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Recorded 4/2/23
Episode #059: Tim Hatler, 2023 Blue Water World Cup
Welcome to the latest episode of our podcast! Today, we have a very special guest, Tim Hatler of Palapas Ventana, who is hosting the Bluewater World Cup of Spearfishing in La Ventana Baja this July. Tim is the owner and operator of the resort that operates both on the Sea of Cortez side of Baja and the Pacific side. We discussed the details of spearfishing in southern Baja, and some of the factors that affect conditions and fish migrations on both sides of the peninsula. Additionally, we talk about the upcoming Bluewater World Cup, which is an exciting event for spearfishing enthusiasts from all around the world.
Recorded 3/18/23
Episode #058: Nicole Burko, Team USA Women's Spearfishing
Welcome back to the SpearFactor Spearfishing podcast. I'm excited to introduce our special guest for episode 58, Nicole Burko, a world-record holder, member of the USA women's spearfishing team, and a talented artist. Nicole was born in Canada and moved to Florida for college, where she pursued her passion for art and discovered her love for spearfishing. Her studies in art have influenced her underwater experiences and her spearfishing experiences has influenced her art as well.
Recorded 2/18/23
Episode #057: Matt Johnson Lineage Charters
In this episode, Matt Johnson of Lineage charters also known as Captain Bly shares over 40 years on the water experience. He is a commercial fisherman, charter operator, veteran diver and speargun manufacturer. We open by discussing the growing population of white sharks in our waters before moving on to hunting White Sea bass tips. We move into discussing his approach to speargun design and manufacturing. Finally, end the conversation talking about the ins and outs of owner and operating Lineage charters.
Recorded 1/18/23
Episode #056: Matthew Novakovich, Ocean State Speraguns
In this episode, I speak with Matthew Novakovich from Ocean State Spearguns. Matthew has been diving exclusively on Rhode Island's reefs for years. He is an engineer by trade and he uses that background to push him into perfecting his craft. One of question I asked him was, "How are your guns different than other spearguns?" He explains that the cuttlefish shape is a key component to designing an efficient hydrodynamic speargun. We discuss this further as well as many other items.
Recorded 1/5/23
Episode #055: Derik Rush, Baja Grouper Slayer
In this episode, Derik Rush and I discuss his experiences freediving the freshwater sink holes in Mexico, and spearing remote reefs down in Baja. Derik is also a freediving instructor and works at the Just Get Wet shop here in San Diego. I spoke to Derik about his growth as a freediver and how it transitions over to his spearfishing.
Recorded 11/8/22
Episode #054: Cameron Gregg, 2 Year Latin America Road Trip
Cameron discusses his two year adventure traveling through Latin America and learning the ropes of spearfishing along the way. We talk about some of the zones that he dove and what he experienced doing it by meeting locals rather than paying for a guided trip. We also discussed his company, Tag spearguns that makes all carbon travel guns and what makes his guns unique. Additionally, We talk about his time spent in the Philippines as a freediving instructor teaching people how to dive and the challenges that goes along with that.
Recorded 10/8/22
Episode #053: Jake Lords, Frigid Waters & Record Fish
Today’s guest is Jake Lords AKA @Bigjakelords from Utah. He’s known for his freshwater diving adventures in literally freezing temperatures shooting world record lake species. Jake and I talk a lot about what drives him to diving in the middle of winter into freezing water temperatures. We also discuss his experiences diving in freshwater then transitioning into saltwater when he competed at the Bluewater World Cup. Last, we discuss his niche in the spearfishing industry and how it has made him marketable to sponsors.
Recorded 9/15/22
Episode #052 PART 2: Allen & Brian, The Kauai Boys are Back!
Welcome back to the show Allen Yangco and Brian Fern. This is a two part series with the boys from Kauai discussing everything from Mark Zuckerberg to spearguns. We chatted for over two hours so I decided to break the episode up into two parts. The second part discusses the details of equipment include spearguns, types of rubber, gear setup, and much more.
Recorded 9/15/22
Episode #052 PART 1: Allen & Brian, The Kauai Boys are Back!
Welcome back to the show Allen Yangco and Brian Fern AKA Unkolearnuhow. This is a two part series with the boys from Kauai discussing everything from Mark Zuckerberg to spearguns. We chatted for over two hours so I decided to break the episode up into two parts. The first part discusses spearfishing culture and mindset as well as Brian and Al‘s latest spearfishing adventure here in Southern California chasing Bluefin tuna. We also discussed why the trip was so important And different ways for each of them.
Recorded 8/28/22
Episode #051: Tracy Wittmeier, World Record Bluefin
In this episode, I speak with San Diego diver, Tracy Wittmeier. Tracy is as passionate about diving as you could be. She also has the pending Women's World Record for Bluefin tuna, landing a 196 pound beast. Tracy and her dive partner Matt, a local charter boat captain, spend their time diving in San Diego and down in Baja shooting grouper.
Recorded 7/28/22
Episode #050: Ollie Craig from Primal Pursuit
In this episode, I speak with Ollie Craig from Primal Pursuit. Ollie lives in New Zealand but has had to unique opportunity to travel the world as super yacht deckhand. During his time as a deckhand, he was able to travel to some of the world’s most unique places including Saint Helena Island, Madagascar, and some other places that will not be mentioned. Additionally, Ollie’s YouTube channel is full of hunting and fishing adventures.
Recorded 6/21/22
Episode #049: Kunpei Kosaka Bluewater Pole Spearing in Japan
In this episode, I speak with Kunpei Kosaka from Japan. Kunpei shares with us his equipment, techniques, and journey into the world of bluewater pole spearing. He currently has two world records for pole spearing. One for a over 100 pound dogtooth tuna, and a second for a massive coral trout. He is currently working a documentary film the quest for 100kg dogtooth. You can see the documentary IG page @mission100film Kunpei's IG page is @extreme_polespearing and has his full on insane pole spear catches.
Recorded 6/12/22
Episode #048: Tim Hatler 2022 Bluewater World Cup
Today on Spearfactor, I speak with Tim Hatler from Palapas Ventana Spearfishing Resort in Baja. Tim also hosts the Bluewater World Cup which is occurring this year between July 10-14. We chat about what makes this event so special and get into the details of how it is run by the resort. Palapas Ventana also has several liveaboards trips to various destinations on both sides of Baja. Tim and I discuss the fishing potential at some of those destinations.
Recorded 5/12/22
Episode #047: Nick Anastasia Team Sea Monkeys
Todays guest is Nick Anastasia from the Big Island of Hawaii. I first noticed Nick through his Instagram @teamseamonkeys where he was landing beautiful fish and fighting off sharks. Then I meet him in person during the San Diego's Freedving Bluewater meet where he had managed to shoot a nice bluefin tuna with the Kinetic Spearfishing crew. As we chat, his love for spearfishing becomes obvious, and his desire to learn and share the stoke also becomes obvious as well. I hope you enjoy this podcast as much as I did making it! Thanks again Nick!
Recorded 5/12/22
Episode #046: Peter Correale Spearfishing Guide
Today's Guest is Peter Correale. International spearfishing guide Peter Correale offers guided spearfishing trips in various locations such as Panama, Baja, Africa, etc. He has years of experience in these locations and his expertise is truly unmatched by most in the industry. In this episode, Peter shares with us stories of his travels and some of the amazing catches along the way.
Recorded 5/1/22
Episode #045: Jerry Guerra Neptonics Spearfishing
Jerry Guerra is today's guest on Spearfactor. He has been freediving and spearfishing since he was a young boy in Florida, he also is a owner of Neptonics Spearfishing and Freediving. Neptonics is the leading online spearfishing shop in the industry with quality gear and fair prices. Jerry talks with us about the gear they sale and why he prefers Neptonics gear over others. He also shares lots of stories about his own experiences diving and gives pointers and tips.
Recorded 4/1/22
Episode #044: Hugo Rodas From Ghost Spearfishing
This episode of the show features Mr. Hugo Rodas of ghost Spearfishing. Hugo has a unique story having left Mexico with nothing when he was a boy and moving to Hollywood, California. Hugo and I discuss mentorship in spearfishing for people trying to get into the sport. We also talk about choosing the right dive buddy and what that actual means.
Episode #043: Lenny Logsdail From Aquatic Apes
In this episode of Spearfactor, I speak with Lenny Logsdail from Aquatic Apes. His YouTube channel has over 1.2 million subscribers and when you watch a few of his videos you understand why. His ability to draw you in and tell a story is truly an art in itself. If you haven’t already you should get over and check out his channel and be prepared to be entertained.
Recorded 3/11/22
Episode #042: Just Get Wet Boys, Chris & Nathan
And this episode of Spearfactor podcast, I speak with the boys from Just Get Wet freediving, Nathan and Chris. These guys run a freediving shop in San Diego that provides spearfishing and dive courses. They have built quite a community through their training and courses. They even have meet ups every Sunday at La Jolla Shores where are they provide a safe and effective place to train. If you’re interested and stepping up your diving...
Recorded 3/1/22
Episode #041: Peter Yee, Designing Success
In In the this episode of Spearfactor, I speak with Orange County, California diver Peter Yee. Peter story is unique in that his professional background is in design. He was the VP of design at Oakley and worked there for 25 years before retiring and starting his own design business, Peter Yee Designs, PYD. Peter uses his design background to...
Recorded 2/18/22
Episode #040: CJ Duffie Neritic Diving Owner & Guide
In this episode, I speak with Floridian diver and guide CJ Duffie. CJ is not only just a spear fisherman and guide but he’s all so the owner of Neritic spearfishing equipment. We talked extensively about Pole spears and the ins and outs of being in the spearfishing guide industry. Specifically, CJ and I talk about being freediving industry and guiding divers around the world.
Recorded 1/08/21
Episode #039: Danny Bolton Animal Attitude
Today’s episode is with a diver from the Big Island of Hawaii, Danny Bolton. He’s an absolute beast as far as having that animal attitude and tapping into the primitive part of our brain. He’s lives for skating, hunting, building and racing trucks as well as spearfishing. He also has a clothing line called Under The Ficus which was named after a local hangout spot that was special to him and his friends.
Recorded 12/08/21
Recorded 11/28/21
Episode #038: Charles Slattery of Good Time Charlie Charters
On this episode of Spearfactor, I speak with Captain Charles Slattery of Good Time Charlie Charters. This episode we discussed the spearfishing and freediving industry as a whole. We specifically talk about how things in the industry could improve and need to get better. Everything from freediving training to spearfishing guides is covered.
Warning: There's a lot of swearing in this episode so be prepared.
Recorded 11/8/21
Episode #037: Zach Rollins Boat Salvage Captain
Our guest is a boat captain whose life is centered around the ocean. Zach Rollins makes his living on the water. He's lives and breath it! He also has a podcast called Along The Keel that shares brands who’s whole existence the center around the ocean and tells their story. Zach is from Rhode Island originally, and he’s got a ton of knowledge about the dos and don’ts of boating. Shares some ways to help prevent and minimize issues while on the water as well.
Recorded 10/8/21
Episode #036: Captain Matt, Boat Buyer's Secret Weapon
In this episode I speak with Captain Matt from the Boat Buyer’s Secret Weapon. This unique episode contains huge amounts of knowledge for anyone looking to get into boating, especially as salt water bound sportsman. We discuss some of the pros and cons of different types of boats and some of the pitfalls to avoid when looking at getting your first boat. There is a ton of information within this podcast and I hope you guys find it really useful!
Recorded 9/8/21
Episode #035: Philip Maechler, Inventor of the Sens07 Vest
In this episode I speak with Swiss inventor Philip Maechler from Provitatec. We discussed the invention of the Sens07vest recovery device design to rescue blackout divers. The Sens07vest is a fully automatic and electronic emergency floating device designed to get freedivers and spearfishers back to the surface in case the diver is too long or too deep underwater - or if a shallow water blackout is detected.
Recorded 8/28/21
Recorded 8/2/21
Recorded 7/2/21
Recorded 6/11/21
Recorded 5/11/21
Recorded 4/11/21
Recorded 4/1/21
Episode #028: Tim Hatler Owner of Palapas Ventana Resort
In this episode, I speak with Tim Hatler and his friends Brock and Jakob about their spearfishing resort located in La Ventana, Baja. The Resort is home of the Bluewater World Cup of Spearfishing. Tim lives down in Baja with his family full time, diving, fishing, and exploring the area. He and Brock are a wealth of knowledge for the area both above and below the sea surface. Tim shares with me how the World Cup is setup and what to expect for the first time.
Recorded 2/21/21
Episode #27: Part 2: Buddy Diving Poor Visibility with Ted Harty
This is part 2 of a 2 part series of the Spearfactor podcast with Mr. Ted Harty, USA Freediving Champion. Diving and poor visibility is the sad reality for quite a few of us divers. However, there are ways to mitigate the risk of spearfishing in these conditions while at the same time making the experience more productive, and enjoyable.
Rule #1: The first rule to spearfishing in these conditions where 5’ or 1.5m is considered “good” is to streamline your gear.
Rule #2: Have a good dive buddy.
Rule #3: Communication is key.
Recorded 2/20/21
Episode #026: Dr. Kelsey Albert World Records Holder
Dr. Albert is a veteran diver and current multiple women’s world record holder. On the show today, we talk about her experiences as a woman coming up in a sport dominated by men and some of the struggles she had early on because of it. As we progress through the conversation, we talk about her experiences living in Denmark and traveling through Northern Europe, and how some the cultural differences from the we as Americans look at things. This episode is a unique one and I hope you guys enjoy it as much as I did chatting with Kelsea.
Episode #025: Brandon Zeek from Focus Freediving
On this episode of Spearfactor, I speak with Brandon Zeek from www.focus-freedive.com and we discuss one of the recent challenges he has encountered due to having a squeeze on a 60m dive. As we continue, we get into great detail the ends and outs of squeezes, and ways to prevent them. Another topic covered is the differences between freediving and spearfishing, and the ways they complement each other. Last, We also talk about his experiences...
Recorded 1/04/2021
Recorded 1/04/2021
Episode #024: 2020 Review With Cast & Spear's Jon Stenstrom
In this episode of Spearfactor, Jon Stenstrom from Cast & Spear and myself review our year in spearing. Topics covered are:
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Chasing White Sea Bass
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Buying a house in Baja Mexico
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Running Spearfishing trips
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Upgrading the boat this year
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Deaths in our community
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Goals for 2021
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How Covid has impacted our lives
Recorded 12/18/2020
Episode #023: Ted Harty Champion Freediver
This is part 1 of a 2 part series of the Spearfactor podcast with Mr. Ted Harty, USA Freediving Champion. If you don’t know who Ted Harty is, you should. Seriously! Ted started out as a scuba Instructor in 2005 before discovering the sport of freediving a few years later. Early on in his instructing career Ted was fortunate to meet and be mentored by Kirk and Mandy Krack of Performance Freediving. From there, Ted became a competitive freediver and an a freedive Instructor. During this time, Ted accomplished an impressive list of accomplishments.
Recorded 12/2/2020
Episode #022: Kristina Chang Diver & Food Connoisseur
In this episode of Spearfactor, I speak with San Diego diver and fellow San Diego Freedivers member, Kristina Chang. We discuss how she went from surfing up in the bay area to diving down here in San Diego. We also discuss her ridiculously delicious looking dishes that she makes with her catches. She is quite the culinary connoisseur. We specifically talk about dry aging fish.
Recorded 11/2/2020
Episode #021: Eric Anderson Central California Diver
In this episode of Spearfactor, I speak with Eric Anderson from Central California. Eric shares how his experiences in the Marine Corps has contributed to being a better dive buddy and spearfisherman. We continue on to discuss the diving conditions in Central California as well as the targeted species in his area. Additionally, Eric shares insights to the differences in diving in Northern California vs. Central California. The gear used up in these regions are very specific to diving in holes for lingcod and around rocks for rockfish. These area are known for tough conditions and big sharks. Eric shares one encounter with...
Episode #020: Diane Huff Determined Widow to Save Lives
OC Spearos Director Brad Thompson, Jon Stenstrom from Cast & Spear and I had the pleasure of speaking with Ryan Huff’s widow, Diane this week. She has pledged to help saves lives through her fund the OC Spearos’ Ryan Huff Memorial Scholarship Fund and the fund is taking donations! Applications to earn your scholarship for freedive education and certification will be posted in the next couple of weeks. Please give to help fund this initiative.
Recorded 09/29/2020
Recorded 9/26/2020
Episode #019: Dave Gleeson Rhode Island Diver
In this episode of Spearfactor, I chat with Dave Gleeson. Dave got his start spearfishing in the Islands around Rhode Island. He shares with us some of the things he has learned by hunting this waters such as insights to find better visibility, the change in seasons, conditions and what gear to use. We also discuss why the sport of spearfishing has grown so much in the past few years in the Northeast of the country, and world wide.
The podcast takes a turn when Dave shares his story about...
Recorded 9/20/2020
Episode #018: Cody Drawdy, East Coast to West Coast
In this episode of Spearfactor, I chat with my good friend Cody Drawdy. Cody shares his story with us about how he got started in spearfishing on the East Coast of America where he had to deal with sharks and 2’ of visibility. We also talk about some of our spearfishing trips to Guam and Baja, and the things we learned in those places.
Recorded 8/20/2020
Episode #017: Nick Watkins from Spearchannel
In this episode of Spearfactor, I chat with Nick Watkins from Spearchannel. Nick shares with us how his brand, Spearchannel, began, where he wants to take it, and how he plans to achieve success with it. He also shares with us some of his struggles as the brand develops and attempts to reach future goals. Additionally, we discuss his own beginnings in to spearfishing while growing up in south Florida. Nick shares with us his recent travels to Panama and Bahamas, and some of the shenanigans that occurred.
Recorded7/24/2020
Episode #016: Allen Yangco & Brian Fern from Longfins
In this episode, I speak with Brian Fern and Allen Yangco from Longfins Spearfishing. These two gentlemen truly define what the term giving back to the community means. Longfins originally started out as a online diving store that Allen started, but it failed. This failure didn’t discourage Allen from continuing on with the Longfins brand. He felt that the failure was a blessing in disguised. After seeing many of the divers in their area not diving safely as well as several diving related deaths including 4 of Allen’s friends, he and his friend, Brian Fern, decided to continue with Longfins by holding spearfishing seminars for the youth of Kauai.
Recorded 06/02/20
Episode #015: Captain Dan Walsh, 50 Year Veteran
In this episode, I speak with 50 year veteran diver and dive boat Skipper Dan Walsh. Since the 1970s, Captain Dan has operated dive boats such as the Bottom Scratcher, and Spirit of Adventure for spearfishing’s elite pioneers. He was there filming when Terry Maas shot his record bluefin tuna at Guadalupe Island, which is one of the most popular moments in California’s spearfishing history. He’s explored the Baja peninsula in its’ entirety a few times over and has dove remote stretches of the coast that I have dreamed about diving for years. But besides Baja, Captain Dan has traveled the world filming, freediving, scuba diving, and hunting places like...
Recorded 5/31/20
Episode 014: Paul Rodriguez From Hot Rod Spearguns
In this episode, I speak with Paul Rodriguez from Hot Rod Spearguns. While Paul is a sponsor for the show, he truly is one hell of a spearfisherman and speargun builder. During the show we spend a lot of time talking about the right speargun for the right conditions, and his new hybrid travel speargun. Additionally, Paul and I discuss spearfishing for big Dogtooth Tuna over 100 pounds. He shares some of his insane stories about determined fish ripping themselves in half in order to escape from his shaft.
Recorded 04/18/20
Episode 013: Carlos Suarez Cuban Spearo & Game Developer
In this episode I speak with Carlos Suarez. He is the creator of the Freedive Hunter Spearfishing game. He is also originally from Cuba where he learn to spearfish. We discuss his early days of diving in Cuba as well as the equipment and techniques they used there. Some of these techniques I have never heard of such as tying a rope to a diver then pulling them up once they reached half way up from ascending on dives over 100’ in order to save oxygen. Most importantly, Carlos shares with me his main reason for creating spearfishing video games which is due to his inability to dive due to a medical condition. His passion and love for fish, especially Trigger fish is all reflected in the game. Every aspect of the game has special meaning behind it and you can hear it in his voice with he speaks with me. It was great to speak with Carlos and I am really excited to share his story with you!
Recorded 04/18/20
Episode 012: Ultimate Waterman Mark Healey
Welcome to episode 012 of the SpearFactor podcast with special guest Mr. Mark Healey. Mark is a world class spearfisherman, and one of the top big wave surfers in the world. If you don’t believe me just google it! During the podcast, we discuss the surf and dive industries, conservation, why we spearfish, diving at Guadalupe Island with white sharks, and much more.
Recorded 04/15/20
Episode 011: Chris Coates, Spearfishing Guide & Adventurer
On this episode of Spearfactor, today’s guest is spearfishing guide and adventurer Mr. Chris Coates. Chris shares with us his experiences diving in South Africa and beyond. We talk extensively about spearguns, dogtooth tuna, flasher tips, gear, slip-tips vs. floppers, accuracy issues and how to fix them, as well as...
Recorded 03/27/20
Episode 010: Chris Okamoto, Marine Biologist & Veteran Spearo
On this episode of Spearfactor today’s guest is Chris Okamoto. He is a marine biologist who works at Cabrillo Marine aquarium in San Pedro and he’s also one of the founders of www.spearingforum.com . The idea behind his form is to have a ethical and professional learning environment where veterans and beginners alike can share information. There’s a ton of information on Seabass, both Black and White, and crazy stories with...
Episode OO9: Dr. Cyrus Torchinsky, Ear, Nose & Throat Specialists
In the episode of SpearFactor, I speak with ear, nose, and throat Doctor Cyrus Torchinsky. Dr. Torchinsky currently practices medicine in San Diego. He is original from Santa Cruz, California and attended UC San Diego Medical School and then traveled to Boston, Mass for his speciality training. Dr Torchinsky shares his knowledge about various topics including Coronavirus, ear issues and...
Recorded 03/08/20
Recorded 02/02/20
Episode OO8: OneDrop Spearfishing's Robert John Kross and Dr. Michael Orr
In this episode, I speak with Robert John Kross and Dr. Michael Orr from Guam’s OneDrop Spearfishing team. I have had the pleasure of meeting and diving with these two amazing guys over the past couple of years while I was in.....
Recorded 01/22/20
Episode OO7: Interview with spearfishing YouTube celebrity Daniel Mann
In this episode I speak with Daniel man who most of you know him from his YouTube channel where he post his videos of giant halibut as well as tips and techniques that are much appreciated in the Spearfishing community. We go over his reason for starting his YouTube channel and...
Episode 006: OC Spearos Director Brad Thompson
In this episode of Spearfactor, I meet with OC Spearos Director Brad Thompson. Brad and I discuss why we think the OC Spearos has such a huge following in the spearfishing community. Their culture of welcoming divers of all experience levels has fostered a climate perfect for learning and growing your knowledge within the sport of spearfishing. He also shares his thoughts on...
Recorded 12/21/19
Recorded 11/15/19
Episode 005: Nick Garcia From Nitro Gun Co. Spearguns
In this episode of Spearfactor, I meet with Nick Garcia, the owner Nitro Gun Co, at his workshop in Carlsbad, California. We began just like we always do, discussing Nick’s background going from his beginning days as a young surfer, to professional MMA fighter, all the way to becoming an avid diver and speargun manufacture. Like most of us, Nick’s journey has many different turns and...
Recorded 10/09/19
Episode 004: Robert Paine For Kimera Spearfishing
In this episode of Spearfactor, I sit down with Robert Paine, the co-owner of the Kimera Spearfishing. He and his brother-in-law have invented the side slip system, a spearfishing tip that replaces the standard flopper giving you the benefits of a slip tip without the issues involved. I spoke to him about the process of starting a company and how the Kimera Sideslip system evolved into...
Recorded 10/27/19
Episode 003: Legendary Waterman Colin Smith
In this episode of Spearfactor, I sit down with legendary waterman and family man, Colin Smith. Colin was a former professional surfer from San Diego with deep family roots in the ocean. He began spearfishing at the age of 22 when a knee injury sidelined his surfing career. He quickly turned a negative into a positive, and began developing his diving skills until...
Episode 002: South African Diver Bas De Vos
Today on SpearFactor, I speak with South African diver Bas De Vos about his travels and experiences spearfishing around the world, and at home in South Africa.
We discuss the Killer Whaler/Great White Shark situation in Cape Town, South Africa which has changed...
Recorded 9/10/19
Recorded 8/26/19
