G at Australian Seachange Newsletter - Southern Freedivers

The Sandgroper Shield -A new, revitalised competition for WA
skindivers
It is no secret that in recent years there has been a huge drop-off in competitive spearfishing in
Western Australia. However, this year there has been National and International competitions in our
backyard, exposing us relatively new divers to the rigours and opportunities of Species/Swim
competitions. As a reserve for the Inter-Pacific team, I spent a week with experienced competition
divers, savouring the opportunity to learn by observation and inquisition. I also learnt more about
the competition scene that used to exist in WA, which helped to develop the divers that still stand out
amongst their peers today.
A group of us had whet our appetites at the Nationals, and were eager to continue the steep learning
curve of competition. With no one likely to stick up their hand and do it for us, it was up to us to
organise our own. This was the birth of the Sandgroper Shield - a series of 9 events to be held over the
financial year, all either shore dive or swimming from an anchored boat. The spirit of these
competitions is intended to be about gaining experience and improving as spearfishermen, but no
doubt a competitive drive will develop to take the Shield with the best score over 7 of the 9 events.
Competitions in WA have a recent history of poor turnout, due mainly to a focus on pelagics and big
fish. If that is the case with the Sandgroper Shield it will still run. If there are 5 regulars and a handful or
part-timers, competition will still be provided for the keen. The vision is to help develop a group of
competition spearfishermen that would be able to hold there own in a National Titles across the
Nullabor, and to dominate the next National Titles held in WA.
The first event will be a shoredive held in the Cape-to-Cape region, on the weekend of the 15-16th of
August. This time of year may be difficult for weather, but by choosing the best venue Cape-to-Cape
and selecting the best day of the weekend some great fish will no doubt be landed. Anyone wishing to
take part, please email me at camo.snow@gmail.com to be added to the contacts list.
AUF Mission: Bring Sport, Conservation and Awareness to the Underwater World