I have had the privilege of having Brandi as a dive partner since the first Women’s CMAS World Meet in Iquique, Chile in 2004. We dove WFSC New Zealand in 2019, 2 national freshwater meets, and now WFSC Beaver Lake, Arkansas. Happily, and finally, it is nice to see more and more women in the sport, and to see them welcomed to world competition. We are just as bada** as the men! I am so proud of Svetlana for crushing the women’s division this year! Congratulations, you dove a great meet! You are an amazing ambassador of women’s spearfishing.
This meet was fun for us in so many ways. The landscape, lake and water were beautiful. I towed my little ‘puff-boat’ down from Massachusetts, and it was great for diving and buzzing around the lake. The geography of the lake was stunning, with so many coves to explore. One day we experienced one of the most beautiful rain storms, with heavy rain pitting the lake and creating an eerie mist across the surface- truly magical. As I wish the fish had been more plentiful, it was fun seeing more variety of species than some other lakes we have been to. Another highlight was the abundant bird life, so many bald eagles, black vultures and scissor-tailed flycatchers flying around the lake. The flexible meet format, with the option of starting at multiple boat ramps in the area was genius. A big plus! As an avid Striper hunter in Rhode Island, it was fun to see some big stripers in the lake, and compare their habits and behaviors to their saltwater buddies. Not really that different. We enjoyed a nice moment in time to just fall back into the simple routine of diving, eating, sleeping for two weeks. Though we didn’t do as well as we had hoped (what happened to all the carp on rough fish day?) we still dove hard, had fun, and caught fish, and recovered about sixty golf balls from one spot.
Perhaps the best part, as is always the case with meets you travel to, is the people, and the lasting impressions they leave with you. We met some wonderful new people, and saw old friends. I was thrilled that Monique brought the Guam team! They brought such a joyous spirit to the meet. Maybe they can host a WFSC soon? And Mike McGuire’s old boat? Great to see that old friend too…. and have a chance to “decorate” the other side it. “Go Guam!” “Ukraine 2023!”.
The first person we met, though, was Don Barthman. He welcomed us into his home as family, shared stories of his long winning diving career in California. His competitive mind is as sharp as ever, and he gave us some invaluable strategy tips for the tournament. Thank you Don and Joyce! Don was also in charge of all the staging and banquet arrangements- I can’t thank him and his sons Ron and Mike, Keith and his son Keith, and others, enough for such a well organized venue- an outstanding effort indeed.
Another highlight was meeting a sweet, kindred soul, Dale Sanders. Not only did he do a spectacular job as photographer, jumping from boat to boat all week giving a first hand look at the action, he also was a formidable competitor himself some years back. What impressed me and makes me smile every time I think of him is how exuberant he is about life! His energy is boundless and infectious. He holds the age record (85) for hiking the Appalachian Trail, and next year, when he turns 87, he will challenge the age record for solo paddling the entirety of the over 2300 mile Mississippi river. God speed to him! He will be my inspiration as I transition out of competitive diving and back to long distance through-hiking this fall.
And then there is Mike Van Haele, what a gem of a man. It is such an honor to know you. You are so deserving of the Athlete of the Year award. Let me know if you ever want to a freshwater dive mixed team! It would be a blast!
Lastly, Mike McGuire…. what can I say…. you are indeed the Dynamo generating all the momentum and passion for the WFSC.
