Posts by nyspear

I just remembered that both PFI (I think through Immersion) and FII offer a short course that only goes into the safety component of the training - for example, how to deal with a black out. For those that aren't interested in pushing themselves from a diving standpoint or think that the diving isn't applicable to what they do, but are interested in the safety aspect of freediving/spearfishing, this could be a good option. I think I read that FII's safety course is only $125.

Quote from Dan

You must be aware that this is open for discussion right?

Yes, I am. As you stated, to each his own. I respect anybody's decision not to take the class.

I'm not speaking for Hank, but I don't think he started this thread to argue the merits of the course. He clearly had a good experience, and wanted to share some of it, not the least of which is that he now feels that he will be a better buddy, especially when diving with his son. By disparaging PFI/FII directly in this thread, it might seem that you're belittling an experience that Hank had with his son, that they came away feeling good about. If you say you're not disparaging, let's call it "aggressively questioning the value of..." This would be akin to "pissing in his cheerios." Just my humble opinion.

Great post, Hank. I'm definitely a PFI advocate, although I've never had the opportunity to train with Kirk and Mandy, which I'm looking forward to.

Yep - forgot to mention that. Dan and I discussed it when I bought the fins initially. I was in a bind that day and had to take whatever fit. It's actually size 40-42.

I previously had Pursuit medium soft blades installed in Omer Millenium footpockets. The tendons were too stiff for me, and it seemed that I was losing a lot of propulsion due to the flex characteristics and resulting inefficiency of the setup. This past weekend I had Dan install the blades in the Pathos pockets, and it made a world of difference. The fit of the Pathos footpocket is similar to the Omer, but seemed to be more flexible and comfortable. At the same time, they were stiff enough to generate a good transfer of energy to the blade. Dan was concerned that the setup might be too soft for me, but I didn't think so. I liked them a lot.

The first thing I noticed, though, is how light the Pathos footpockets are compared to the Omer. This is a difference I could feel immediately in the water. The only potential downside to the Pathos footpocket is that it's a permanent glued-in installation. This isn't a big issue for me, though.

Dan - thanks for taking care of this for me this weekend.

Nope, I wanted to but you didn't have it in my size.

Edit: Just to be clear - Dan was aware of the problem and even pointed it out to me, but I had lost a fin that day and needed something to dive with the next day so I took them anyway.

How does the fit of the Pathos pocket compare to the Millenium - i.e. wider, narrower? I have the same problem with the Millenium pockets with Pursuit blades. I was thinking about modifying the footpockets to take some of the stiffness out of them but haven't tried it yet.

I also use an Android app called Knot Guide from Wink Pass Creations when I don't have easy internet access. It's been very helpful.

Quote from Tred

Thanks, where do u hunt? what mm suit are u using?

I'm somewhat of a newbie myself. I haven't done any local hunting yet, but plan to start this summer. I've been traveling to do all my hunting. I have a black 3mm Pursuit suit that I was wearing when I got rolled by a wave into some sharp rocks in Costa Rica in April.

Quote from red tide

A 3 mill should be fine. That is a good time of the year and should be a lot of fun. Bring extra shafts because the fish are big!!

That's what I'm counting on. Thanks!

Hey hatterasfreedvr - thanks for the response. Not sure if we'll be north of Rodanthe but as I understand it we'll be on a boat doing offshore diving. I've never been to the area but was invited on this trip and am looking forward to seeing what it's all about. I'll try to get some more details. Thanks again.

I'll be down there mid-July. I'm seeing an average water temp of 78, but I'm assuming that's at the surface. Just wondering what wetsuit most use down there. Would you recommend a 5mm (open cell) for somebody that tends to chill easily?

Definitely a cool spot with some sketchy access. Nicely done.

Welcome. You're doing well by starting with a pole spear. It's what I did until I was confident that I wouldn't kill anybody with a gun. I can attest to the quality and durability of the Pursuit wetsuits, having been tossed over some sharp rocks with one on.

Great write-up. Congrats on some awesome fish.

I do. I'll email them to you so you have the original file.

Btw, does the wetsuit look familiar?

I'll contribute one, as well. I got this Rooster a couple of weeks ago in Costa Rica out of Playa Conchal, near Catalina Island. I didn't weigh it, but my guess would be 60 lbs. If anybody disagrees based on the pic, I'm sure you'll let me know :).

As Jim alluded to, I found a diamond sharpening rod for half the price of what that site wanted for theirs

Sounds good - I guess I'll pick up one of the 10" knives at the link that Jim posted. Thanks.