A Little Bit of Surf, a little bit of spearfish

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Spearfishing off Newport south shore

Our departure date from Australia is coming up fast, but our excitement for New Zealand is growing even faster. We've had to cherish the last few days we've spent here in the land downunder. The weather has been picture perfect which has given us the opportunity to do all the things we desired before taking off.
Newport Beach on a beautiful day is like the opening day of wonderland. The masses gather between the flags and soak up all of the sun in the sky. Though we would like to say we fought against the norm and stood our ground, there would be no truth in that. Our inner confirmists brought us to Newport Beach with our beach towels and our boogie boards, ready and set to do some serious damage in the surf. The swell was a perfect size for us and the water was so refreshing. Afterwards we lay on the beach until our stomachs yearned for sweet thai food. With Pad Thai in our bellys we walked back to the beach and jumped into the ocean for some body surfing, (twenty minutes after eating of course). We spent the rest of the day in the water until the sun began to dip below the horizon.
The following day we headed to Newport once again, but this time with a mission. We brought the speargun, mask and goggles along and wadded into the south side reef. The water was cool but it would not alter my plan....i was going to catch a fish. It's pretty interesting how many things one can find in reefs close to shore. It's obvious the million dollar houses overlooking the beach have some clean, clear driving spots considering we found a sweet golf ball in a little coral cave. Silas brought along his handy underwater camera in order to capture the spectacle that was; me searching for a fish to get. The sun was setting and Chris had begun to lose feeling in body parts he needed and i still hadn't found a good target. Finally, Silas spotted a black fish hiding under a huge rock. I stuck my head straight into the cave opening and found this thing staring directly back at me. It's a known fact that a hunter never strays from his prey and must keep a cool, calm form when going in for the kill. As well, we all know i'm not a real hunter and I have no idea what the hell the actual way to spearfish is...so, i stuck my gun into the cave...and hoped for the best. Ah, victory! A direct hit, and though it wasn't the biggest fish in the world...it was mine. I ate it for dinner the following night. Blackfish is rather good, but I think one is just enough for me.
Singing off,
Evan and Chris

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Photos

Newport beach
A perfect day to boogie board

Bluebottle Jellyfish Warning
If they sting, its so painful

Evan leaving the thai restaurant
Getting some cheap drinks at the gas station

Evan underwater with the speargun
Scoping for a fish

Evan posing with the gun
It makes you feel like a man