The 2008 US National Spear Fishing Championships were held on August 7th, in Newport, Rhode Island. The event, while based in RI, was run by the Mass Freedivers who, for the first time, played host to the sports most anticipated tournament.  Over 60 of spearfishings elite made the trip to Rhode Island  in hopes of becoming this years Champs.

The MA Freedivers would like to congratulate this years winning divers. Sean Moreschi, John Modica and Michael Marino (representing Palm Beach) took home the mens title while Kimi Werner and Andrew Tamasese (Alli Holo Kai) left their mark on the mixed division. Kimi also took home the overall crown for the woman as well as the biggest fish with a fat 33lb Striper. Local assassin Justin Allen (MA Freedivers) edged out Dan Silveria (cen-cal) for the mens title. Andrew Geist (MA Freedivers) brought in the largest fish overall in the form of a 45lb bass.

Thank you to all who made the trip and congras to the new Champs.

Rob Marvelle, MA Freedivers  // http://nationals08.com

RESULTS

http://www.ecotonesinc.com/08Nationals/08nationalsindividualresults.pdf

http://www.ecotonesinc.com/08Nationals/08nationalsteamresults.pdf

http://www.ecotonesinc.com/08Nationals/08nationalsresultsbyteam.pdf

Look for complete coverage and photos in HSD37.

Here are the results for the 4th Annual Marianas Spearfishing Challenge.  This years’ event was the largest to date with 30 teams entering…doubling the participation from last year. 

The Marianas Underwater Fishing Federation would like to thank the following sponsors:  The Guam Fishermen’s Cooperative Association, Kautz & Son’s Glass Company, Budweiser Guam, Grasshopper Inc., Dr. Roger Kaneshiro, Guamcell Communications, Hawaii Skin Diver Magazine, Technosport Inc. and Hammerhead Spearguns.

Thanks to all the volunteers who assisted in hosting another successful event. Most of all,  A BIG THANKS to everyone who came out!  Awesome! 

Dive Safe & Dive with a Partner, James Borja

Special Categories: fish/divers/weight

Largest Parrotfish // Robbie Cabreza + Jay Sternadel // 4.30 lbs.

Largest Bluespine Unicornfish // Joe Cummings + Barnaby Acfalle // 4.93 lbs.

Largest Rudderfish // Felix Sasamoto + Morito Asai // 3.17 lbs.

Largest Orangespine Unicornfish // Pat Atherton + Monique Genereux // 0.84 lbs.

Open Category: place/divers/total weight/2 largest fish + weight

1st // Ron Laguana II + Skip Perry // 77.3 lbs. // Dogtooth Tuna – 63.2 lbs. + Sweet Lips – 14.1 lbs.

2nd // Stephen Meno + Patrick Castro // 24.81 lbs. // Giant Trevally – 22.5 lbs. + Rudder fish – 2.31 lbs.

3rd // Herb Lagutang + Stoney Soumatau // 23.65 lbs. // Giant Trevally – 16.9 lbs. + Job fish – 6.75 lbs.

4th // Todd Genereux + Myles Driscoll // 18.78 lbs. // Napoleon Wrasse – 13.34 lbs. + Bluefin Trevally – 5.44 lbs.

5th // Jesse Aguon + Mike Cassidy // 12.45 lbs. // Horse eye Trevally – 3.99 lbs. + Horse eye Trevally – 8.46 lbs.

On the late afternoon of July 11, 2008, we lost a talented photographer, acclaimed

filmmaker, dedicated father, outstanding member of our community, and longtime

friend. Sergio Goes was free diving off of Waikiki, a hobby he recently picked-up

while working on assignment. He is survived by his six year old son, Gabriel Kapuni

Goes, a father, mother, brother and sister in Brazil.

Family and friends of Sergio are organizing a fundraising benefit for the long-term

and immediate needs of his son, Gabriel Kapuni Goes. Sergio Goes- Life

Celebration, Fundraising Benefit for Gabriel Kapuni Goes is planned for Sunday,

September 14, 2008 at the Waterfront at Aloha Tower. Sergio’s mother and brother

will be visiting from Brazil to say good-bye, celebrate and memorialize him with his

family, friends and the community in Hawaii that admired and supported his

endeavors as an artist and a father.

The event will honor Sergio’s work, both as a photographer and as a filmmaker.

Photographic prints of his personal work and his commercial work will be exhibited

and for sale. Silent auction of his work and donated items will be held. Music and

dance offerings by Mike Love, The Girlas, Paula Fuga, Giinko Maraschino, the

Brazilian community and Samadhi Hawaii.

This event is open to the public, all are welcome to celebrate in the life of Sergio Goes.

Sergio Goes- Life Celebration

Benefit Fundraiser for Gabriel Kapuni Goes

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Waterfront at the Aloha Tower

5:00 PM- 9:00 PM

Suggested donation of $15.00

Food by Cloud Nine Catering available.

All Proceeds to benefit the trust for Gabriel Kapuni Goes.