New Zealand Newbie

[flying_spanner]

Hey there, my name is Jared and following is the stereotypical rant all about none other than MEEEEE.

I'm a 25 year old trainee Aircraft Engineer & Qualified Pilot.

I live in Blenheim with my girlfreind Megan (who is both wise and understanding, not to mention looks great in a wetsuit too!!!).

The reason I'm getting into diving? well basically Megan is a scuba diver, our flatmate is a scuba diver (not to mention all his mates), even my Dad and most of his circle of freinds back in our home town are scuba divers. AND DAMN IT I'M SICK OF BEING BOAT BOY!!!

Except the main difference is I've decided to take the more challenging route and get into Freediving/spearfishing. The idea of putting on all the BCD, Tank, Regs etc. doesn't appeal quite so much to me.

I've always loved watersports, and have surfed on and off for a few years now. I love that feeling of insignificance that comes with paddling out into an ocean as vast as the Pacific. I find it very humbling. I guess that's what's steering me away from Scuba. Too artificial.

So i'm in the process of getting kitted up (quite difficult on a student budget) and training my arse off in anticipation of the upcoming freediving course that I've put my name down for.

I swim every night in an olympic size pool that's handy to where I live. Also when the weather here warms up a bit I plan to cycle to Tech every day (about a 14km round trip).

So there we have it, now I think I'm supposed to finish with some meaningful closing like "see you in the water" or "dive safe and have fun" but that would be cheezy. so I'll finish with a simple Goodbye.

 

[Spaniard]

Welcome aboard!

 

[flying_spanner]

on the subject of gettin equiped for spear fishing I've been reading about guys turning boogie boards into floats. (follow link below) I have the necessary gear to construct one of those. Any thoughts anyone????

Rob Allen Spearguns, Freediving and Spearfishing Equipment

 

[sanso]

Hey Jared,

good to see You aboard! Apart from this place likely providing all the info You need, we're also looking forward to the occasional Me and Megan picture. :t

Have fun on the course!

 

[foxfish]

Welcome dude.


my float.

 

[Virgili]

Did you dive at Kaikoura?
If you need advice/ gear you could contact my friend Darren Shield in Auckland...www.wildblue.co.nz

 

[chrismar]

Coming up to the No Bubbles course in Welly? It's well worth it.

Might see you up there

 

[flying_spanner]

Coming up to the No Bubbles course in Welly? It's well worth it.

Might see you up there

No haven't heard bout this course in Welly. Who do I need to contact to sign up? The more I can learn, the better.

 

[flying_spanner]

Here's an update on my gear thus far.

I bought a 2 peice 7mm suit for $15.00 off Trademe (NZ equivilent of ebay)

Bought a boogie board from a local sports shop, the brightest coloured one I could find on the shelf is all yellow/orange/red in a flames pattern so that should make it move faster thru the water!!!rofl

I also have just bought 20m of foam filled float line ($39.50), 2 motorbike type bungee cargo nets ($5.00 each), and a dive flag, ($8.50)

A few more bits and pieces and my boogie board float aka the Flaming Pontoon Of Death (my mates here have a warped sense of humor) will be ready for testing.

PS I've attached a photo of Megan that was taken about a year ago with her first ever keeper. Don't have any photo's of me yet as I can crack a camera lens from 100 yards off!!!

Yes she is as keen as I am to buy a boat and get into the water ASAP,
& No she's not for sale!!

 

[Sean Smith]

Having thrown a wrench or two across the driveway, let me welcome you to a pass time with a much higher enjoyment to effort ratio. Thanks also for the link to the homemade floats...I'm sure my daughter won't mind a dive flag on hers, and the dolphin picture will only add to the style overall. Will post when complete.