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Vancouver BC / Canada

Thread Status: Hello , There was no answer in this thread for more than 60 days.
It can take a long time to get an up-to-date response or contact with relevant users.
try posting in the spearo section, there are a few avid BC spearos
 
Hey there, I'm fairly new to the freediving sport, comming from rec scuba diving... I have a deep love for freediving though it seems. And I have quite the yearning to spearfish!

I live downtown vancouver, and am looking for buddies to go diving with!

I do not have a vehicle so my plan was mostly to take transit to whytecliff whenever I get the chance!

If any other 'newbies', or experienced folk who don't mind someone with lesser tolerances want to get out diving around vancouver shoot me a PM! or post here, I'll most definitly check this thread

-Nick
 
Hoooboy. That looks like an amazing get together. I'm definitly considering the trip!

But, is there anyone in Vancouver primary who would like to spend some weekdays at whytecliff? Make a BBQ out of it perhaps?
 
Yeah, I've been looking into the courses, they seem interesting.

There is only so much theory you can learn on your own through reading and application too I suppose.
 
Whytecliff has some nice life for freediving. I believe it is a protected marine park?
 
I will be in Victoria from the 24th to the 31 this month. Why don't you come over on the Ferry and we can go spearfishing. Send me your phone number in an email and I will give you a call.
 
Hi,
If you are interested in freediving, apart from cold water and low viz, Vancouver is a good place. There are quite of few of us that go in the water regularly. The are also some nice places and things to see not too far from the city.
However, after having speared in all 3 oceans and few smaller seas I believe that BC is one of the worse places on the planet for that sport. There is not sport in spearing the local fish if and where it is legally possible. Spearing the local fish is like spearing somebody on a wheelchair, or being an executioner of the innocents. It's more like harvesting rather than hunting.
Especially around Vancouver is illegal to spear most species. Salmon would be a great target but it is illegal to catch by spear (fine otherwise). The only interesting species that can be attractive for the true spear fisher is the halibut. Unfortunately it can only be found at 15m+ and in remote areas that require a proper boat. Deep freedivers I envisage could enjoy that fishery.
In some isolated places on Vancouver Island there is also the possibility to catch black rock fish that can reach some nice size. Unlike his cousins is free swimming and actually swims away slowly posing some very basic challenge to the spear fisher.
I love getting my food in the ocean and when I go in the water in BC I leave the spearguns at home. I go on sandy/mud bottoms to grab delicious crabs and the occasional flat fish that I hand spear. In more remote areas there are clams, oysters, sea urchins and seaweed that can make for some wonderful dinners.
If you like very bland tasting white fleshed fish you can spear greenling or a couple of other bottom fish like the cabezon and relatives. In more remote areas dog fish can be a target if you like to eat it.
If you really want some real spearfishing action just head south. The sea of Cortez is the best and closest place from BC.
Become a member of the vanapneist club. You'll meet cool people and avid freedivers.
Cheers
Giovanni


 
Yeah, I know all about fishery laws. Ive been involved in the marine/comercial fishing industry.

I just want to find people to go diving with, period. This board seems like a good avenue for that! Hence the whytecliff interest.
 
olliric, I've speared all over the world too, and BC is by far one of my favorites. I will disagree with you on "BC is one of the worse places on the planet for that sport".

deep, dark, cold water, with large ugly fish, unique plant and marine life, often resembling a creature from a sci fi flick, amazing scenery both above and below the water..... what more can you ask for?
 
Reactions: feign
One thing I like about spearfishing is the challenge of outsmarting fish in their own environment. All the bottom fish in BC are sitting ducks and the only challenge is finding them. I like fish that runs away and naturally keep at safe distance from humans. Then come the skills and art of getting within shooting range of an otherwise fleeing prey. I love to surprise fish off guard in their own environment. I can never forget the starled look of some fish I have speared. Even more attractive is the technique of "aspetto" which is the most difficult, rewarding and the only productive with some areas/species. Getting in shooting range of the most elusive and beautiful species is the greatest reward I get underwater and is also the sign of having totally blended in the marine environment. That in itself is possibly the greatest reward. To me the rest is food harvesting which is still quite appealing especially for the palat.
Cheers
Giovanni


 
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