Hi there, :wave
I have posted already but let this be my official introduction post/thread
I am a newbie free diver (or currently more snorkeler ) and soon a "spear fisher to be" hopefully, currently living in the the South of Ireland (Co. Cork). I started to dive/snorkel last year, but due the lack of proper fins and mask, this year should be declared as our official start!
Now, before I go ahead with spearing fish I want to be sure I get better at free diving first and also I want to get to know the marine life of the Irish Atlantic waters better. Being very aware about ecology and conserving nature in general, I absolutely do not wish to kill any fish that are either too young or protected.
Also, I will surely not always go into the sea to shoot fish, but just to enjoy the ocean and enjoy doing so by just holding my breath and relaxing. I just think that hunting fish that way is another step in a sustainable and more self sufficient way of living (which I pursue). My attitude in general is: if you are not able to hunt/kill animals and make“peace with them, then your shouldn’t eat meat/fish.
There are 2 things I would love to get help from you guys as a beginner:
1. The only marine life guide for Ireland I found so far is the
Seasearch Observer's Guide to Marine Life of Britain and Ireland . I guess its good, but I as I am most likely moving to Spain or Portugal soon, I would love to find a more general guide, about the North Altantic maybe? It should enable me to identify fish from a diver’s perspective. Any clues on guides for the North Altantic that you can recommend?
2. I have a colleague here at work who does spear fishing quite a lot and knows a lot about fish and diving sites, but I would love to go out with some people who are more into free diving, for the sake of safety and fun of course. If I go with my colleague, he is normally gone spearing and I end up alone or with a friend of mine who is really only snorkelling. So, I hope to find some free diving buddies in the South/South-West of Ireland to start some safe training. I would not mind lakes as well at all! Please note that I am not eager to break any records, but I just enjoy being in the water and I am thrilled by the concept of diving by just holding your breath and training your body. Actually, until last year I did not even knew such a thing existed!
I have posted already but let this be my official introduction post/thread
I am a newbie free diver (or currently more snorkeler
) and soon a "spear fisher to be" hopefully, currently living in the the South of Ireland (Co. Cork). I started to dive/snorkel last year, but due the lack of proper fins and mask, this year should be declared as our official start! Now, before I go ahead with spearing fish I want to be sure I get better at free diving first and also I want to get to know the marine life of the Irish Atlantic waters better. Being very aware about ecology and conserving nature in general, I absolutely do not wish to kill any fish that are either too young or protected.
Also, I will surely not always go into the sea to shoot fish, but just to enjoy the ocean and enjoy doing so by just holding my breath and relaxing. I just think that hunting fish that way is another step in a sustainable and more self sufficient way of living (which I pursue). My attitude in general is: if you are not able to hunt/kill animals and make“peace with them, then your shouldn’t eat meat/fish.
There are 2 things I would love to get help from you guys as a beginner:
1. The only marine life guide for Ireland I found so far is the
Seasearch Observer's Guide to Marine Life of Britain and Ireland . I guess its good, but I as I am most likely moving to Spain or Portugal soon, I would love to find a more general guide, about the North Altantic maybe? It should enable me to identify fish from a diver’s perspective. Any clues on guides for the North Altantic that you can recommend?
2. I have a colleague here at work who does spear fishing quite a lot and knows a lot about fish and diving sites, but I would love to go out with some people who are more into free diving, for the sake of safety and fun of course. If I go with my colleague, he is normally gone spearing and I end up alone or with a friend of mine who is really only snorkelling. So, I hope to find some free diving buddies in the South/South-West of Ireland to start some safe training. I would not mind lakes as well at all! Please note that I am not eager to break any records, but I just enjoy being in the water and I am thrilled by the concept of diving by just holding your breath and training your body. Actually, until last year I did not even knew such a thing existed!
