In The Mix Spearfishing: a cure for the bodyboarding blues

In: In The Mix by doclach 0 Comments Wed 28th Dec '11

Tags: Spearfishing , bodyboard , blues , Tom Rayner , Jem Cresswell , Jeremy Greive , Ben Bayfield

Summertime is here. For bodyboarders all around the world, it is a time of more swell flatness than swell pump. This is when we can all be subject to "The bodyboard blues". any of us that have been riding for a while know it. for those who are new - it will come as you really start to miss the waves and the time in the salt bodyboarding gives you.
All is not lost though. Over time many of us find ways and means to get around this as much as possible. One of these riders to find this is "Lobster". He has ridden big waves around the world with a passion for charging seen in few. the people who really learn things in life tend to be able to share them like no other, as it comes from personal experience. Lobster has taken the time to pen his story so it is there for anyone interested who may be in a similar boat. This piece is presented in two parts, this is the first.
The ocean is a vast place, there are so many ways to experience it.....

Spearfishing: a cure for the bodyboarding blues (Pt 1)

Bodyboarders share a strong affinity with the ocean, a deep respect that is difficult to explain, particularly to those who do not surf themselves. We have all tried to explain why we bodyboard to those close to us. It can be hard to look past the early mornings, wet wetsuits, cold water, the sharks, currents and dangerous waves. We see an opportunity for happiness, a spiritual connection to the ocean that makes us better people, and as a result, more pleasant to be around.

Our sport is dictated by mother nature in a way few others are. We live by the swell, wind and tide. When these elements come together almost nothing else matters, everything comes second to bodyboarding. Phone calls are made, boards are packed, and we leave everything for the pursuit of that one wave, to travel, to seek out a rumour, to be in the ocean.

However, mother nature can be a fickle beast. It is not always possible to get desirable conditions, particularly over the summer months. And, as we get older, it becomes increasingly harder to chase each and every swell. Other commitments creep into our lives: family life; bills; study; a ‘real' job and career. The decision to transition towards an ‘adult' life is not easy.

It is this transitional period that troubles so many bodyboarders. Considering bodyboarding is a form of emancipation from the ‘real world', making a decision to join it can be somewhat difficult. Nonetheless, it is a decision most of us will eventually make. It is a decision that carries some weight. It is often a life choice, a finite decision to give up the chase, to leave ‘never-never land'.

This can be a dark time, a time for self-reflection and thought. Sometimes, being confined to the local beach break is not enough to get ‘that' feeling after a lifetime spent chasing perfect waves. The small waves and crowds just cannot deliver the happiness they once could all those years ago. Thus, it is difficult to find a way to replace ‘that' feeling and to ignite a new passion.

Freedive spearfishing is the process of diving on one breath and exploring the underwater world and the creatures that inhabit it. Whilst it cannot replace bodyboarding, it can fill that void felt by missing a swell, when newfound commitments are holding you back. It is the perfect compliment to bodyboarding as it allows you to remain in the ocean no matter what the conditions are like.

Ewan Donnachie explains the relationship between bodyboarding and spearfishing:

"Quite often spearfishing and bodyboarding compliment one another to a tee. Ideal diving conditions in Sydney come about after a period of very small south swell and south winds. This is a recipe for horrible surf. On the other hand, big bombing swells stir up all sorts of muck in the water and produce terrible visibility for spearfishing; however, you couldn't ask for more as a bodyboarder looking to chase quality waves. Both sports demand time in the ocean, but very rarely clash".

Similarly to bodyboarding, spearfishing can offer an intimate happiness only experienced by being in the ocean. It allows supreme relaxation and absolute control over your breathing and respiratory system. You will learn how to slow your heartbeat and maximise the use of oxygen in your body. The practise of spearfishing will help your bodyboarding by increasing your breath-hold, lung capacity, water confidence and ocean knowledge. Thus, the experience gained through diving will stand you in good stead for when you inevitably find yourself underwater or gasping for air in the impact zone.

There is also the added bonus of being able to catch your own fresh and delicious seafood!

It is for these reasons that an increasing number of bodyboarders have taken up spearfishing.

The list includes names such as Damian King, Ewan Donnachie, Michael Novy, Mark McCarthy, Shaun Pyne, Glen Thurston, Damien Martin, Brenden Newton, Daniel Scarlet, Matty McArthur and, as featured in the accompanying Vimeo edit, underground charger Jeremy "The Bull" Alderson.

Bodyboarding can get the adrenalin pumping, and in many cases, this forms an integral part of the allure. Spearfishing is no different. The thrill of your first ‘real' shark encounter or first big fish will be something that will stay with you forever.

In my case, my first big fish story also doubles as my first ‘real' shark experience.....

Note: To go with this article is a podcast prepared by Lobster which is a "Must-watch" http://vimeo.com/34243724

Photo credits:
Jem Cresswell jemcresswell.com
Jeremy Greive jeremygreive.com
Tom Rayner tomraynerphotography.com

Part 2 will be on Fluidzone very soon....