Novice freediver and spearfisher

[sharkatak9]

Long time lurker here, first time poster.

So long story short I am a chicago native... Travelled a lot as a kid. Felt I should have been born a fish with how much I loved the water and everything about it.

Fastforward to 17, joined my older brother for my first abalone freediving hunt in N. California... got my limit 2 days in a row... next two days used his speargun and nailed some big ol' lingcod... fell in love.

At 18 joined the Coast Guard. Stationed in Key west for 2 years... ate nothing but lobster, hogfish, and the occasional beer. Advanced and was stationed in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin... BRR!

Now I'm out of college and have for the past few years been researching and setting up my move out to the Big Island of Hawaii. I'm aware of all the negatives people post about... so I dont need a lecture on the poverty, ice, or racism I'm heading into...heard it all Something has been calling me there for years, and I've done my research. Also plan on taking some courses at the college about Hawaiian history and culture to understand more of the land and its amazing people.

Anyways... I'll be on the East coast, Puna district for now. If there are any locals or transplants who know the waters that would like to help out a newbie haole, who's a bit rusty freediving (thank you Chicago weather), it would be incredible. Would love to have someone knowledgable about the local waters to fill me in. I could compensate with money if necessary (but not much!) or at least some free chatting online would be great! Thanks for reading and this is an awesome site with awesome people!

Mark

PS- arriving Aug. 3rd!

[agbiv]

Welcome & good luck on your adventure!

[villeo]

I just moved back to California after living in hilo for 3 years for school. Don't worry about all the racism or any of that other stuff, its not that big of an issue, i'm white and didnt have an issue other than the occasional "haole" remark.

freediving/ spearing, is sooo much fun there. great spots right outside hilo bay, great spots all along the kona coast, great spots pretty much every where there.

Just ask around the university for some marine bio majors, they know all the great spots usually, i had many friends in that major.

man i miss that place.

oh go visit waipio valley, my gf's mom lives down there, theres a great black sand beach, and is one of the best sights on the island.

-jeremy