Spearfishing Float/Board

[Spear0Joe]

Hey guys I recently went to a spearfishing comp at the weekend (Exmouth), and quite a few people had in essence bodyboards, which held guns, anchor line and stuff, and they seem more effecient for swimming, as you can keep your head out of the water.

I was just wondering if anybody knew where I could order one?

I have a slight suspicion the name was something like Seymour Dive Master, but I had no luck via google.

I would appreciate any help!

Joe

[spaghetti]

Hi Joe,
It's more likely to be Sevylor rather than Seymour. Sevylor is an established manufacturer of inflatable boats, kayaks and inflatable items for watersports in general.
This will enhance your search.
Anyway I can't give you any first hand feedback about Sevylor floats since I've never used these ones in particular.
But I can give you 100% thumbs up on the following floats for Spearfishing:
Seatec Island
Omer Shardana
Best Hunter Okipa
I'd suggest an inflatable rather than a solid float, being easier to carry around while on land (especially if you dive from shore, i.e. no boat). However, if the inflatable has a bit of rigid keel under it, it will better at sea. Try a search on the names I suggested above, and I'm sure you'll find what you're looking for.

[Spear0Joe]

Thankyou so much spaghetti! Great help mate, Cheers!

[spaghetti]

You're welcome.
Meanwhile you made me curious and Ive searched for the Sevylor Dive Hunter. I found it for sale at 119£ up there in the UK. Not cheap!!!
It looks impressive and well made from pictures, but I'm skeptycal on it just because it's all black: a shiny mellow red or orange colour with broad white stripes is probably better for a signalling/boat hazard device.

[andah]

Look at the Omer Atoll - Its like a platform float and I think (in my very limited knowledge) its pretty versitile.

[Spear0Joe]

Yeh I was told they are around that sort of price anyway, but they are so handy. I doubt they would be much cop for boat diving, as they take quite alot of room up, but when swimming from the shore, it will pay dividence.

Just toying on whether to purchase one now or next year? Not sure how much winter diving ill be doing! Ha.

Cheers!

joe

[seguyette]

I'd avoid the atol, It is poorly made and flips with waves, plus the flag doesn't stay upright unless you modify it. just my 2 cents

[spaghetti]

The Omer Atoll was not bad for the price but indeed it has to be ballasted for a decent balance (and it's a b_tch to ballast) cause it tends to flip and roll upside down if the sea is not completely calm and sweet.
The Omer Shardana is an improved version, much more stable for choppy sea, but the price is twice as much as the Atoll.
My thought is: how many floats will you buy in your life? Only one, probably, so spend a bit more and be happy. Shardana, Seatec Island or Okipa, you can't go wrong either way.

[hudasmt]

anybody have experience with the Mares Apnea float? Im planning to buy it,any comments on it? Thanks here the link Mares - Pure Instinct


PS
Sorry for the thread hi jack,just a quicky one hehehehe...Cheers mate!!!

[spaghetti]

Originally Posted by hudasmt

anybody have experience with the Mares Apnea float? Im planning to buy it,any comments on it? Thanks here the link Mares - Pure Instinct


PS
Sorry for the thread hi jack,just a quicky one hehehehe...Cheers mate!!!

It's a new product, really new as can be: they're in the 2008 catalogue but the first floats actually came out of the factory only a couple weeks ago, and they're slowly being distributed to stores.

[Jon]

I have a Best Hunter Opika and love it. My last float was an Omer America and it fell apart.

The Opika has lots of pockets and straps. You can tie three guns, and two extra shafts, onto the underside of it. I carry a camera, food, water bottle, extra mask and snorkel on the top of mine.

It's also nice to climb up on it and kick your way out to the dive site- fater than towing somehting behind you. I almost bought the Omer Shardana, but I wanted something that could deflate and pack on my bike after the dive.

Jon

[hudasmt]

Thanks for the quick info Spago ,Hey Jon i think what you have is a Ship not a float...hehehehe... Can it hold a 16 lbs weight belt also plus yourself+food+water? If you can carry a girl in a bikini with the rest of the stuff then i definitely need 1 of those hehehehehe

[Jonny250]

Joe, there's been some threads on here about making your own bodyboard float, also take a look at the one here:
Best Hunters Opika Board, Has anyone seen this before? - Spearboard Spearfishing Community
which shows a really well kitted out arrangement. possibly worth the money if you're only going to buy one ever...

[Spear0Joe]

Thanks Jonny250, that boogie board that guy made was really awesome. Ill definitly consider making my own!

[flyflicker]

Originally Posted by seguyette

I'd avoid the atol, It is poorly made and flips with waves, plus the flag doesn't stay upright unless you modify it. just my 2 cents

I have an Atoll and I'm really pleased with it, plenty of pockets and clips to attach your bits, although I wish it had more clips on the bottom instead of those stupid velcro hoops. Yes it does flip over in very strong wind, but I just add more fish to stabilise and it's fine!!