I have read and re read this thread
As one who began as a spear fisherman long before Cousteau and his bubble machine graced our shores I am amazed that the art of spearfishing is being taught for $$$. But that is progress and certainly better than trial and error or the old stand by monkey see monkey do...
Over 25 years ago there was a board titled "Free dive list." Seventeen years ago they organized and sponsored the huge 2000 Free Dive Party which was the last gathering of the worlds "Fathers of Free diving and Spear fishing." It was a very monumental event in the history of spear fishing. The 50 or so fathers came from all points of the globe for this last hurrah; Central and South America, Europe, Australia, the Pacific Islands and North America -three were honored from Orange County California the late Ron Merker, Allan (Omar) Wood and my self
In honor of the event and the Fathers I posted the following on the Free Dive List:
"We Fathers of Free Diving and Spearfishing have been honored as pioneer participants in a noble sport where one matches their skill in a very hostile environment with that of his finny adversary in an activity that has become internationally known as "Spearfishing."
Spearfish with great dignity and pride in this the noblest of all man's activities, but with restraint and selective spearfishing rather than wholesale slaughter, for with every activity there is a Beginning; a Middle; and an End............"
We the "Fathers" of this great activity were honored to have been a participant in the Beginning, we are some where in the Middle and if precautions aren't established and restraints aren't practiced the End of spearfishing can be in the immediate future"
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Always remember this:
"if precautions aren't established and restraints aren't practiced the End of spearfishing can be in the immediate future"
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FYI
Only a hand full of the Fathers have survived the passage of the last fifteen years ~~ One by one they have passed on and are now diving on that big reef in the sky.
One of the Fathers and all time great spearfishermen was Florida's own Art Pender, You may want to read his obituary on this board in "Passings" "Art Pender, King of sling."
SDM