Spearfishing and waves

[cata1972]

Guys,

I don't know about you, but sometimes I won't go in if there are relatively big waves that break close to the shore at shallow water, as I'm afraid I might get injured by the spear when I come back if a wave crushes on me. Do you have any tips/tehniques of getting out in such conditions? I am obviously new to this sport.

Cata

 

[andycornish]

Firstly welcome to the sport, the second thing is I can understand your concerns as I make sure my spear is always pointing away from me. But if the waves are large enough to knock me over then I would generally not get in as the vis will be too low due to the conditions that make large waves

 

[cdavis]

Depends on where you are and I know zip about England, so take my words for what they may be worth.

Especially if the waves are mostly swell, not chop, there will be a pattern to them. Sit and watch and you will see groups(sets) of larger and smaller waves that follow a predictable pattern. Time your entry during the small wave periods, usually best just after a big set has passed. Think about how long it will take you to get through the strike zone and make sure you have enough "small wave" time. If your waves are mostly wind chop, you may not see a predictable pattern.

 

[azapa]

I feel your pain, literaly, most of my spearing is entering through 2 to 3m swells ona rocky shoreline. Tips:

- (of course) never enter o leave the water with the gun loaded
- use a float and clip the gun to it, if the water gets rough you may drop the gun, but the float will keep it visable
- time the waves: all waves come in sets, typically 4 to 5. Sit and watch and wait. There will be the right time, get an idea of the frequency
- use the shore to your advantage, there will often be rock pools that you can get in and out of. The standing up and lying down (getting in and out) of the dive is often the hardest: try to do this with something breaking the waves before you
- learn when NOT to go in. I have a rock in front of my house, when the wave is 2m over it, i stay at home. Find your own indicator and respect it
- see how locals' do it, and go with them. Ever noticed how the real locals are out there in days you never would be? Thats 'cause years of bashing has knocked the correct technique into them
- dive with a partner - have and entry and exit plan BEFORE you even get your suits on

good luck

 

[Mr. X]

Len Jones cover this in some detail in his beginners booklet - I guess the South Africans often have to deal with this in quite a big way. He shows a technique for carry gun, float-line and float together one-handed, allowing you to secure your mask & snorkel with the other hand. He also shows the use of ankle leashes for prevent your fins being washed away.

Definitely unload as Azapa says, & watch the locals. I don't normally deal with heavy surf but swimming up the beach on your belly as far as you can and they flipping onto your backside seems pretty effective - basically keeps your centre of gravity so low that you won't get knocked over unexpectedly. I hold my gun around the middle of the barrel (as its usually 75cm & carbon fibre, I don't feel at all threatened by it).

 

[cata1972]

Thanks for your replies guys, I'm sure it'll help me next time.
You mentioned the float, do you attach it to yourself / gun or do you anchor it near the spot where you dive? It seems that beginners booklet it's a bit difficult to get hold of.

Cata