a big swell running at present, so we may even can that idea and continue northwards, where we hear Aliwal Shoal south of Durban currently has 100 foot viz and warm water...

I will be back hunting tuna in Cape Town with Virgili next month, so with luck we will post some pics of BIG fish after that...

[BigMako]

Daryl,
Remember, the securing shot comes before the "kill shot" on a BIG one.:D

[Wilddiver]

Daryl,
Remember, the securing shot comes before the "kill shot" on a BIG one.:D

Yeah yeah yeah...shoulda never told you about that one!!!:D Never mind, I'll post the pics!:D

[Wilddiver]

Some more pics from the tuna comp...sorry, no fish!:mad:

In order of appearance...the awesome weaponry of Deep South Divers team - a Wong hybrid, Chad (Griswold)'s incredible custom carbon fibre machine, and Big Mako's tuna-coloured Sea Sniper.

Some of the boys show off the arsenal...

Tommy Botha, the legend, admires the Sea Sniper.

[BigMako]

Daryl,
No matter how you slice it.....
I'm still a Cape Tuna "Wannabee":notworthy

[BigMako]

AJ and Craig,
Please don't forget to send the other teams contact information to the Team Captains. Lots of nice people we'd like to keep in touch with.

[Man-O-War]

I finally made it home late last night. What an awesome time in SA, despite the weather. Aussies and I made it out on Tuesday 18 miles past Cape Point in some 15ft seas (if not bigger), and 20mph winds, in a 25ft boat, before skipper decided to turn around. It was definitely not safe for diving. I have never seen seas that big, and it was supposed to be one of the "better" days to get out there :eek:

HUGE thanks to organizers (Craig, AJ, et al), they really went out of their way to accomodate us. We will be there next year. I stocked up on fresh gear, tasted some phenomenal food, met great people, and will be diving in Mozambique and Coral Sea next.

Wolf

[greekdiver]

and you had gay sex!

[kitespearo]

and you had gay sex!

could not have left without it:lol:

Glad you made it back safe Wolf. I am sure the Tunas will be there for the Palm Beach team.

See you soon man

[BigMako]

Welcome back Wolf. Sorry the weather stayed un-cooperative. But, at least I don't have to endure big Tuna pics saying "see, if you would have only stayed!":slap::D

[downandout]

Glade you made it home safe Wolf!

[23six]

and you had gay sex!

Glad you waited until after Shane and I left to have gay sex

[BigMako]

I'll second that. I knew I heard some strange stuff coming from the Aussie's room.

[AJRABIE]

I will sort out the banking admin this week, just waiting on 2 or three guys banking details.
Cheers
AJ

[Wilddiver]

Zak & I had to travel all the way up the coast to Umkomaas before we eventually found diveable conditions. Went out this past Sunday at Aliwal Shoal and had a great day with wahoos everywhere. First drift resulted on 4 on the boat. Best of the morning was this one of mine at 24 kilograms. First shot with the new Pelaj Kanji railgun...an awesome shooting machine, deadly silent and very accurate.

[AJRABIE]

All fuel deposit tjeks were signed last night and will be payed into the accounts by end of week.
Thx
AJ Rabie

[NOTANX]

damn, nice fish daryl

[Wilddiver]

Hope to see some of the guys who were in Cape Town for this tourny over in Costa Rica in January. Search "Costa Rica Blue Water comp" for details...

Team IF&SN/Pelaj are IN!

[NOTANX]

Hope to see some of the guys who were in Cape Town for this tourny over in Costa Rica in January. Search "Costa Rica Blue Water comp" for details...

Team IF&SN/Pelaj are IN!

oh my god, here we go again. my wifes gonna divorce me.

[23six]

I can make room in my barn for ya

[downandout]

Some photo's from the trip, thanks again for the great time!
JON

[downandout]

More photo's

[downandout]

And this one is for you Martin, he seems a bit "Pissed"

[RyanNienaber]

Hey Guys

was awesome meeting all of you when you were down here,
the tuna season is slowing down quite a bit here and we are'nt catching as many yellowfin at the moment as we were a few weeks back, with catches mostly consisting of long fin tuna, and the weather is giving us very little chance to get out there and go look for them, so i guess after thins month we'll have to wait till october when the weather clears up and the fish return.

keep well
Ryan

attached is a pic of a small yellowfin we caught on the backlines when we were out there for work...unfortunatly we could'nt take any spear guns...all work and no play...lol...

[Wilddiver]

Tournament dates for 2009 are May 4-9, five potential diving days of which we hope to dive 3 days. AJ will post mopre details here soon. We are working on a few upgrades, some bigger boats for the old timers (like me and Tommy!), a special package at a cool hotel in Simonstown, packaged GWS cage dives etc. Watch this space!

[downandout]

Just getting my finances back in order from the last trip and already now ready to book my tickets for next year. Can't wait to see you guys in May of 09!!!