A full week of howling winds preceded this year's tournament, making diving conditions perhaps the most challenging that we have ever had. The record turnout of 14 full teams still had a great time and the competition was as fierce as ever. The Dynomite Clan actually brought a film crew, which did a short documentary that was broadcast by Turner Broadcasting. 

Visibility was near zero inshore and not much better offshore, which for some teams meant a lot of boat riding just to find something that was diveable. Add to that a real strong tide, and sharks that we couldn't even see eating some of the diver's fish, cold water, a stiff breeze, and you could just about guarantee that every dive day for the rest of the year would be nicer than this!

In spite of all that, we still had a great time and sense of accomplishment just for surviving. Miguel Guinovart just barely edged Gary Zumwalt for top diver, and Miguel's team dodged a couple of solid challenges by both the Spearfishing Magazine and Rabitech teams. Everyone loved their Liz Karcher handmade trophies, they were awesome!

A big thanks goes out to the great job done by the volunteers. Numerous FSDA members ran a great cookout, and the weighin ran flawlessly thanks to our celebrity weighmasters Dan McMahon (Headhunter), assisted by his sidekick Kenny Lacasse (Kmoose) and Jason Norcross of Headhunter Spearfishing. Thanks also to Spearboard who helped publicize the tournament and through which numerous volunteers including observers were found. It is not easy to find a bunch of people who love diving like we do but are willing to take a day off to help run the show.

Several nice prizes were raffled to support the newly formed FRA which seeks "Fairness in Fisheries Management" by doing what it can to assure that fishing regulations are based on facts and the resource is sustained. That is important to all of us because even though spearfishing is the least wasteful, most environmentally friendly method, our sport is being slowly eliminated by our lack of representation. If the facts were clear and regulations were based on scientific facts, our sport can stop worrying about elimination and concentrate on conservation. Do your part. Join the FRA at the 2005 State Championship ($35.......lees than a spear).....and donate as much as you can. A representative will be there and again we will raffle any donations we receive in support of FRA.

See you April 16 2005!..........the moon phase is perfect then, and since we paid our dues this year, visibility will be crystal and seas will be glass!