"Recovering Paraplegic" Free diving / Spear fishing enthusiast on Big Island Hawaii

  • Aloha from the Big Island of Hawaii.


    My Name is Markus..I was paralyzed in a motorcycle accident in 1995 and diagnosed to never walk again. I spent two years in a wheel-chair and countless years on leg braces and arm crutches..Through years of hard work, determination and good Karma I am now walking..


    While on the Big Island back in 2010, I was fortunate to have discovered free-diving/spear-fishing and caught the bug. I was a decent diver, 50' plus and a couple minute breath hold. Obligations to my environmental non profit on the mainland prevented me from living the life I really desired. So,after too many years away I just gave up my home, broke up with my girl and my dog went with a close friend. Finally I am free to pursue the one of the greatest sports on the planet.


    Throwing all caution to the wind, I shipped my truck and bought a boat..I have never owned a boat and that has been a huge learning curve. My plan is to travel the island and dive with out going from shore. For the last three months I have been making the boat sea worthy and preparing to dive. I have only reef fished in the past and now with the boat, I am aspiring to blue water.


    Walking for me is arduous, it hurts and causes me to live in severe pain..plus I do not take meds so my life is hard..However, when I am in the ocean, I can dive deep and move quickly..I can use my body to the max without the pain and discomfort and the adrenaline rush of catching fish makes me feel truly alive! While diving, my disability seems to disappear and for that I am was willing to leave my life behind to live to dive!


    One of my goals is to dive to 100' and set a record for paraplegic free-diving. Neurosurgeons said I would never walk again. I proved them wrong! Your life is Your Message to the World, make it a inspiring one..


    Any positive feedback, support, knowledge and encouragement is appreciated..


    here are some links to who I am


    www.ahero4all.org


    Body Transformation: Markus Keicher Defies Odds At 42

  • Welcome to Spearfishing World. Great bunch of people on here. I'm in Kona right now and just was at Kua Bay. Beautiful water.
    I wish you the best in your goal. Even if you don't make 100 feet, enjoy the sea.

  • Welcome to Spearfishing World. Great bunch of people on here. I'm in Kona right now and just was at Kua Bay. Beautiful water.
    I wish you the best in your goal. Even if you don't make 100 feet, enjoy the sea.


    Hey Hank,


    Thanks! 100 feet is a lofty goal..maybe we can connect on some diving..Heading towards South Point tomorrow..

  • Welcome to Spearfishing World Markus. I 'm so happy to hear your great comeback with Mother Ocean opening her arms and giving you pain free peace in her warm blue waters. Good luck on your quest to the 100' mark.


    Cheers, Don

    "Great mother ocean brought forth all life, it is my eternal home'' Don Berry from Blue Water Hunters.


    Spearfishing Store the freediving and spearfishing equipment specialists.

  • Hey Hank,


    Thanks! 100 feet is a lofty goal..maybe we can connect on some diving..Heading towards South Point tomorrow..


    I'm leaving tomorrow for Oahu and on to Thailand. My son is here in Kona. He works for SIS shrimp breeding company near the airport. He's a member on here. Jake....or "Fricken' Jake" as he's fondly known. haha. He's got a wife and young daughter but he keeps telling me he's looking for a steady dive ....and surf buddy. I'll tell him to contact you.

  • Hey Marcus,
    Awesomely inspiring intro, thanks for sharing it and welcome!


    There are some very good freedive schools on Hawaii though not sure where exactly. Maybe something could be arranged.
    I imagine your upper torso is strong? So, for depth you can do Free Immersion which is a discipline where you descend and ascend by puling on the rope:-). It is often used for warm ups but it is a properly recognized discipline on its own, too. No Fins is another one where your arms do a lot of work.
    I think 100' is a good goal, not too deep that you start getting really heavy and need more power in the beginning of the ascent but still deep enough that it is a proper accomplishment.
    I wish you all the best.


    What boat did you get? Sail or motor?


  • Aloha Diving Gecko..


    My legs are pretty strong, a few years back I leg pressed 500lbs 10x's so I do have some strength..I appreciate the heads up, I will look into Free Immersion..Met up with two blue water divers today who go in from shore..I am looking to find some divers to show me how its done in trade for going out on the boat.


    I bought a 23' Monterey open bow fiberglass Tri Haul with a center helm. Has a 5.7 Volvo Penta "GM350" block with a VP SV out drive, front and rear ladders. Bought it as a fixer upper so instead of going right into diving i have spent the last three months just getting the boat ready..


    Eight years ago I was getting down well past 50' and that was only after a few months of steady diving..So in the next few years who knows what I can accomplish..


    Thanks again for sharing your knowledge..


    Cheers!

  • Wow just wow. Truly inspiring. Being a rider myself it kills me to hear of other people's accidents. I am glad you have had a successful recovery against all odds. As for your goal for 100', it doesn't seem like anything could stop you just be safe. Welcome to the board. I look forward to future posts from you. Thank you for sharing your story.

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member to leave a comment.