No more lurking for me lets make fun of my gear...

[beyondhelp]

Been lurking for a while, posted a few times but never introduced myself.
My real name is John. I’m a computer / phone admin. Married, 2 daughters smarter ‘n me. Little boat, too small for ocean stuff. Christof was kind enough to invite me out, hopefully I can make some free time soon.

Looks like I’ll be freediving, because I think I’ll like that and because I am not certified yet. I live in Port Saint Lucie and work in Jupiter, these will be my “home areas” I’m hoping to get some practice in before Nov. Planning a trip to Islamorada then.

I bought an Undersee Bazooka II from Florida Freedivers. I made a float for shore dives out of an old boogie board. I’ve got a “snorkel kit” from Sports Authority or something. A stringer and a diy float line a-la Home Depot.

My gear isn’t the greatest but I think it’ll do for now. Looking for tips / advice etc. (mainly, I’m bored)

[JLittle44]

It sounds like you've got some determination. That goes a long way. The only advise my newbie a$$ can offer is to get in the water. You'll always want more gear, and as soon as you have it, there will be somthing else you want more. Take your time, learn and have fun.

Welcome to the board.

[chasintail]

Welcome to the tribe.Long blade fins are a must for freediving.Also I don't think the rope your are using for a float line floats.Switch to a polyproplenye rope.Less tangles.A cyclinder type float would be better.They tow much easier.

[beyondhelp]

Fins and mask are next on my list. I want to get a little time in before I buy those so I know a bit more about what I like. Years ago I had a "dive kit" special from Force-e and I think I hated every part of the gear from the mask to the fins. I am somewhat comfortable with the mask and fins I have now so I didnt want to change everything all at once.

The rope I used for my float line is advertised to float, not sure how well but I guess I'll find out. If it doesn't work out, I'll use it to tie the boat down during hurricanes.

Mike @ Fl Freedivers showed me a torpedo float I'm planning to get but I haven't used the stuff I have yet so I'll pick one up sometime soon. I just want the board for shore dives.

Thanks for the input. I have read so many threads, it's tough to absorb all the knowledge.

[ObieWan2bWet]

Welcome to Spearboard John. I think you'll find this place one heck of a learning experience. Good for a few chuckles too. Lot of really good folks here always willing to help.

PS. The best gear is the gear that gets the job done. Let 'em laugh. I would suggest as a minimum though a good mask, worth every penny.

[Hector]

Whats up John, Welcome to your new addiction. All you need to start freediving/spearfishing is drive, which it seems you already have. Get out there and start getting comfortable with diving and shooting that shiny new gun. Get some scuffs on that thing will you! You will realize what you like and what you hate about your current gear then go from there in terms of new stuff. Good luck man, its impossible to absorb all of the info on this board but its nice to know that you have the encyclopedia of spearfishing at your fingertips.
Good luck, happy hunting. Hector

[Ironhed]

welcome to the board, a great resource for all spearfishing questions and pretty much everything for that matter. although I am not a freediver I can say longblades would be my next priority as well as the float and line. with both freediving and scuba every link in the chain is important when it comes to flawless dives and success. looks like christof helped you get the bug, now it is just a matter of time and you will have all the pieces of the puzzle that works for you. good luck

[Belzelbub]

One thing about your gear that may not be apparent until you try something different is the skirt of your mask. My first mask was a clear skirt. After switching to an Oceanic Shadow (do a search on that, I think you'll find it's highly recommended) with a black skirt, I'll never go back to clear.

[titaniumdiver]

Undersee guns have been around for a long time and is a good gun that will last you for awhile.....I might suggest getting a longer gun though.....it will help you out in range....Undersee trigger mechs are great....a workhorse if you will.


If you are using that board for helping you get out from the shore it will work well.....Strap a motorcycle bungee net on it and you can carry a water bottle, and other things. If you are wanting to use it as a float for a breakaway....I would suggest a cylinder type float as most fish that you would use a float for are pelagics with soft flesh...and it might cause you to lose a good fish.


Welcome to Spearboard....and to a lifestyle. If I can be of help just pm me.


Take care,

Ti

[morey_b]

If I were you I would definitely get a set of long fins even before thinking of getting in the water. Makes a huge difference and you can get a pair relatively cheap at around $125. Can I suggest this package if you want to get a new mask and snorkel at the same time.

http://www.spearfishinggear.com/Merc...ategory_Code=P

[fast97rs]

Welcome to the board!


Your gear is fine.... but depending on how far off shore you want to go.... you might want to look into a Kayak/Canoe......


Possible upgrades would be

1) a good low volume mask with a black skirt....

Any mask with a good fit will do.... although some like one over another.... its like Ford vs. Chevy..... either single or double window/glass will do.... I like single window... but that a personal thing... try to keep it simple... no nose purge or anything like that.... less to break, and you'll have easier access to your nose

(I love my Oceanic Shadow... but am looking at the Atomic Aquatics framless mask with a black skirt and "Ultraclear" lenses... but its pricy)..... the reason for this is less air gets wasted equalizing your mask, you sight picture will be larger due to it being so close to your face, its easier to clear if SCUBA diving, and the black skirt will cut down on all the extra light/glare and let your eyes focus, thus promoting/helping your eyes to see further...... (you'll notice things you hadn't noticed or couldn't get a good picture of before....)


2) I would suggest that you look into a Kayak if your going alone.... link that up with a good led anchor.... and your ready to go.... not to mention survival if you get caught in a current/storm IS MORE LIKLY.... but it depends how far off shore you want to go....

3) Get some long fins....

I have a set of Cressi 3000's.... and I'll tell you... I like how they move me... but if you have wide feet... go elsewere, or get one size up... They give me a cramp on the outside of my foot if I get overly active with my kicks... and after using them 20 - 30 times... I still can't get used to them... I don't think its muscular because I use my Scuba Pro Jets fins just fine... and those are tough to kick in... but I think its the pocket squeezing my foot, because once I get the cramp... it won't go untill I take off the fin... then its gone in an instant

(ANYONE HAVE ANY ADVICE ON THIS?)


4) GO WITH A BUDDY! This advice might just save your life!


Have fun! And again, welcome!


Jorgy

[beyondhelp]

Excellent tips from all, budgets really tight for a little bit so I have a little while to research fins and a mask. (dealing with that whole homeowners insurance thing )

I had been thinking of borrowing one of my moms kayaks, we'll see how things go from shore. I have a buddy with a boat plenty capable but he's certified so he mainly hunts with scuba. I haven't even had time to get in the water since I got the gun.

Keep 'em coming. Gives me some ideas and things to think about.

[fast97rs]

Originally Posted by beyondhelp

Excellent tips from all, budgets really tight for a little bit so I have a little while to research fins and a mask. (dealing with that whole homeowners insurance thing )

I had been thinking of borrowing one of my moms kayaks, we'll see how things go from shore. I have a buddy with a boat plenty capable but he's certified so he mainly hunts with scuba. I haven't even had time to get in the water since I got the gun.

Keep 'em coming. Gives me some ideas and things to think about.

The fish down here in South Florida (Miami, FT. Lauderdale, Keys) get easily spooked by bubble blowers.... only time that I don't see this is during the winter months.....

tell your buddy to go freediving, unless hes going deep... And split the cost of going on his boat.... trust me... its an experiance like you've never had.... your gonna love this! Once it gets in your blood, its almost like you need another fix... I don't suggest you start spearing on SCUBA till you are very comfortable with all the gear and time/gas/depth monitoring..... it can be a handfull!


To another victom!


Jorgy