2008 Australian Bluewater Classic
The 2008 (14 th) Australian Bluewater Freediving Classic
28th, 29th and 30th of March 2008
The 14th annual Australian Bluewater Freediving Classic (The Classic) is set down for the 28th, 29th and 30th of March 2008. Each year the event has been strongly contested with some of Australia’s best divers competing for the coveted title and this year will be no exception. Strong sponsorship support continues this year and we are hoping for the biggest and best Classic yet.
The Locale
The Classic, based out of Woolgoolga on the NSW North Coast, boast some of Australia’s most exciting diving. During Summer and Autumn warm tropical currents from the North, mix with nutrient rich cooler temperate waters from the South. This mix creates a unique marine environment that produces a huge array of marine species. Northern pelagic species frequent the area during this time of year to join with the resident population of temperate species. This blend of species and the awesome Solitary Islands group provide the perfect backdrop for this unique pelagic only (the exceptions being Snapper and Mulloway) competition.
The Rationale
The Classic strives to set itself apart from other competitions. Its predominantly “pelagic only” format, encourages sustainable practices and a limit of one of each species per diver per day keeps the take to an absolute minimum. Much criticism of competitions has been made in recent times, and the Classic strives to set itself apart from the rationale of yesteryear. Less is more!
The Species
As the East Australian Current brings warmer water from the North it bring with it northern pelagic species such as Wahoo, Mackerel, Cobia, Tuna, Dolphinfish and Billfish. These species mingle with the resident temperate species including Kingfish, Amberjack, Mulloway, Snapper and Samsonfish, to name but a few. This combination of species makes Summer and Autumn on the NSW North Coast one of the most exciting dives in Australia, where you really can expect to see just about anything!
Some of the outstanding captures in recent years during competition include Sailfish, big Mulloway, gear busting Kingfish and Samsonfish, Snapper and a few near misses with Wahoo.
The Conditions
Water temperatures can be expected to be around the 22 - 25°C and as such up to a 3mm suit is usually advisable. Visibility can vary from 5 – 40m and weather patterns have a huge impact on both water temperature and visibility. Depths range to 40m but most areas are around the 10 – 20m mark. Generally around Autumn the weather and visibility is good but as we all know there are no guarantees…so here’s hoping.
See Photo Album for more examples of fish taken in the Coffs Harbour Area
