Chicago newbie to spearfishing/freediving ...need a point in the right direction!

[valero]

hows it goin all,

Been interested in spearfishing/freediving for a while now, but haven't really gotten a chance to pursue it, especially cause i live in Chicago. Wondering if anyone has any advice on the best way to get started around theses parts...??

I've messed around with a Hawaiian sling in the shallows when i was living in San Diego during college years back. Other than that I'm pretty green to using a spear gun and I can't hold my breath for s***, lol.

anyway, I'm stoked to start and im all ears, so any info would be much appreciated

thanks!
sean

 

[nostres]

This would be a great start, You should come to this event this summer and meet many freedivers

https://www.facebook.com/events/105297852928536/

also, this is Your last chance to sign up for the class. I think there is only 1 spot left:

http://extranet.freedivinginstructors.com/app/public/signup.php?idcourse=198

 

[valero]

hey nostres...thanks for the heads up! already talked to one of the guys for that event and its just too short notice:/ there might be one in aug/sept though...gonna try to get out for that one

you live in the area?

 

[tuffstuff]

I live in Great Lakes and I can take a train to Chicago if you need a dive buddy. I moved up here from the Keys and I haven't been in the water since January. If there are people up here that freedive I will buy dive gear IMMEDIATELY.
My # is 305-747-0941
If I don't answer I am at school or on duty, but I will get back to you. If there are some serious freedivers up here I would love to go diving again.

 

[valero]

right on man! thats not too far of a trip...i got a buddy that's a firefighter up there at the military base. apparently it only takes him about 45 min to drive to and from our neighborhood.

theres a group of people that freedive and spearfish around the WI/IL border. im super new to freediving though so im just now meeting these folks on the forums, but they seem pretty into getting people into the sport and doing events.

aside from scuba, i don't have ANY experience really, and i know that cruisin out with inexperienced people might not be so fun for people that have the experience but, I'm definitely tryin to find some people that are willing to share some knowledge and school a newb like me, lol...so I'm definitely down to cruise out if youre up for it.

anyway, keep me posted and we'll see if we can set somethin up.

in the meantime, here's the facebook link for the WI speardiving crew... Wisconsin Speargun Hunters | Facebook

they actually have one more spot open for the "freedive-a-palooza" in WI at the end of july. it's a level one FII class/camping/open dive event...it's about $295 for 3 days. i couldnt go cause im broke as s*** right now, ha...but check it out if you're interested.

add me up in FB too if you want... Facebook

take it easy,
sean

 

[tuffstuff]

If you can find a spot and I can buy some gear, I will show you everything I can remember about freediving. I love diving and I have been without it for far too long

 

[valero]

sounds good man. i have a low volume mask and a snorkel, but only heavy split fins for scuba, so ill have to pick up some fins and a suit too

i added you on FB so I'll keep in touch with you through that...I'll look up some spots to dive at and we'll plan it up

any advice on the good gear to get?

talk to you later
sean

 

[EARL1220i]

have a safe dive mate if you need sme advise just post it here if you need some stuff just PM me il give you a great deals on stuff freediving ad spearfishing gears

 

[valero]

have a safe dive mate if you need sme advise just post it here if you need some stuff just PM me il give you a great deals on stuff freediving ad spearfishing gears

thanks man!


well, I've got a pretty solid low volume mask...but im eventually gonna need new fins, a suit and a speargun...what do you got??

 

[Spear_Baltic]

Hey guys,

Its good to meet ppl around Chicago that are into free diving. I am an avid free diver my self and a spear fisherman. I used to live in the city but i do come in on weekends. Weekdays, I practice diving in Morris in a lake which is quite deep, and it cater to different levels of diving. My self, I am looking for a diving buddy to progress further in this meditative sport. At the same time I would love to share my knowledge of what I have learned over time with anyone that needs help to get started. If anyone would like to get together and do some diving, hit me up on "www.facebook.com/arturas.gerikas".

 

[nostres]

There is quite a few of us in Chicagoland now. If You guys aim to dive Lake Michigan You better have a boat or better yet - a friend with a boat otherwise You are stuck in shallow water. Also this summer LM has high E.Coli bacteria levels so it's better to stay away from it

Wisconsin is great for both camping and diving so whoever can make it to Wazee should go there to meet the gang. There is old crew plus new people every year and FII instructor this year. Lake is clear and cold but that's kinda given when talking about Wisconsin. But hey if You don't like it go to Florida!

 

[Spear_Baltic]

what are some of the different depths of Wazee, and what depths does everyone dive at? How many times a year does Freedive A Lapalooza happen?

 

[nostres]

what are some of the different depths of Wazee, and what depths does everyone dive at? How many times a year does Freedive A Lapalooza happen?

Lake Wazee has various depths ranging from 0-300ft. There is even a beach with swim area for kids. Then there's few steps along the walls and finally it drops steep into Wisconsin abyss

Everybody is diving whatever depths they are comfortable with, no pressure (other than water pressure)

And finally Palooza is annual event and takes place this weekend, some people are going for Sat-Sun others for Fri-Sat-Sun

 

[fishstick22]

There will be another class in sept if a few more people sign up. It was pushed back to the fifteenth and sixteenth to accomadate the instructor. If the class happens I will be there. I took the class in July it was well worth it I learned a ton. This will be the last level one course as next year they are planning on doing a level two. So if you're interested I would sign up as soon as you can.

 

[Hurlow]

There is also Haigh quarry in Kankakee- about 45min south of the city- its right by me. I'm just starting out too but am definitely game if anyone needs a dive buddy around Chicago. Planning to go to Haigh this Saturday.

 

[dakinecuz]

Hey guys. I just moved to Chicago for school and want to get into freediving here. I've been spearfishing/freediving in Hawaii for couple of years now. Looking for some people to dive with. I'm thinking about signing up for a freediving class too, if there's anything near.

 

[Hurlow]

FII has a class in three weeks, in Black River Falls Wisconsin. I've looked everywhere and this appears to be the only class in the Midwest -and I think this is the last time they are having it-- next year will be all level-2. I'm not sure why the class is not still up on their website, I just asked them on Saturday and they said there were at least 4 spots left. I would contact them - F.I.I. Freediving Instructors International - from the beginner to the instructor
There seem to be a few freedivers in the area - though I have tried a couple times to connect with no success. Starting with the class may be a good way to make connections. There's a quarry right by me that most Chicago area scuba classes use (about 45min south) - I'm pretty much always game to go out if I am in town.

 

[fishstick22]

markal102@gmail.com is the instructors email just ask him if you have questions on signing up

 

[Hurlow]

Well the class was cancelled due to only three of us signing up (4 were needed) - so I guess I'll buy another book.
Still up for meeting with anybody who is interested in a dive buddy over the next few weekends though.