Novice freediver and spearfisher

[sharkatak9]

Long time lurker here, first time poster.

So long story short I am a chicago native... Travelled a lot as a kid. Felt I should have been born a fish with how much I loved the water and everything about it.

Fastforward to 17, joined my older brother for my first abalone freediving hunt in N. California... got my limit 2 days in a row... next two days used his speargun and nailed some big ol' lingcod... fell in love.

At 18 joined the Coast Guard. Stationed in Key west for 2 years... ate nothing but lobster, hogfish, and the occasional beer. Advanced and was stationed in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin... BRR!

Now I'm out of college and have for the past few years been researching and setting up my move out to the Big Island of Hawaii. I'm aware of all the negatives people post about... so I dont need a lecture on the poverty, ice, or racism I'm heading into...heard it all Something has been calling me there for years, and I've done my research. Also plan on taking some courses at the college about Hawaiian history and culture to understand more of the land and its amazing people.

Anyways... I'll be on the East coast, Puna district for now. If there are any locals or transplants who know the waters that would like to help out a newbie haole, who's a bit rusty freediving (thank you Chicago weather), it would be incredible. Would love to have someone knowledgable about the local waters to fill me in. I could compensate with money if necessary (but not much!) or at least some free chatting online would be great! Thanks for reading and this is an awesome site with awesome people!

Mark

PS- arriving Aug. 3rd!

[agbiv]

Welcome & good luck on your adventure!

[villeo]

I just moved back to California after living in hilo for 3 years for school. Don't worry about all the racism or any of that other stuff, its not that big of an issue, i'm white and didnt have an issue other than the occasional "haole" remark.

freediving/ spearing, is sooo much fun there. great spots right outside hilo bay, great spots all along the kona coast, great spots pretty much every where there.

Just ask around the university for some marine bio majors, they know all the great spots usually, i had many friends in that major.

man i miss that place.

oh go visit waipio valley, my gf's mom lives down there, theres a great black sand beach, and is one of the best sights on the island.

-jeremy

[sharkatak9]

Jeremy-
Thanks... its been a little over 3 months here and its been about what you said. Been called a Haole once, and had the stinkeye at a couple local spots (totally expected though).

The diving is incredible all around this island. Just got my speargun shipped from the mainland but I dont think I'll be shooting anything anytime soon. Still need to learn more about the fish and area's before I start.

I could see why you miss this place. Hilo is amazing. I dont see myself ever leaving! So much diving ahead... I cant wait for it all!

Mark

[Salehthefish]

hello

Welcome On board enjoy diving...

best of luck

[blaiz]

The racism will be anywhere you look for it. Hilo is a great place. I spent some time there while my fiance was going to school (marine science) and I really liked it. Very wet but thats ok.

I didnt get too much of an opportunity to do much diving there but South Point was amazing along with Keaukaha and out past Richardsons.

Drop by Big Island Spearguns in Hilo (right accross the street from that amazing thai place)... the two gals that own that place are very friendly, knowledgeable, and I believe they do some blue water charters too. They sell the best gear available and would be happy to answer any questions you have.

You gotta try Pesto Cafe too. great food!

[sharkatak9]

Yeah I plan on becoming a regular there. I was just reading about the Wahine owner/founder of Big Island Spearguns in the last edition of HSD magazine... And I have heard of those bluewater charters too. I just need to find a job still. Times are tough out here, even as an RN! But I'm determined... Once I get some money I can get me gear in check and hit the water right. Until then I'm just freediving around... still have yet to find a good buddy (again, trying to get money to get my gear in check before I actively seek a serious dive buddy). So I've been taking it easy for safety sake.

I also would like to do that performance freediving course in Kona they do every year. But I think its like 800$ so again, gotta get a job.

If you are ever in Hilo message me. I live on the ocean (super lucky find) right above Honoli'i. More for surfers but I have seen divers down past the break. I'm sure I will learn a TON in the years ahead about the local diving.

[blaiz]

Well if you are right above Honoli'i you should learn how to surf too. Thats a great wave. My suggestion to you would be to start out with a three prong. Inexpensive and a very forgiving hunting tool. THis will teach you how to stock prey efficiently, where to find fish and best of all it will help with your bottom time. THe key to diving in hawaii is dont get over anxious.

The more disinterested you seem to fish the closer they will come to you. If you can master the three prong you will appreciate a gun much more not to mention the skill that it takes to dive with a three prong.

Start out by hunting red fish and goats (menpachi, aweoweo, aholehole(silver), Moana ukalis, kumu, munu(joe lewis)) These are great eating fish, pretty plentiful yet in some areas not that easy to shoot. You will see a lot of people shooting Uhu but as far as im concerned hunting these fish causes too much harm to the reef for a so-so eating fish.

I know you think you may be taking it easy while diving alone but dont be a fool. This is a rough ocean (especially in Hilo) and aside from the SWB anything can happen. Dive with a partner and dive responsibly! Dont mean to preach but Id rather preach than have someone learn the hard way!

Same goes for you... If you make it out to Maui Id be happy to take you out for a dive!

Aloha