Advice for a newbie in Devon

[Panhandle]

Hi Guys (and gals),

Found this forum, great resource so far with lots of sensible and useful discussions!

I'm looking at getting involved in spearfishing (after a fantastic experience in Oz a few years ago) and want to begin by acclimatising to different terrain and underwater flora first without a gun so I don't get a hunting lust and over-commit myself. Slow and steady, so to speak.

So my question is where is best to start out to experience a variety of underwater habitats and gain experience in thick kelp beds, sandy seabeds and rocky crevices?
I'm not after any secret spots but some helpful advice on where to begin my 'journey'. I'm based just outside Exeter and places with good access, as my beginning forays will probably shorter at first, would be useful.

I have been thinking about sites like south of shell cove near Dawlish and Ladram Bay near Budleigh. Any info or recommendations would be appreciated or pointers to where I can find out more.
Also are there any exclusion area that I can't go?

Thanks in advance

 

[devondave]

Hi Panhandle, welcome to db.
Meadfoot Beach is a good place to snorkel, shallow, out of the tide, and full of life.
There are even nudibranches if you look carefully.
Good luck.

Regards,
Dave.

 

[podge]

Indeed welcome to deeper blue Panhandle.
I’ve no pointers on where to go in Devon but I would say that wherever you go pay some attention to tide times and direction of tidal flow.
As its early days on your freedive quest it might be a good idea to dive with a friend and if you think you’re going to further your time in the water it’s always a good idea to take a course in freediving even if it’s just a basic beginners course just so you get to know the markers to look out for before you get in to trouble.
There’s a lot of good blokes on the forums that are from your general area so maybe a couple of them might pipe in and take you under their wing?
Good luck with the underwater world.

 

[tribs]

There’s a lot of good blokes on the forums that are from your general area so maybe a couple of them might pipe in and take you under their wing?
Good luck with the underwater world.

Hi Panhandle,

Not sure if Podge would include me it that list but I live between Budleigh Salterton and Ladram Bay so if you're about and want a friend or two to come out with then drop us a PM or post up to get in contact.

We have a small local crew aptly named 'The usual suspects'. Free to join!rofl

Tribs
out

 

[podge]

Tribs me old son you and The big fella above are 2 of the finest, Panhandle won’t go far wrong with you two at the helm.

Panhandle if you dive with Scott just make sure you take a couple of packs of Jaffa Cakes to feed him as you really don’t want a hungry Mr Wilson in the water with you especially as he’ll have a gun with him.roflrofl:martialroflrofl