newbie advice wanted

[nicko2k1]

I live in
UK and am new to this sport but I am facinated by it.
ive started purchasing my equipment but want to get into a club or find a buddy.
I live in Stratford upon Avon so will have to travel which is not a problem.
can anyone advise me on how to get into a club and which clubs go out regularly thanks.

 

[Mr. X]

Welcome Nicko. I guess there are a few places a little further from the sea (Leicester?). I'm not aware of any clubs in your immediate area. There is the International Club based in London, there is another on the south coast, I think based in Sussex (/Hampshire/Kent) and another in Exeter. There are also budding new clubs starting out in Wessex (although centred around Dorset last I read &, perhaps, Hampshire) - search this forum for details, and Wales. I expect there are other spearos in the midlands, perhaps organized around universities/colleges.

As far as I can tell, the more established clubs tend to be competition-oriented and associated with the British Spearfishing Association - giving them structure. You may wish to contact the BSA to find out where there clubs are. The newer clubs seem to attract a broader range of interests and philosophies/ethics (including some strongly opposed to competition) - although whether they will last without that structure remains to be seen. If (like me) you spear fish only to provide fresh fish for your family and for the sheer joy of being in the sea, you don't really need a club. That's not say there are not benefits to being in a club: you'll learn a lot from others, can share transport costs and socialize - but it is not required in the same way as it is for competitions.

Some of the more experienced divers offer freediving & spearfishing courses from time-to-time - which you typically have to pay for (but it might save your life).

 

[nicko2k1]

Thank you for your reply, just finding it tricky to start out as I don't know anyone in this sport,and dont want alone.

 

[Gab]

Welcome, if you need help with the equipment either ask on this forum or look at my blog (link is in my signature and profile), I have several posts on different types if equipment which may help; I know at first it is daunting since there is so much choice and different types.

 

[nicko2k1]

Will do thx.i did read that alot of people shore dive alone so might go out and get some experience.

 

[Gab]

Will do thx.i did read that alot of people shore dive alone so might go out and get some experience.

It is not so safe, that being said I am guilty of this, it is hard for me to find dive buddies since I travel around and do not stay for long.

To be safer I don't push, I stay no longer than my body can stay, as soon as I feel the urge for air I go up. This does not prevent SWB, you don't feel the urge to breath before a SWB because you don't have carbon dioxide buildup but instead have oxygen depletion, which your body cannot detect.

I also purchased a CO2 inflatable safety sausage (Delayed Surface Marker Buoy; aka DSMB) in case I get in trouble at depth and I need help going back up. I am thinking of getting an FRV, a bit pricey though.

 

[nicko2k1]

Good idea I might look into that thankyou.