Spearfishing

No Diving - But look at the Isle of Man

2012-04-01T03:01:00.000+02:00

I have not been diving for a good while as you can see... I have been tooing and froing between Malta and the Isle of Man dealing with family issues.

Hopefully I can go for a dive either in Malta or the Isle of Man soon!

In the meanwhile, please enjoy these lovely pics of the Isle of Man:

Daffodils at Ballure in Ramsey, Isle of Man


View of Douglas Bay, Isle of Man

These were taken on a Canon 600D 18-135mm lens.

Douglas, from Douglas Head Pill Box - Isle of Man

Ramsey Iron Pier, Isle of Man

Ramsey pier and beach, Isle of Man

These were taken on a Canon 600D 18-135mm lens.

Ballure in Ramsey, Isle of Man

Juan and his baby

These were taken on a Canon 600D 18-135mm lens.

You can buy the kit from fotosense online.

Merry Christmas! and delayed diving!

2011-12-28T10:37:00.001+01:00

I hope you all had a brilliant Christmas (or holiday season)!

Far to rough to enter the sea at the moment.

St Julians, behind Hilton

Xemxija, Malta

The weather here in Malta is windy and rain, the sea visibility is zero. Looking from above the water is brown, at least the seabed will look different the next time I venture out.

Happy New Year!!!

WEDNESDAY DIVE!

2011-12-09T11:05:00.003+01:00

Wednesday was a day to venture out for a dive and try out the weights.

I am 5’8” (1.73m) and of slim build weighing at 10st (64kgs).

6kgs of weights were perfect for my diving with all the gear.

Before the dive! Note: clear water!

Multi-Directional Internal Wetsuit Heating System

Off I waddled and into the cold sea… It was surprisingly cold! I didn’t expect it to be so cold! But fearing not as us gents have a multi-directional internal wetsuit warmer. I am pretty shameless to admit that I do pee while in the wetsuit, and those who say they don’t I am a little suspicious of.

When in the wetsuit and diving, there are external pressures on the bladder which makes you wanna pee every 30minutes..especially if you drank one litre of water prior. Im glad I drank so much because the bottle of water I brought with me slipped of out of the top pocket attached to my float! No more water…Mhux Tajjeb!

Just remember to wash your suit with freshwater, or as I do: Jump in the shower with the suit on.

Merman, Mermaid or just a Diver

I spotted another diver out in the sea too, was expecting us both to get within earshot so we could have a chat but seems he/she was too busy pretending to be a fish, too busy hunting or not very social. It must’ve been a he because she would’ve had waist length red hair with a beautiful scaly lower body with fins for feet – maybe.

Dive Dive Dive!

As I was navigating the rocks for any signs of octopus life or decent sized fish I was shouted at by a relaxing fisherman. Good job he alerted me as his line was in my course, I acknowledged him and took evasive action! Dive Dive Dive!!!

Fishy Financial Advice

I swam the length of Fekruna and could see Mistra Bay, so decided to turn back and take a view of the deeper water. Spotted some fish, took some shots and missed everytime! 1 fish in my career thus far, still that was a fluke shot. I feel like a newbie on an online multi-player game, beaten down constantly…I am waiting for that moment when I will be getting head shots 1 after another! I actually got so close, the spear was nearly tickling the fish before I fired, too hesitant.

The problem may lie with my over thinking, thinking what impact this will have on the fish socially and if possible, financially. Do the fish have kids, will they get to school, do they have adequate insurance?

Upon realizing the fish was taking up my time, which of course equals money as I was engaging in a form of Fishy Financial Advice, and since I have not yet passed the relevant exams or arranged for the fish to complete an FPQ, I pulled the trigger.

The 10 Minute Dive…err or Swim!

2011-11-30T08:07:00.000+01:00

After looking at Fekruna from above and visiting Marfa, I decided to go for a dive! The weather wasn’t great…but I was itching to get out with the wetsuit and my new weights. Weights should mean I won’t be hanging upsidedown with legs flapping about like an overly air-inflated seal.

Quality of sea not good for diving

I head up the road all kitted up with thoughts of a ‘fishy on a dishy’ or octopus. Neighbours looking at me as if im not normal, that self realisation I already concluded upon arrival to Malta. Find the spot in Fekruna bay with excitement in my belly, as I look into the sea. The sea is quite choppy and does not look as inviting as it did that morning. So, I jump in anyway without the spear or float just to check the visibility! ZERO! Absolutely nothing! Annoyed, I swim out further hoping it is just the shallow area that is not very nice. Again, no!

I swim back in and walk back home!

Until next time! :)

Where is Kriston?

2011-10-03T09:02:00.000+02:00

He is still here in Malta!

However having suffered a stream of non-fishing injuries I will be back in the water in a few weeks. My rib is ok now, seems it was only bruised. Then managed to sprain my wrist while trying to catch the dog...

Yesterday I took a trial flight with Malta School of Flying, in a Cessna 152. It was awesome!

Wing Tsun has suffered also, but I will be back tonight. 8D

See you soon!!

St Peters Pool! with Feel@Home Malta

2011-08-30T09:05:00.005+02:00

Went to St Peters Pool on Sunday with the http://www.feelathomemalta.com/ organisation. They offer the following services:

Events – From time to time we will be organizing day trips, Maltese language lessons, parties, cultural and social events. Join in and you'll never be bored.
Legal support – We have our own lawyer, so if you get into trouble, just give us a call.
Social support – Lonely? Depressed? Not getting used the islanders’ culture and way of life? Don’t worry, we have a qualified counselor and a social worker, who are here to listen, and help.
Any other advice – Need to know where to go and party? Where to learn to drive? How to cook Maltese food? How to apply for a work permit? Whatever it is, if we know, we will help you. If we don’t, we will find out for you. Just call, email, or visit our office.

==========================================

Anyway! I took this opportunity to do a spot of diving around the area of St Peter's Pool, which is behind Delimara Power Station near Marsaxlokk.

The sea here is beautiful, crisp and clear! I did a few practice dives then reached about 8 metres as I drifted out of the pool area. Aimee came along too, where she snorkelled the surface.

Actually not that many fish around the area, which is probably because of the amount of humans in the water or jumping in like lemmings.

We then had Ftira with a mix of tomatos, green pepper, onion, tomato puree, mayo and tuna! We all mucked in to prepare the food, and it was divine! Never tasted food so good!

I would like to mention Pele in this blog, lol. What a guy! Swanning around enjoying the views then producing some very impressive technical dives!

Here is Pele in 2008

Here is another good clip of St Peter's Pool when it is a little quieter

After some lower jumps with Chris, we decided to go for the big one. Felt good!

We then had a BBQ which was brilliant! Will introduced us to an Egyptian treat - BBQ pineapple rings with chilli!

BBQ - pic taken by FEEL@HOME MALTA

Awesome day and night had! It was great to meet these lovely people. Nationalities of people I met were: German, Australian, Finnish, Maltese, English, Hungarian, Romanian, Egyptian and Russian, Manx (Isle of Man) - Yes, I included myself, although I did not introduce me to myself. That could be considered weird. At the previous event the following list can be added - Dutch, Canadian, Polish, Welsh.

If there were any other nationalities that are not included above, which I am sure there are, I did not meet you :( Next time I hope! :)

As you can see, the crowd is diverse and I thoroughly recommend attending events if you enjoy meeting new and interesting people!

Thanks Feel@Home Malta!

Facebook Page

ATC9K - Oregon Scientific (UK) - Mhux Tajjeb!!!

2011-08-25T13:29:00.003+02:00

DO NOT buy the ATC9K. £200 waste of money (if broken)

The camera is unrepairable. Oregon Scientific (UK) will not answer my emails anymore, even when attempting to find out if one can buy spares.

GO-PRO however, have spares kits!

I am really kicking myself for not buying a GO-PRO!

Read my ATC9K review

Marfa Tower (near Cirkewwa)

2011-08-22T13:31:00.000+02:00

Went for a swim with Andrew, Astrid and Aimee.

Very nice there with the ledge to jump off into the sea. Seems my ears have cleared up and I am able to dive to nice depths. :)

The sea can be quite rough there with all the Sunday boaters chopping up the waters. It's quite surprising how choppy the water gets just because of distant boat activity.

Feeling Bleugh in the August heat!

2011-08-08T08:22:00.003+02:00

Malcolm who commented on my previous post, mentioned the issue with my equalising of the Right side ear could be attributed to a cold/flu. He could very well be right!

If it continues buy some common nasal spray (vicks sinex) and sniff copious amounts. Then after a few minutes try descending...if you can equalise properly then you know the cause!
Pro scuba divers claim that the first symptom of a cold appears 4-6 days before the normal symptoms appear.

Felt not great recently, headaches, tickly cough, generally bunged up. In Malta, the symptoms I show or the regularity of a cold is less then back in the cold wet Isle of Man.... I shall explain:

Isle of Man

Day 1 - Onset - Feel rough and cannot explain why, by tthe end of the day it is confirmed that I have cold syptoms

Day 2 - Wake up feeling bunged up, tissues do not help the constant flowing of mucus

Day 3 - Exactly the same as day 2

Day 4 - Wake up feeling less bunged up and no lethargy.

All I need to do is avoid the bus or seminars at any cost! Or if I have to get on a bus or attend a seminar, I pack throat lozenges and a drink... Trying to fight back a tickly cough may be an art, but I am sure the red turning purple face is not healthy. If you go for a good cough it is usually to clear your throat of any excess mucus... But to do it on a bus or around people who are silent, well, y'know...everyone thinks you have returned the black death! Maybe they think you dug your way out of a lead coffin...

Malta (summer)

Day 1 - Feel weird

Day 2 - Feel weird, funny throat

Day 3 - Feel tired

Day 4 - Feel bleugh

Day 5 - Feel ok

Malta (season change)

Day 1 - Feel weird

Day 2 - Feel weird, funny throat

Day 3 - Tonsils go funny, sore throat, lethargic

Day 4 - Feel bleugh, lethargic, sore throat, chough

Day 5 - Feel bleugh, lethargic, sore throat, chough

Day 6 - If I do not feel fine I will see the Dr. The real colds/flu during season change are alot nastier

To kick any of my cold/flu symptoms even the lethargy I take Paracetamol and an orange or kiwi fruit. Forget all these magical remedies, of course unless a 'Doctor' prescribes or advises you to. By the way, the above information is not advice - these are only my thoughts and 'what I do'. Speak to a doctor or chemist for advice.

Here is 'my' money saving part!

I DO NOT buy all of these crazy remedies offered by big names which have the power to do 10 things, especially those that promise levitation possibilities... ahem.. ok.. simple Paracetamol.

Isle of Man/UK - Anadin

Malta - Panadol

I take 2 of these before bed and my sleep is good for about 6hrs. I take 1 every 4 hours. Why do I only take one at each interval? So my body does not build a tolerance to a higher dose.

Please seek the advice from a chemist or doctor. The above is not advice, it is rambling about what 'I do' when 'I get a cold'.

Information on Paracetamol can be found here:

http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/painkillers-paracetamol/Pages/Introduction.aspx

Sea Shepherd's 'Steve Irwin' released!

2011-08-03T09:30:00.000+02:00

The Sea Shepherd's 'Steve Irwin' has been released after $735m was raised to pay the £520,000 bond:

Due to the generosity of our supporters around the world, Sea Shepherd Conservation Society has raised over $735,000 to save the flagship Steve Irwin—less than two weeks after the launch of our SOS! - Save Our Ship fundraising campaign! Thank you to everyone who helped make it possible for us to fund a bond to release the vessel from detainment! Together, we will continue to make a difference.

http://www.seashepherd.org/get-involved/crewing-at-sea.html

Equalising Issue and Camera Question (?)

2011-08-01T08:23:00.000+02:00

I havent been diving much. Began Wing Tsun classes on a Tuesday and Thursday at the WT Academy in Mosta. Very nice group and with the training I could not move properly for 2 days, it felt like I had been riding motocross or riding a horse... Im sure the classes will help me focus on diving too.

Recently, I have had issues with my right ear equalising... The past two dives I have not been able to equalise my right side ear properly.

Normally, my ears will make the following sound - ZZZZzzzzzzclick. But, recently my right side will now make the sound ZZZZZzzzzzzzz for to long and that is it, without that comforting 'click'. I want to keep going but I do not, it does not feel comfortable.

Above water it feels fine, just seems to be under the water. During my next dive, I will try equalising above the water before I begin the decent. You should always be equalising as you descend too, the pressure changes are more dramatic the closer you are to the surface.

The method of equalising is use is Frenzel, very effective and I feel very much in control - much more so than the pinch and blow method. See the 'equalising safely' page for more details!

QUESTION:

May I ask you lovely readers this question, please do comment:

If you was made aware that an extreme sports camera is unable to be repaired for even a basic breakage and probably common breakage (i.e. lens cracking),

WOULD YOU BUY THE CAMERA?

There be rough yet warm seas!

2011-07-27T21:32:00.000+02:00

Went for a random swim today with Aimee. The sea was surprisingly warm amid the choppy blowy waters.

Having since began Wing Tsun, I will most likely be only getting out at the weekends.

I had a few deeper dives where I spotted a group of tiny fishes all wondering what this human was doing, going up, down, up, down and up. Visibility was quite ok surprisingly.

I feel very drowsy while writing this blog, ate half a Maltese loaf with tomato soup! Right, im stopping... my eyes are closing...ZZZZZzzzz

Tried!

2011-07-23T13:45:00.000+02:00

Tried to go diving today.... the waters are too choppy and they look very mucky :(

Will go for a dive on Sunday hopefully.

Sea Shepherd needs your help!

2011-07-20T12:59:00.001+02:00

http://www.seashepherd.org/

Who is the Sea Shepherd?

Sea Shepherd's Mission Statement

Established in 1977, Sea Shepherd Conservation Society (SSCS) is an international non-profit, marine wildlife conservation organization. Our mission is to end the destruction of habitat and slaughter of wildlife in the world's oceans in order to conserve and protect ecosystems and species.

Sea Shepherd uses innovative direct-action tactics to investigate, document, and take action when necessary to expose and confront illegal activities on the high seas. By safeguarding the biodiversity of our delicately-balanced ocean ecosystems, Sea Shepherd works to ensure their survival for future generations.

Into the Dive!

2011-07-19T08:13:00.002+02:00

Exam passed! Very happy about that!

So, as I promised myself... A dive!

Didn't take the spear today, just went for a short scout. I notice that if you do nottake the time to relax and focu before a dive, the more chance your body and mind does not function as required. I took a dive to about 4 metres, became nervous and really felt I needed air so had to come up. What I normally do is the following:

Getting into the dive!

Float looking down, let the water take the weight*
Breathe normally
Focus on the sea bed
Check my pulse to make sure it is normal
Breathe out all the air, followed by one large breath
Roll into the dive (should be a smooth action, no flapping about making splashes on the surface)

This process normally takes me a good 2-3 minutes

*Becareful if you are weighted heavy. With my spear, I seem to need an extra 1kg weight to help be descent without a wetsuit. And while relaxing and breathing out the snorkel tip submerges...As you can imagine, the heartrate go up and ruins the meditation. Im not sure the Shaolin Monks would find coughing, spluttering and uncontrolled breathing a requisite for meditation...

If anyone has any suggestions, corrections or questions - Please feel free to comment on the blog!!

No Diving today!

2011-07-17T22:07:00.000+02:00

I have an exam tomorrow afternoon! The day off work too, so will reserve the diving for tomorrow afternoon.

Soon, I hope to have videos of my dives. Recently I purchased an Oregon Scientific ATC9K, unfortunately there has been an issue with it. I am counting on Oregon Scientifics good service technicians to help me, so you can enjoy some decent images. The quality of this cam underwater looks awesome!

See yas tomorrow!

Diving pretty!

2011-07-16T23:15:00.001+02:00

Spent 2 hours in the water today.

With all the gear, without a wetsuit I needed 1kg weight on the belt to help me dive easier. Yesterday it was a struggle to get the technique right while holding the gun.

One frustrating issue, is the bigger fish are so jittery and zoom off before I get a chance. The other issue is my killer instinct, I do not appear to have it. A few occasions I came across some fish and hesitated, they looked at me...as I just hovered looking at them. Definitely more training required!.

My mask is not very good, it has a clear skirt...really diminishes my viewing range with all the sun behind me.

Tip: Shave! Mask does not fit too well when face is left unshaven for a while.

You can buy a black mask from Amazon UK and Amazon US see below!

Diving blind!

2011-07-15T21:17:00.000+02:00

What was going on today!?

Must be the waters being choppy. All week and as far as I can remember all my dives without the spear had been clear visibility! Today, I decide to bring the spear and the sea throws poor visibility with not a fish in sight!

I wander accidentally into the swimmer zone and the fish are in there... I swim back out... no fish! I think the fish know about the boundary!

I spend 2 hours in the sea and find a shoal swimming beneath. This is my opportunity, I dive and intercept side on. Off she goes! First shot and I claim a fish!

The Puzzle!

2011-07-14T21:29:00.000+02:00

I like a good puzzle! This evening I was indeed presented with a puzzle, to untangle and tie the swimming boundary line that had come free from the rock. Im not sure why any of the people in the bay decided to sort it out...afterall, it is designed to protect swimmers from motorboats in the area.

So, after reattaching the line I went off for some more dives. I rest and gently focus on the bottom waiting for my heart bpm to go back to normal before letting out 'all' the air from my lungs then taking one deep breath. The descent is very peaceful and the coolness of the deep is nice, very nice!

When I am swimming at the bottom, I feel my body pushing the air to my mouth which I then push back using my tongue. It is almost like convulsing, strange sensation but now feels normal. Is this the sign, that I am becoming some sort of merman?

Whatever it is, I like it.

Aimee and the Micro-Sharks!

2011-07-13T21:21:00.002+02:00

Today dived 7 metres and equalising very easily!

Not many fish about Fekruna this evening. I swam behind a bed of reeds and through a valley, sneaked upto a scorfna. Looked up and found a guy snorkelling, he looked startled when he saw me looking up from the sea bed.

Rearranged some rocks on the bed, my message is nearly complete!

You see alot different objects when the sun is falling, gives a different perspective.

Aimee headed down for a swim too, apparently the fish are eating her alive! Seems they are eating dead skin from mosquito bites. While Aimee swam a little, while I sorted out the bin we created as part of our keeping our immediate environment clean initiative.

Check out the other Blog:

http://ourfekruna.blogspot.com

Strategy Training

2011-07-12T21:51:00.005+02:00

Took the dog for a walk to Fekruna, dived for an hour while the dog was just following me and shouting at me!

View from Fekruna Bay - My playing field

You could see he was wanting to join me, but not yet confident enough to take the plunge. Maybe I should buy him a dog snorkel.

Today my target was diving to 5 metres, turning gently looking around and ascending to the surface in a controlled manner. The more I complete this task, the easier it becomes!

So, strategy training, what is it?

Diving to the reeds/sea grass gently and controlled. Diving up and over the reeds to take an imaginary shot at the imaginary fish.

lol, I appear naked in this picture! This is not so!

I manage to find a shoal of Salema just behind a grassy hill at about 4 metres. I look around for a suitable diving spot just out of sight from the fish, dive down so the grass gives me cover then either swim around the hill or swim over. Fish are more comfortable when you are swimming among them, instead of flapping about on the surface.

I am very very confident a fish will be caught with a spear in Autumn 2011!

Goggles with see-through skirt

It helps to wear goggles with a black skirt so any light does not reflect on the inside glass, the reflection restricts your view of the distance.

I will be purchasing a set of these for Autumn, using my hands to cover the clear goggle skirt is not practical.

You can buy a black mask from Amazon UK and Amazon US see below!

Descending!

2011-07-05T19:35:00.001+02:00

My technique for descending seems to be improving 10x.

One leg in the air, followed by a nose dive while not looking down but straight ahead as if standing. I sank like a stone! Reached the bottom of what seems like 5 metres, before ascending to the the surface.

Maybe 1 Kg weight is needed to help keep me on the bottom.

Found a large school of Bream feeding...this was my opportunity to practice some sneaking tricks. I circled them before descending behind some grass, peaked and swam with them! They do not seem so alarmed when a human is swimming under water among them.

The ATC9K Camera is having issues, Oregon Scientific are sending me around the houses...for some reason not giving me straight answers. They are quick on replies and are there if you need a chat. I really would like to take the cam down on dives!

The Family!

2011-07-01T21:13:00.001+02:00

Dived for about 1 hr today, at Fekruna.

Collected many stones and dropped them off to a location. This is going to be a my next training exercise. I will use my time below to arrange the stones and display a message.

During my dives I spotted Bream, Skorpion Fish and a goldfish like er fish. There is a nice white sanded area where there is some activity. Usually crabs, scorpion fish and today there was a family of fish (not school) The family consisted of a Mother, Son, with 2 younger Daughters. I swam down to them and tried to make friends, they ain't really social... they were eating some weed and ignoring me :(

My right side eardrum is not equalising as well as my left. Should keep check on its progress.

Diving is becoming more and more controlled with focus more solid.

Until next time!

Hello Slug!

2011-06-30T22:23:00.001+02:00

At 5pm today went out for a dive at Fekruna!

Getting confident at diving 3 metres after 5 minutes of rest and focus. My right ear would nit equalise properly which was causing issues. I wouldve dived to 4 metres but the pain in the right was a bother.

I picked up 2 pieces of litter from the sea floor. In Fekruna there are areas of Cisk cans where boaters have been drinking and discarding tins overboard. Maybe I should organise a sponsored freedive to clean up these areas. You would think the locals would take care of their beautiful sea and bays. I suppose complacency for what they have is a contributory factor. Maybe with a sponsored clean of the sea floor would raise awareness and help reduce this ignorant behavior.

I will look into it when I am confident at 10 metres.

PLEASE DON'T THROW RUBBISH OVER THE SIDE OF THE BOAT

Hey Crab, Hey Slug!

Dived to look at a crab who didn't want to make friends, it kept scuttling under the sand to hide from me. As it happens, it was trying to eat a piece of plastic.

A Slug seemed more happy to see me though, didn't move much. It was probably trying to run away but couldnt really do much.

Wetsuit free diving!

2011-06-29T22:26:00.001+02:00

Went for a holiday dive today with Aimee at Cirkewwa.

I said hello to a Cuttlefish too. Dived to the floor and looked it in the eyes, it was a brief stand off before it decided to zoom off about 4 metres in 1 second. So took another dive, it then turned white and legged it again!

Very surprising how east it was diving without a wetsuit and weights. This summer will be for hard practicing of getting my dive technique right for the autumn fish hunt!

Dived down 3 metres so far, kept under water for approx 45 seconds.

Will do some dive tomorrow at Fekruna while I have the rest of the week off work :O)

Some pics next time!