Time to Submerge Yourself in a New Hobby

© waveneyavenue

The photographer goes down deep.

Whether you've been so intrigued by Rum Bum's recent freediving articles or you just have a hankering to explore the aquatic netherworld (while perhaps catching dinner while you're at it), you've decided to get into freediving. If you're in South Florida, consider yourself lucky. With waters edge conveniently located no more than a half tank of gas away and a strong community of experienced divers already in place, South Florida is a top spot to get started freediving for locals or travelers alike. Five simple steps will get you in the water before you can say "jump in".

1. Attend an evening with the South Florida Freedivers club on the second Thursday of the month at Scotty's Landing in Coconut Grove. 

You'll meet a crew of jovial and convivial guys and girls who took up freediving before (often way, way before) you did who are more than willing to take newcomers under their fin.  At Scotty's, according to Manuel Menendez, an active member and experienced freediver, the every friendly and adventurous bunch - many of whom take to the reefs every weekend - watch freediving or spearfishing videos, talk about their latest dives, and just kick back and have a good time.  And the only dues you'll pay will go towards your next beer.  While you're there, inquire about the equipment you might need - which leads you to the next step.

2. Head to a dive shop.

At a dive shop, a new diver can pick up the basics and learn from knowledgeable personnel. In South Florida, head to Austin's Dive Shop, the most heralded spot to grab gear for freediving and spearfishing since 1968.  While you're there, ask Dennis or another helpful staff member for a clear breakdown of the competitively priced essentials for a newbie – a mask, snorkel, fins, and weight belt. 

3. Learn safety.  

There may not be loads of sharks to worry about in South Florida waters, but freedivers do expose themselves to danger. Whether you ask an expert diver from Austin's or a new buddy at South Florida Freedivers, learn the necessary safety precautions. According to Manuel Menendez, a member of the SoFla Freedivers with 25 years of experience diving, freedivers and spearfishers mostly fear the dreaded "shallow water blackout," wherein a diver loses consciousness due to lack of oxygen upon the ascent to the surface. Both experienced and novice divers are prone to the hazard that can be avoided by heading to the surface in plenty of time, dropping your weight belt if necessary, and keep consistent CPR certifications in case you see a buddy in distress. Menendez explains that beyond practicing common sense and awareness of ones' surroundings, the best way to practice safety during a dive is to always go with a buddy. A buddy with access to a boat is preferable, since it can take you one step further...

4. Get onto a boat. 

Unless you have your own, the previously mentioned meeting of other freedivers can be a crucial step here. Usually, Menendez said, three or four divers will head out on a boat while two will dive at a time.  He traverses the water in either his Intrepid or his Yamaha (depending on the time of year), but also has buddies with boats throughout The Keys. In other words, the more the merrier. And it doesn't much matter the brand of vehicle. It's not the name on the boat, but who is in the boat, that counts.

5. Jump in.

Like anything else, the best way to get started with freediving, is practice. Because you can only read so many articles before it's time you get your proverbial (and literal!) feet wet.