Spearfishing
2024 UNITED STATES NATIONAL SPEARFISHING CHAMPIONSHIPS
Host Club: Triton Freedivers
Date: July 15 - 19, 2024
Location: Islamorada, FL, chosen for its abundance of fish, extensive public artificial reef program, relatively shallow diving, and reduced boat traffic.
Prepared by Joe Fernandez – President of Triton Freedivers
Contact: Joe Fernandez 305-562-1944 jfernandez@fendzusa.com
Experience the excitement of the 2024 US National Spearfishing Championships, where skilled participants showcase their underwater prowess in thrilling action-packed battles. Witness the best spearfishers from across the country compete for the coveted title, showcasing their precision, agility, and endurance. Immerse yourself in the world of spearfishing and be captivated by the intense battles unfolding beneath the surface. Don't miss out on this prestigious event – reserve your spot now and be part of the adrenaline-fueled spectacle!
Spearfishing World Competition 2023
Congratulations to our USA teams that participated in CMAS Spearfishing World's in Laredo, Spain in September! We are so proud of our teams for their dedication, skill and spirit.
The Women's Team took 3rd, with Rosibel taking 4th out of 30 women. There were 13 countries with women's team, a huge increase over previous years. The women's division is growing by leaps and bounds but the USA women have managed to maintain their top standing!
The Men's Team placed 17th out of 23 countries and did very well among some extremely tough competition and challenging conditions.
Thank you to all who represented our country and to their Captains and supporters who worked countless hours to make this happen. We are especially grateful to the many generous donors who help make this all possible!
USA Men's Team
--submitted by Nataly Pacheco
What an amazing experience we had as a team in Spain, and how much we learned and grew in the underwater sport of Spearfishing in Spain. We arrived around August 20th still having a high from Brazil in the Pan-American Championship where we took 2nd place. Our goal as a team was to reach a similar height in Spain but we first had many obstacles to overcome, the biggest one was the funding in getting us there. A blessing came: after talking to hundreds of people asking for help, a patriot by the name of Troy Eckard of Eckard Enterprises came into the picture and very generously donated sufficient funds for both the Men's and Women's team to cover most of the basic costs.
When we got to Spain, we did not wait but started diving and diving hard in the zones looking for the fish we will need to succeed. Every day we would get up between 5:30 A.M. to 6:00 A.M. head to the marina, prepare our gear and the boat and head to the Zone. The zone was about an hour drive by boat in the huge swells and often crashing waves. Every morning we threw on our cold wetsuits rain or shine and headed to different parts of the zone and tried to find the best areas for the fish. We would mark those zones with our new watches from Garmin and move to a new area. We had 9.5 miles of coastline just in Zone A to check plus all the way out in the depth to 90 feet or more.
Every day for 3 weeks we marked spots and recorded with Go Pro's what we were seeing and where. Zone B had 8.5 miles of coastline, so how do you split your time up wisely between the players and less than 3 weeks to give your team the best chance. The top teams had scouts per each diver, so each diver had about 3 other divers scouting and marking and recording with them plus thousands of dollars in government funding to help them. We had Mike Kennedy, Justin Lee, Matt Warner, Mikhail Kuznetsov, and Mirco Zanella, who are all great divers but to cover 18 miles long and about a mile out in 3 weeks was a lot of ground to cover, it would have been great to have additional scouts. We all worked hard from early morning to late evening scouting our areas, often coming home eating some food and dropping dead on our pillow and getting up the next day and doing it again. We had a meeting for game day and decided who's diving what days and what area's it would be Zone A: Justin Lee, Mike Kennedy, Mikhail Kuznetsov and the next day Zone B: Matt Warner, Justin Lee, and Mikhail Kuznetsov.
The morning before opening game day we had some major issues and scrambled all through the opening parade to get the problem fixed. Thank you to Scott Turgeon with USOA and Erik Salado with CMAS for helping us get our issues resolved. After 5 hours of emotion and headache the night before the competition the team was back on the right foot.
Game day came and we were a bit behind from the fiasco from the day prior and we were transferring fish coordinates from watches to boat GPS's as fast as we could before we had to take off. Day 1 was Zone A and it was a sight to see 106 boats flying through the water at top speed and everyone on top of everyone else trying to get their fish they had scouted so hard for. Mike Kennedy shot 3 Fish and had 1 Salpa valid. Justin had shot 4 fish 1 valid. Mikael had shot 3 fish, 1 valid. Day 2 in Zone B was just as tough, everybody on top of everybody. Mikael 1 valid fish, Justin 3 valid fish, Matt 4 fish shot 0 valid.
The winners knew the waters very well and knew from their team scouters where fish were once the shallows were decimated. We learned as a team what we need to do better next time scouting and how to plan better and yes, we need more scouters like the other teams. We had a wonderful experience and left our 3 weeks of blood, sweat and tears in Spain and we are proud of what we were able to accomplish with the little funding that we had. Team U.S.A. ended up 16th out of 26 countries and had we not run into as many issues as we did we can easily be top 10 contenders.
Onward to the 2024 Pan Americans!
USA Women's Team Places Third
Congratulations to the USA Women’s Spearfishing Team!! Athletes Julie Higgs, Rosibel Molina, Nicole Burko and Shelby Lynn Peterson, along with Captain Joe Fernandez and Expedition Manager Melody Engle took third place in the 2023 Spearfishing World competition!
There were 13 countries in total competing in the Women’s Division – women made up 30% of the competitors. WOW. This is an enormous increase over previous years. But our USA Women managed to hold onto third place in spite of the huge disadvantage of being in foreign waters with no local knowledge or experience. The team made the best of it by working as a team and sharing their knowledge each night during the scouting period.
Countries with Female Competitors: Spain, New Zealand, Tahiti, USA, Portugal, Norway, Italy, France, Chile, Croatia, Finland, Ukraine, Brazil
A special cheer for Rosibel Molina who came in 4th overall amongst all of the competitors! We’re told that she dove 10 hours a day for the two days in spite of being in tremendous pain after having a huge reaction to a jellyfish sting. She accumulated big points and helped the team secure that 3rd place finish. Congratulations Rosi!
Congratulations TEAM!
2023 U.S. NATIONAL SPEARFISHING CHAMPIONSHIPS
Photos from the 2023 U.S. National Spearfishing Championships is being held in beautiful Kona, Hawaii!
Thank you Nataly Pacheco for providing the photos!
FRESHWATER SPEARFISHING CHAMPIONSHIPS MAY 16-20, 2023
The 2023 WFSC was held May 16-20, 2023 in Lake Powell, Page Arizona, USA. After 3 very successful WFSCs over the past 6 years, it was time for the USA to step up to the plate and really make a huge effort to place in these events.
DAY 1, GAME FISH DAY
This was a hunting challenge. 3 different species: Catfish, Walleye, and striper. You were allowed 8 catfish and 8 walleye, and unlimited striper. All these fish required different hunting styles and the ability to hunt in different regions. Most of the diving required longer waits, with NO movements at all. This really brought out the best hunters. Fish were awarded 3 points per fish.
DAY 2, UNLIMITED CARP DAY
Unlimited carp shooting is a very unique opportunity to help the Parks Dept to clean these invasive species out of the lake. Although we really don't ever put a dent in the carp population, we do have fun removing what we can. All fish were used in local farmlands as fertilizer. Carp are tough fish, sometimes very easy to shoot but never easy to handle. and they don't die easily. and the can cause the biggest entanglements you have ever seen. With an average weight near 7 pounds shooting 50 carp means you're dealing with 350 pounds of carp and shooting 100 carp could mean 700 pounds of carp. that's 3 garbage can completely full. The logistics of shooting this many times, landing each of these fish, then dealing with their sheer weight can be the most insane excitement many spearos will ever have.
In most divisions, the scores were close enough that a great carp day could change the places around pretty quickly, but carp days more about logistically handling lots of fish as compared to the hunting skills needed for the first Game fish day. This combination of skilled hunting and unlimited shooting mass quantities of crazy carp makes this a very unique event and opportunity to challenge top divers with.
WINNERS
Men’s Division: After another 6-hour day of diving the fish rolled in and in the men's division and it appeared the Livingston- Western team had pull in front of their rivals 143 carp to Kennedy and Justin’s 102. A lot of carp and a ton of weight and no one appeared to have done better… until, the last team checked in. Darvil and Fernando our OC divers from CA. Had found a wild spawn of carp that they were able to shoot into almost randomly and get multiple carp per shot. They figured this system out on the fly as the spawn was so thick and so out of control. They shot 221 together and they filled 6 garbage cans completely full. They were in nearly last place after gamefish day, but with this outstanding performance by both of them they were now tied for first place individualy at 115 points. This gave them the win with 230 points, and Darvil having the bigger large carp won the tiebreaker to take first place and Fernando to 2nd place overall in the men's division of the WFSC. A totally unexpected insane performance that they have done once before. In 2nd place team was Livingston and Wester, with 206 points, 3rd was Justin and Kennedy with 189 and fourth place was Kelston and Spencer with 132. All from the USA. This was a super exciting division right to the last minute.
Masters Division. While all the big Carp weight was coming in, Darren Shields carefully watched as his #1 spot in the event snuck away by 1 point. He ended up with 114, just one carp away from tieing Darvil and Fernando. But New Zealand's best took total control over the Master division as an individual with 114 points, Lim had 95, Lee 78, GR Tarr 72, and M. Mcguire 63. The master's team was another surprise, As our USA team from Hawaii and Ca had retired 18 years ago and came out of retirement just for this event. Lim and Lee were down by 12 points to the New Zealand Team Darren and Ian, and caught them and beat them with their consistent scores on both days173 to 157. And in 3rd place was our Florida team with a great performance and 131 points, GR Tar and Ben Fertic. Again a fun unexpected finish and the USA took 2 team and 2 individual awards away. With New Zealand getting the top individual spot and 2nd place team.
Womens Division: Our Top Girl from last year's Nationals did it again. Julie Higgs did well on game fish and just needed to stay consistent on Carp day. Her 53 carp was enough to keep her in first place individually and she became the first USA woman to WIN a world competition. Right behind her was our local Girl Shelby Peterson with 45 carp, then our first diver ever from Great Britain, Feena with 26 carp. Next our newest freshwater spearo Anna with 25 and Anne with 24 carp. See the complete scoreboard under the Results section. Individually the USA women took home 4 of the 5 trophies sharing the 3rd place trophy with Feena from Great Britain. Great job by all. Just an honorable mention here as Shelby shot a state record Striper on Carp day and gave us all a thrill, about 25 pounds.
Women's Team Division: After Day1 we had a tie for first place in the women's team division, so the winner was picked on carp day. The pressure was on but these 4 girls dove on the same boat and made the most of the opportunity to make friends and have fun. In the end, Feena from GB and Anna from the USA got the most carp and took home the World Championship trophies. 2nd place team was Anne and Cavel, and 3rd our newest team Jessica and Ariana of the USA. As an honorable mention, Anna Hilton of New England, is now our official CARP QUEEN, having won this honor by diving into a trailer full of slimy Carp, and smiling the whole time.
Mixed Doubles Division: This division has grown to be one of the most popular and competitive divisions of all. Many of the top men and women love it as they get the chance to dive with a daughter or husband. After the Game fish day, Julie and Javier were up by 12 points over the local favorites Ryan and Shelby Peterson. The Petersons won Carp day with 106 fish, Julie and Javier had 99, and the Guam team with Dad, Michael, and Daughter Carmela at 81. The Pertsons were 5 points- 5 carp shy of catching Julie and Javier. The final score was First place team in WFSC Mixed doubles Julie and Javier of Florida 138 points, 2nd place the Petersons of Utah 133, 3rd place was Michael and Carmela of Guam 87, 4th place Matt and Nicole 79, and 5th place in the world Ivan and Lydia with 38 points. Once again, the USA did exceptionally well sharing 3rd place with a couple of great Guam divers. Honorable mention goes to the Guam Team for the best smiles in the world. It is always a pleasure to have our friends from Guam here.
Our first Event "World's Best Captain" was also awarded. We had so many great captains this year and 5 were women that probably all should have won. Our thanks also go out to all our volunteers, and there are way too many to list. Just know we appreciate you and love you all. WORLD'S BEST CAPTAIN went to Jesse of lakepowellguideservices.com. Yes he is a pro captain, but he gave so much more to his team and our sport.
In conclusion, we would like to thank all our Sponsors who really do make these events possible.
And for all the locals that put in so much time: NFSA, Jimbo / Matti our wt masters, Mike Retford on everything, Tom, the boat master, Bob at Upland Adventures, and Bryant at Pizza Hut.
WFSC will be switching to even years starting in 2024 or 2026. We want to avoid crowding odd years with CMAS world events.
Please watch the website for updates and event reviews, photos, and video clips: www.FreshwaterWorlds
We are working hard to bring the event to South Africa for some real wild spearfish and back to New Zealand, one of the most beautiful lands in the world.
Both sites will be great for Freshwater competitions and have tons of additional activities.
We had some great Photographers and videographers at this event. Look them up for pictures videos, and cool articles.
Evan Frost: Evanfrostphoto@gmail.com
Alex Info for a full video on the event TBA
A huge Thanks to Apena Passion and our CMAS spearfishing president/reporter: Valentina Prokic
Pan American Spearfishing Championship 2022
The U.S. Men & Women Spearfishing teams competed in the Pan American Championships in Brazil in November. Under extremely tough conditions, both the U.S. men and the women took second place! Team members also made great showings in the individual rankings, and Mirco Zanella was awarded with the biggest fish. Both teams have secured a spot in the 2023 World Spearfishing Championships taking place next September in Laredo, Spain. Congratulations to all!
Check out an excellent article on the competition by Apnea Passion news:
2022 PanAm Championships
Spearfishing 2021 Nationals
2021 Spearfishing Nationals
Churchill Trophy then: Owen Churchill, Dale Saunders, Don Barthman, Roger Chung
Churchill Trophy now: Mike McGuire, Glen McGuire, Dennis Haussler
Spearfishing Trophies and Awards
Cencal's first national championship team: Don Barthman, Roger Chung, Dale Sanders, 1965
National Awards
helms award = spearfishing athlete of the year
This is a medallion issued to the top diver in the U.S. This was first awarded in 1952. For a history of this award, go to Helms Award. To view photos of each year's winner, go to Athlete of the Year.
Owen Churchill Trophy = First Place Mens Team in the National Meet
CenCal teams won in 1965, 1968, 1992, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2002, 2005, 2007, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2016. To see CenCal's winners click here CenCal Champions.
The list of all winners, starting in 1950, can be accessed at Churchill.
Kate Miller Trophy = First Place Womens Team in the National Meet
CenCal teams were the champions in 1975, 1980, and 2000. See Kate Miller for this list, also starting in 1950.
Mixed Team Trophy
A Mixed Team is composed of one male and one female diver or one adult and one minor (under age 18). It dates from 2004. This is awarded to the first place mixed team of each U. S. National Meet. Go to Mixed Team Trophy. for this list.
Regional Meets
Schnepperschoff Trophy = High Point Individual in PCC Meet
This award is in memory of Al Schnepperschoff who was bit in the leg by a great white and bled to death while spearfishing for tuna. This trophy has been silent for a few years but for a list of the winners we are aware of go to Schnepperschoff..
Local Awards
W. J. Voit Perpetual Trophy
The Voit Trophy is awarded to the top CenCal team of the year. The list of winners can be viewed at Voit Trophy.
Harry Hague Trophy
This is awarded to the CenCal individual scoring the most points from the year's team meets. It was sponsored by the East Bay Barnacle dive club but has not been issues in some years as clubs wax and wane. The list of winners can be viewed at Harry Hague Trophy.
Photos
An Introduction to Spearfishing Equipment
Skindiving gear is the passport to the marvelous universe underwater. The facemask clears vision exposing a vast enchanting world more colorful than any aquarium. Fins transform the legs into dolphin-like appendages. Wetsuits give a whale-like skin, feeling warm and safe. The weight belt helps achieve true weightlessness. Thus equipped, the skin diver is almost a fish!
The gear is actually very simple: mask, fins, snorkel - wetsuit and weight belt in cold water. In choosing and evaluating gear, the primary concern is safety, comfort and fit.
Mask: best suited for skindiving is a small, comfort- able, low air volume mask. The lens should be safety or tempered glass. Vision underwater can be corrected with contact lenses or ground glass lenses; there are also masks with corrective lenses – custom or store bought. Custom is the best, which can also correct for complicated vision issues such as astigmatism.
Fins: Fins, plus mask and snorkel, are the most essential skindiving gear. Fins increase the diver’s efficiency and mobility. Skindivers agree fins should be about 39” long (90-110 cm).
The fin blade produces a wave of displaced water propelling the diver forward. The larger the blade, the larger the wave. Ribs and water deflection devices maximize fin efficiency. Soft flexible fins are the best for all ‘round diving, and very stiff fins can aggravate any existing lower back problems.
Fins should fit snuggly and feel a natural extension of the leg. In cold water, fins can cause deep skin erosions on feet or ankles. To protect the feet, boots or socks are worn.
Snorkel: the air tube accessing air from the mouth to the surface, helps conserve energy and allows an uninterrupted view of activities below. Best are of simple design. Most importantly, the fit must be comfortable – does the edge (flange) pressure gums?
The ‘bite’ will be more comfortable using a snorkel with thermoplastic inserts, which are heated in boiling water and bitten while still as warm as tolerable to provide a personal bite registration. The bore (opening) size is also important. Small bores have less dead air space and less water to ‘clear.’
Wetsuit: insulates the diver from the cold and protects the skin from reef abrasions, sea urchin spines and jellyfish. Neoprene rubber became the standard in the late 1950s. The suit should fit as closely as possible without constricting the body motion and/or blood flow. Suit thicknesses vary from 3, 5, 6.5 and 7 mm. The 6.5/7 is considered standard for cold water. There are also ‘dive skins’ for warm water diving – made from lyrca, darylex or polaratex, skins are neutrally buoyant and provide protection from the sun, stinging aquatic creatures, sharp coral and cold.
Dive Boards/Paddle Boards/Kayaks: provide transportation, a place to store equipment and game and good support for the ‘divers down’ flag. Boards expand the shore diver’s horizons while being an excellent emergency platform with watertight compartments for flotation and storage.
*Freedive by Maas & Sipperly, Bluewater Freedivers
Ventura CA 1998 – out of print- freedive.net
