Any interest in a Wessex Club?

[the_milkman]

Hey guys,

I've had a brief chat with David Stephens of the BSA about the Wessex club, and he told me there are only 3 members, and that there weren't too many people spearing in Dorset. I pointed him in the direction of this forum,as there are plenty of spearos just on this board, they must be loads out there!

Anyway, I'm not sure, but I have a hunch that what puts people off the idea of a spearo club is the emphasis on competitive spearing.

I am going to join the BSA soon for the insurance, but I'm not really interested in the competitions other than being nosy about what people have caught and the social aspect. I'm simply not a good enough diver to be able to compete, nor would I really want to even if I was. It's not what spearing is about for me personally.

I reckon people are less keen to join a local club because they're worried that they will be laughed at by all these serious competitive spearos who dive to 25metres and have bottom times of 3 mins plus. Chances are they would be very friendly and welcoming, but the thought probably puts people off before they get a chance.

If the focus was more on organising local non-competitive events, i.e. boat trips, fish-ins, bbq's, finding buddies, sharing tips and info and the social side of things, many more people would come out of the woodwork. What do you think?

After all - that's basically what the Deeper Blue Dorset forum does already, it's just lacking a bit of formal organisation...and not everyone is into internet forums...

 

[chrisreynolds]

I agree wholeheartedly Rick. I too only turn up at the comp weigh ins just to see what the big boys are getting and say hello. Not really a big fan of the usual kill all you can format (though the LIC comp looks different, but the guys from that club would destroy me!). Comps are a good opportunity/excuse to meet up but so is a sunny sunday or the pub or even breakfast at a cafe or a barbecue on the beach.

I also reckon that the guys doing the comps (correct me if i'm wrong) would also enjoy more non competitive get togethers over a few beers and the odd burnt sausage. (think dorset spearo bbq but bigger)

I don't think anyone would laugh at anyone else, in fact i reckon everyone could learn something from others and theres nothing like a few beers to loosen the tongue.

I think the network is already in place for a more social club but, as beanflicker said, it just needs someone to grab the organisational bull by the horns and take charge (cough, rick). I imagine running a club would take real commitment and support which i guess depends on the enthusiasm of everyone involved.

(copied and pasted from the bournemouth spearo's thread)

 

[podge]

Rick, The Pikey (Glowworm) was banging on about the Wessex Club a little while ago and how it would be a shame to see it all finish up.
Try having a chat with him, maybe a brain storming session over a load of beer might be in order?

 

[the_milkman]

I agree - since I've started to make more of an effort to get out and meet other spearos, I've realised what a thriving little 'scene' we've got going on down here. It would be a shame not to try and build on that a bit...

Didn't realise Glowworm was trying to sort something, and definitely wouldn't want to tread on any toes, so a beery brainstorming session sounds like a plan...

 

[podge]

I agree - since I've started to make more of an effort to get out and meet other spearos, I've realised what a thriving little 'scene' we've got going on down here. It would be a shame not to try and build on that a bit...

Didn't realise Glowworm was trying to sort something, and definitely wouldn't want to tread on any toes, so a beery brainstorming session sounds like a plan...

Not sure if he’s got as far as trying to sort anything out or if he was just talking about it?
I do know that at the moment he’s a very busy lad with all his work commitments so I reckon he wouldn’t be your man for to much else right now.

 

[tonyiannu]

Personally the reason why I signed up to the BSA a while ago it was only for socialising purposes,I'm not in the competitions as well becose it will affect my nature,being in competition makes me feel not too relaxed and will put me off, I was more interested to be in spearfishing contest even if I would't catch anything as I'm not that monster of spearfisher . It was a good excuse to stay and share my passion with others that love spearfishing.

 

[KWM]

Just a bit of information about the comps, there has been a change of rules this year, for all comps only 10 fish of each speacies allowed to be caught,
(if you can catch 10 of anything that is, I very seldom do)

what I will say about the comps is that if you want to improve your spearing I have found it the best way to do it, fishing different venues, learning new techniques.

I have been a member of the BSA for 10 or so years, sometimes I do the comps, sometimes not. when I do do them it is to meet up with people I know, lots of people who turn up 'just go fishing' no scouting involved many just going with the 'theory' (if in doubt swim straight out). I am also a member of the sussex club, the majority of the members do not go to the comps, that up to them, there is no pressure.

Kev

 

[Coops]

Certainly sounds a good idea Rick. There are enough people getting together at different times for the social side of this.
I'm sure there would be a good amount of interest when some of us less experienced appreciate there would be more to the club than comps

 

[kkdavids]

Hi Guys
I am the earlier mentioned chairman of the BSA! and i do live in Poole! Agree with all the comments earlier regarding getting the Wessex club up and running again (my Dad started it years ago back when he has chairman of the Bouremouth sub aqua club). One thing i would say thou is the BSA is not all about competitions (this is just a part of it), its about a representation of spearfishermen in the uk (whether they are competitive or not) - an example of this was the potential ban on spearfishing which came up last year, without an official representing body we may not still be talking about spearfishing now! At the end of the day we all enjoy the same thing, getting in the water and going fishing!

Has anyone got in yet? im planning on braving it tomorrow for an hour or so!! (probably less of the so!!!)

More than happy to be involved in the club and think its a great time to get it all started - willing to help out (non run it thou!), if you'll have me!

 

[Tunny]

Hi All,

I would be more than happy to join a wessex club if one was formed, it would be great to gain some valuable information from you more experienced spearo's and to generally meet up and share stories.

Hopefully this moves forwards, shame I can't make the drinks on the third of April...

Cheers

Ryan

 

[jimy286]

Sing me UP

 

[chrisreynolds]

Me too.....

 

[UK Spearo]

Guys, Dave and Al Stephens of the Wessex club are great guys. Good divers both of them, although Al is getting a tad old now roflroflrofl

Dave, Yes I dived yesterday had two nice Bass....see the Dorset threat....

The BSA is a good organisation, and like it's been said it's not just about comps. They are the governing body for spearfishing and have just been in the process of sorting the European rule about not shooting fish! They (Kev in particular) did a LOT of work towards this, and it looks like it will be a positive for our sport. Had they not stepped in, spearfishing might well have been banned because of a silly rule!

I haven't competed for a couple years, what with running my own business and having no. 3 child....maybe I'll do a couple this year, the social side is great! :friday

 

[glowworm]

Ricky you crack on mate and i will support you as and when i can.(work is very busy at the moment)

I agree with Clive that the BSA is a good organisation and a Wessex club would give a regional voice.

Competitions are not my thing but the social side and spearo BBQ's are:friday:friday

We should not forget also the wealth of knowledge and skill avaliable

 

[kkdavids]

Clive - Yeah think ill strugle to get him in the water much before august!! lol

Nice one, looks like you found the only fish in Dorset! Mick had a 13.5lb Bass yesterday so they are appearing further east.... Had a little splash today, very quiet, but lovely and clear

 

[Mr. X]

For those unfamiliar with where Wessex (West Saxon) is/was: [ame=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wessex]Wessex - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia[/ame]

"...Wessex continued its gradual advance to the west, overwhelming the British kingdom of Dumnonia and absorbing Devon. As a result of the Mercian conquest of the northern portion of its early territories in Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire, the Thames and the Avon now probably formed the northern boundary of Wessex, while its heartland lay in Hampshire, Wiltshire, Berkshire, Dorset and Somerset. The system of shires which was later to form the basis of local administration throughout England (and eventually, Ireland, Wales and Scotland as well) originated in Wessex..."

 

[the_milkman]

Sorry for radio silence guys - I'm going to resume work on this this week and call David and see what the score is with the existing club...

 

[the_milkman]

Chaps,

A few of us B'mouth crew are meeting up at the Spyglass and Kettle:

spyglass and kettle - Google Maps

on Friday evening for a few beers and a pre-season get together. Gloworm asked if it was Bournemouth-only, so I thought I'd post on here to say it's absolutely open to all comers, if you're around.

David from the BSA is going to be there, along with his Dad who was one of the founder members of the Wessex club I believe, so it could be a good oppotunity to chat about getting it going again.

Anyway, I know it's a long way from Weymouth and Zummerzet, but if you fancy it...

 

[the_milkman]

Thanks everyone for coming along to the Bournemouth meet last night - it was good to meet people and put faces to names.

I'm starting to put together a contact database for anyone diving in the wessex area. The ide is that we get a list of e-mails and mobile numbers together so people can line-up buddies, dive meets, boat trips, bbq's etc more easily. We can also share info / post catches etc that we might not necessarily want up here on the web for all to see.

If you're interested please PM me your name, mobile and e-mail and I'll add you to the mailing list. I've got lots of you Portland guys e-mails already but if you could let me know whether you want to be included that'd be great, as I don't want to spam anyone...

Cheers,

Rick

 

[Paul Smith]

Count me in - paul@masks4u.co.uk

Very interersted in the non-competative club dives/bbq's & beer.

Good to meet some of you last night - sorry we had to leave early, meet up in Poole next time? When is the first club dive?

Paul