Los Angeles Spearfishing Group

[sell66]

Hi Everyone,
I want to start a small group of people who would like to go spearfishing on weekends. Anyone interested?

[Robbert]

Hey Sell66,

Just checking, are you aware of the two clubs that already exist in the LA area? Fathomiers and the Long Beach Neptunes. The Fathomiers are the more friendly and relaxed bunch.

- Robbert

[sell66]

Yea, heard about them ill try them out. Thanks.

[Bill McIntyre]

The Fathomiers would definitely be more welcoming. I don't belong, but I know a lot of great guys in that club.

[sell66]

Aren't their meets once a month or so?

[Bill McIntyre]

Yes. Here is their web site.

Los Angeles Fathomiers

Notice that next competition. You could go to the weigh-in and meet some of the guys.

[Natedogg]

I went to the Long Beach Neptunes auction two years ago and started talking to some members who convinced me to keep coming to the monthly meetings. About a year later Scott (last years President) introduced himself and asked me if I would like to become a tentative member. I was leary of what I had heard about the club and we talked about it for a wile. The deciding factor for me was that I should not make judgments based on other peoples storys, so I joined. Mori offered to be my sponsor and has been mentoring me ever since. The history of the club is more important to me than the reputation of some members. It is however a different type of club in that you are a tentative for a long time and are voted in based on your skill as a spearo, with a little hazing in there too. I can't even begin to tell you what I've learned from the other members, simply amazing! Jay Riffe, Terry Maas, Mori, Harry Ingram, Larry Heinrich, Steve Alexander, just to name a few, have a lot to teach you. I would ask you to keep an open mind and attend meetings for both clubs and make your own decisions. Long Beach Neptunes main Page

[sell66]

I would go, but people are telling me that they don't welcome strangers to the club unless you know someone.

[Natedogg]

I’m sorry to hear that you’ve been told that we don’t welcome new people. We always ask for new people to stand and say hello or tell a story. If you would like to come to our meeting, I will buy you a beer and we can talk story together.

The Neptune’s have been around a long time, most members are older divers. They were diving when our oceans were alive with life and over decades they have watched the oceans raped of that life. To some of these guys the internet, even technology is evil. But a club is not made up of only a few members. In my opinion being a spearo is in part, getting back to primal man. Sure, it takes time to get to know the members. A lot of them are grouchy ol’ bastards in fact. And yes, it’s not quick or easy to become a member. They don’t just welcome anybody into the tribe; they like to get to know them first. They still do things the “old way”. I am willing to slow down, listen and learn. Some people call it “paying your dues” and don’t believe there’s anything to be gained from it. They are divers of a different time with a rich history. I was raised in Long Beach and have lived here for 36 years. A lot of my childhood memories are of the Dragon swim in Naples where I grew up. I don’t want to see them go the way of the San Diego Bottom Scratchers and close there doors for good. We are the next generation of Neptune’s; we get to write the next few chapters and pass it on. If no one is willing to try and help change things, then who’s to blame? The future is up to us.

[Bill McIntyre]

PM sent to sell 66 and Natedogg. I had typed it in this space, but decided to keep it private.