Hi all,

I currently live in the UK and have regularly spearfished here for a long time now. I have a new job starting in Oct of this year in Geelong (depending on me passing a number of exams...thought I left all that a long time ago!). I hope that you guys will be able to give a new boy to the area a few hints and a bit of advice on equipment and dive spots...don't worry I'm not after your secret spots as I really enjoy exploring and finding my own, but a few ideas of likely areas and typical species would be useful!

In the UK I dive in a 5mm suit all year (often I am diving in water that is around 8 degrees!) I'm guessing (and hoping) that a thinner suit will be best for Australia? I also use a 75cm or 90cm gun as visability is often very poor. What length gun would be best for typical shore diving over there?

I have to ask too as my wife is sat next to me (yes I am under the thumb!!) is there a problem with sharks...what protection would be required?

Any help with any of this would be great.

I hope to join your club and meet up with you for a few dives when I get over.

Thanks in advanced.

Nick

Bring your 5mm and your 90cm gun. Don't stress over the shark thing, we very rarely see nasty ones in Victoria. Most of us would be more worried about drop bears and hoop snakes.

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WARNING: CONTAINS CARROT

Olla Nick!

I'm in Geelong, so hit me up for a dive when you get here and I can show you the ropes around here, some good spots, etc...

5mm is a good suit for year round here. Water temps in the bay are currently at about 12 degrees, and will drop to about 10, so its not much warmer than the UK...

Though based in Geelong, you'll likely be doing mostly south bay and ocean diving, so it stays about 11 - 12 degrees over winter, and spikes up to 22 - 24 degrees over summer, where a 3mm will be more than enough.

Your 90cm gun is probably going to be better suited than the 70. Most guys seem to use the +- 1m guns, and something a bit bigger if going out in the blue. I use a 110cm rail gun, and do find it a bit unmanageable at times, particularly in shallow.

Viz here can range from blackout to 30+ meters (though rare).

Dont worry about sharks. I've never seen a 'dangerous' shark whilst spearfishing in these waters. You're most likely to encounter big smooth rays while spearfishing from shore, as far as unsettlingly large sea creatures go, but they're going to be more interested in the fish strung on your float line than you. A poke with your speargun is generally enough to send them on their way if they're getting a bit friendly.

Thanks for your replies guys, much appreciated!

So unfortunately it seems I don't have an excuse to go out and buy a load more gear as my UK stuff will do....damn!

Hopefully all being well I pass my exams and will be out there ASAP. Its crazy as I work as a clinical specialist in the NHS (i.e. I am at the top of the physiotherapy profession in the UK - I do everything that a surgeon does from ordering all imaging to minor surgery and injections as well as routine physio) but apparently my level of experience does not meet a junior's level in Australia and so I have to sit a load of exams at a great cost!!!!

Oh well sorry for that grumble.....

Hope to see you soon for a dive!

Nick