Ep.16: Spearfishing the Azores with RIFFE Team Diver Paulo Afonso

Summary

In this conversation, Katie interviews Paulo Afonso, an Azorian freediver and member of the Rife International Spear Fishing Team. They discuss Paulo's background, his upbringing in Pico Island, and his passion for spearfishing and free diving. Paulo shares his experiences and techniques for blue water spearfishing, including how he selects and shoots fish, and the risks involved. He also talks about the importance of preparation, staying calm in high-intensity situations, and the thrill of the pursuit. Paulo emphasizes the need for safety protocols and the impact of having children on his approach to diving. In this part of the conversation, Paulo discusses the importance of having a dive buddy and the role they play in ensuring safety during a dive. He emphasizes the rule of one diver down and one diver up, and how a dive buddy can help in case of emergencies such as a shark approaching or a blackout. Paulo also shares his experience with blackouts and how to react in such situations. The conversation then shifts to the safety protocols for boat captains when divers are in the water, including the importance of staying vigilant and knowing the exact location of the divers. Paulo also talks about the equipment he uses, such as dive computers and fish finders, and how he takes care of his equipment after a dive. The chapter ends with a discussion on reef diving, including the importance of knowing the dive spots, waiting for the fish to come in, and the role of communication between dive buddies. In this final part of the conversation, Paulo discusses his most memorable moment in the ocean, the role of emotions in spearfishing, and his content creation process. He also shares tips for diving with sharks and dealing with challenging situations while spearfishing. Paulo talks about the different species of amberjack and his favorite ways to prepare and eat fish. He provides information on where to find his content on social media.

Instagram and YouTube:  @pauloafonso9268 

Takeaways

• Paulo grew up in Pico Island, surrounded by the ocean and a family of spearfishers.
• He developed a passion for spearfishing and free diving from a young age and has honed his skills over the years.
• Paulo's approach to blue water spearfishing involves chasing bait balls and using birds and dolphins as indicators.
• He remains calm and focused in high-intensity situations, relying on his instincts and experience. Safety is a priority for Paulo, and he takes precautions to mitigate risks and ensure a safe diving experience.
• Having a dive buddy is crucial for safety during a dive, as they can help in case of emergencies and provide support.
• Boat captains should always stay vigilant and know the exact location of the divers to prevent any accidents or loss of divers.
• Proper equipment, such as dive computers and fish finders, can enhance the diving experience and improve safety.
• Reef diving requires patience and waiting for the fish to come in, and communication between dive buddies is important for success.
• Taking care of equipment, including rinsing with fresh water and drying in the shade, is essential for its longevity.
• Emotions play a key role in spearfishing, as animals can sense your intentions and energy.
• When diving with sharks, it's important to keep your eyes on them at all times and be aware of their behavior.
• In challenging situations while spearfishing, it's crucial to stay calm and assess the problems before taking action.
• There are different species of amberjack, and the ones in the Azores are highly prized for their taste and quality.
• Paulo's favorite way to prepare fish is grilling, as it brings out the flavors and juiciness.
• Paulo shares his content on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube under t