I Introduce to you, the FIRST ever BAHAMIAN National Spearfishing Team!
This year, with 50 years of spearfishing and freediving experience between them, these four young Bahamian Spearo's have decided to take their acquired skill to the next level. They have entered to compete in the 2017 World Freshwater Spearfishing Championship (WFSC), scheduled to start tomorrow, located in Lake mead near las Vegas Nevada. #bupbup #242totheworld!
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| Lake Mead, Colorado River, near Las Vegas |
Now before I continue, I know what some of you guys may be thinking... 'wait....huh? where??? Lake who? Fresh what?!?' all things that certainly contrast our crystal clear, marine-life filled oceans of The Bahamas. All things foreign to us 'Salt Life' proclaimed islanders.
Team Captain Luke Maillis, who currently holds the National freedive record and a very impressive spearo resumé, was committed to forming a National team to compete in this year's (WFSC). So he recruited 3 other familiar bahamian spearos who have the acquired skill and were also keen to participate.
Regardless of the unknown challenges they may face by diving head first (literally lol) into a different world of spearfishing, these men were still dedicated and excited to finally be able to represent the Bahamas on an international level.
Ontop of this first time international representation for the Bahamas, there's a small yet significant catch. Knowing how us Bahamians is go, we aren't going to pull up anywhere new without bringing a bit of home with us.
Most of you familiar with the laws and regulations here in the Bahamas regarding spearfishing, would know that we are not allowed to use any hunting device that has a trigger. i.e. a spear gun. That of which competitors of the WFSC are allowed to use and have used since the competition's inception.
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| Athletes Luke Maillis, Adrian Phillips, Gregory Maillis & Alexandro Mullings proudly holding up their pole spears and Bahamian flag. |
But not Team Bahamas! Yup, you guessed it! They're going in Island style!
These men are showing the world how it's really done in The Caribbean by using our traditional pole spear & Hawaiian sling as the 'weapon of choice' for the competition.
Most will say that the team may have put themselves at a disadvantage from the rest of the competitors, but for them it's not just about winning, it's more importantly about staying true to one's self.
I can tell you first hand that not only do these 'primitive tools' create a bigger challenge = more skill needed to use, but they also require a different level of patience, awareness and understanding of their environment than when compared to using a gun. BUT my personal opinion is that, these young men who over the course of many years have been able to train in world class diving conditions here in our home waters of the Bahamas, have pretty much perfected the use of their slings and poles and have a very high chance at performing well.
Team Bahamas has chosen to go above and beyond the norm.
These men are showing the world how it's really done in The Caribbean by using our traditional pole spear & Hawaiian sling as the 'weapon of choice' for the competition.
Most will say that the team may have put themselves at a disadvantage from the rest of the competitors, but for them it's not just about winning, it's more importantly about staying true to one's self.
I can tell you first hand that not only do these 'primitive tools' create a bigger challenge = more skill needed to use, but they also require a different level of patience, awareness and understanding of their environment than when compared to using a gun. BUT my personal opinion is that, these young men who over the course of many years have been able to train in world class diving conditions here in our home waters of the Bahamas, have pretty much perfected the use of their slings and poles and have a very high chance at performing well.
Team Bahamas has chosen to go above and beyond the norm.
I remember Team athlete Gregory Maillis telling me from day one that he was determined that if he was going to compete at an international level that he would not use a gun for the competition. That he would stand with his spearfishing traditions that he and his family have used for generations.
And thats exactly what Team Bahamas is doing!
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| Athlete Gregory posing with his 'island style' catches after some scouting before the competition. |
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| Athlete Adrian Phillips with the first Bass! |
....Things are looking promising for Team Bahamas!
I wish my friends/athletes Gregory, Alexandro, Adrian & Luke the best of luck tomorrow on day ONE of the competition!! Stay safe, stay smart & stay productive!
TeamBahamas is dedicated to making a statement all whilst competing on the world stage against the world's best.. "Spearfishing isn't a game for us, it's a way of life bey!" #islandlife #bahamianlife
Very proud of you these guys, look forward to joining the team at the next WFSC! Team BAHAMAS ALL THE WAY!
Very proud of you these guys, look forward to joining the team at the next WFSC! Team BAHAMAS ALL THE WAY!
Thanks all for reading, stay tuned for more posts/info on Team Bahamas' progress within the competition!
much love,
Soph x
Staying tuned. Excited to hear of their progress. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteExciting! Would like to follow progress
ReplyDelete