NSP:284 Mackay Hardline Intermediate Course and Charter Part 1 | Tim McDonald, Tom Sandstrom, Kurt Raymond & More
Noob Spearo Podcast | Spearfishing Tips, Stories and Interviews
Release Date: 01/13/2025
Noob Spearo Podcast | Spearfishing Tips, Stories and Interviews
Reset Breathing, Equalisation Fixes & Ocean Glide: Cindy Yang on Spearfishing, Freediving and Mindset. What happens when a Taiwanese-born Californian firefighter, underwater photographer, and freediving coach moves to Australia for love and brings two decades of ocean wisdom with her? Cindy Yang of Ocean Glide joins Shrek for a wide-ranging conversation that covers her extraordinary life arc — from a hyperactive kid in Taipei who'd never seen the ocean, to chasing abalone on the Northern California coast, to becoming one of the few female firefighters in her station, to eventually...
info_outlineNoob Spearo Podcast | Spearfishing Tips, Stories and Interviews
Depth Progression for Spearfishing: EQ, Technique, Safety & Training with Mark Davies (Karma Dives) On the Noob Spearo Podcast, host Shrek talks with Mark Davies from Karma Dives (Hervey Bay) about safe depth progression for spearfishing and freediving, focusing on why divers plateau and how to move from 10m to 15m, 20m and beyond. They cover equalisation troubleshooting (tongue positions, head-angle training, pulsing/warmups, balloons), refining technique and streamlining, disciplined surface intervals, and the added risk of spearing versus line diving. Mark shares cautionary...
info_outlineNoob Spearo Podcast | Spearfishing Tips, Stories and Interviews
Host Shrek opens the Noob Spearo podcast with a listener voice message from Matt sharing ear-care tips for divers (coconut oil drops before diving and periodic rinses with a 50/50 vinegar and alcohol mix). The episode then jumps into a last-day, post-trip recap of the Whitsundays Sail & Spear Trip, with Sam the Waterman explaining the context: sailing through the Whitsunday Islands to the outer Great Barrier Reef, hundreds of fish landed across the trip, multiple 20kg+ GTs caught on rod and line between spearfishing sessions, and notable catches like Red Throat and Spangled Emperor...
info_outlineNoob Spearo Podcast | Spearfishing Tips, Stories and Interviews
In this episode, host Shrek talks with Rhys Clay, a prominent figure in the Australian spearfishing scene and the creator behind the YouTube channel, . Both engage in a lively discussion covering a range of topics, including the cultural shifts within spearfishing, the concept of financing homes through spear catches, the charm of maintaining hobbies alongside a full-time job, and the practical challenges of making and using spearfishing equipment. Rhys shares insightful stories from the spearfishing community, recounts boat mishaps, and gives practical advice on gear, building a...
info_outlineNoob Spearo Podcast | Spearfishing Tips, Stories and Interviews
In this episode of the Noob Spearo podcast, host Shrek is joined by Matthew Lewthwaite, who owns the on the Sunshine Coast. They discuss the intricacies and origins behind spearfishing gear, share important community updates, and reminisce about early spearfishing memories. Matt provides insights into starting the Dive Cave, his passion for high-quality gear, and the challenges of running a spearfishing business. They also delve into the local spearfishing scene, the importance of safety, and the journey from basic to advanced spearfishing techniques. The episode blends humor,...
info_outlineNoob Spearo Podcast | Spearfishing Tips, Stories and Interviews
In this episode of the Noob Spearo Podcast, host Shrek interviews Jordan Hunter, founder of the . They discuss Jordan's background in spearfishing, the inspiration and development of the app, and its features such as social networking, buddy finding, and competition management. Jordan also shares insights into his personal spearfishing journey, the importance of meditation and relaxation in diving, and the potential of ice baths to improve diving performance. The conversation highlights the app's goal of building a global community of spearfishers and anglers, making it easier to connect and...
info_outlineNoob Spearo Podcast | Spearfishing Tips, Stories and Interviews
The final installment of a multi-day spearfishing trip called Sail X Spear. The episode features a group discussion and informal debrief with participants and the crew aboard the boat Condor, where they share their highlights, challenges, and "frother" (enthusiastic person) shoutouts from the trip. Conversations center on diving experiences, technical improvements like float line management and shooting accuracy, impressive fish catches (including a mangrove jack and a tuskie), and the positive, ego-free, teamwork-focused atmosphere fostered throughout the journey. The host, Shrek, and others...
info_outlineNoob Spearo Podcast | Spearfishing Tips, Stories and Interviews
Episode two of the "Sail and Spear" trip, a spearfishing charter expedition to the Great Barrier Reef aboard the sailboat Condor. The host, Shrek, interviews participants and instructors about the second full day of diving, focusing on their personal improvements, hunting techniques, and "frothy" highlights from the day. Discussions reveal various spearfishing successes, challenges with equipment and visibility, and notable catches like Spanish Mackerel, Coral Trout, and a large crayfish, all while emphasizing the importance of teamwork and dive buddy...
info_outlineNoob Spearo Podcast | Spearfishing Tips, Stories and Interviews
In this episode of the Noob Spearo Podcast, Shrek kicks off day one of their spearfishing adventure on the Great Barrier Reef aboard the Condor. Shrek is joined by Eckart from Salt Sessions, instructors Tim and Ryan along with a group of enthusiastic spearos, some of whom are experiencing the tropics for the first time. The episode, recorded live on board, features segments where divers share their 'frothy moments'—highlights of their day, including special fish catches and new learning experiences such as float line management and managing breath holds. With plenty of teamwork, fun, and...
info_outlineNoob Spearo Podcast | Spearfishing Tips, Stories and Interviews
Interview with Bryson Sheehy Todays episode is with Bryson Sheehy as he gears up to take on the world's best spearfishermen at the World Championships later this year in Brazil! won the Australian Spearfishing Championship in 2022, now he's taking on the world, this time in Brazil. Get insight into what goes into preparing for a competition of this caliber, how much an event like this costs to compete in and some actionable hunting tips to help you land your next big fish. - or visit Important times 00:00 Preview 01:20 Intro 02:00 – How to follow Bryson’s journey and support:...
info_outline
Interview with Tim McDonald, Tom Sandstrom, Kurt Raymond & More
Todays interview is with Tim McDonald, Tom Sandstrom, Kurt Raymond and the crew of frothing legends! Join us as we dive into part 1 of our Mackay Beyond The Hardline Charter on the liveaboard QE II! Join us for short interviews right out of the water and then part 1 of the big final night chat with the whole crew. Go through highlights, lessons learned and funny moments. Several Australian record fish were shot, monster size Mu, Coral Trout for days and even a Doggy to name a few of the species caught on this trip. We end with the start of a very serious moment that we can all learn from. Listen to part 2 coming in the next few days! Massive shout out to Ben Rennie, aka @benrennie_ for these awesome photos and Dan, aka @borgy_bjj on IG for the awesome drone shots!
If you are interested in coming on this trip next year, head over to SpearfishingCourses.com.au/trips to show your interest.
Important times
- 00:00 Intro
- 05:15 Afternoon interviews with some of the crew
- 30:25 Final night interview with the whole crew
- 36:55 Dragged around the ocean by a big GT
- 44:40 Team spearfishing
- 48:45 Lacking penetration and Smythy gets chased around by a shark
- 54:15 Mu day
- 59:15 Pete the giant Mu slayer!
- 01:04:15 That's Chat Biggest Frother Award
- 01:08:20 Who is this trip for?
- 01:14:50 You were nervous to sign up for this trip
- 01:21:50 Tim's presentation on marine weather, get equivalent of 12 months of diving experience
- 01:26:15 Blake sizing up a massive Blue Spot Trout
- 01:33:30 These are the things that validate all of the conversations we have about safety
- 01:34:25 Outro
Listen in and subscribe on iOS or Android https://link.chtbl.com/Download_This_Episode
Important Links

- Grab a hardcover copy of 99 Spearo Recipes
- Noob Spearo Facebook Community
- Noob Spearo Instagram
- Noob Spearo YouTube Channel
Noob Spearo Partners and Discount Codes
- SpearReady | Get Spear Ready and make the most of your next spearfishing trip! 50 days to better spearfishing!
- Adreno Spearfishing – Buy your spearfishing equipment here. Use the code NOOBSPEARO save $20 on every purchase over $200 at checkout – Flat shipping rate, especially in AUS!
- Neptonics Spearfishing and Freediving – Use the code NOOB10 to save 10% off anything store-wide. Free Shipping on USA orders over $99
- KillShot Spearguns | Simple, Effective, Dependable Wooden Spearguns. Use the Code NOOB to save $30 on any speargun:)
- Aqualyte Hydration | 10% off for listeners with code: NOOBSPEARO
- Noob Spearo MAD GEAR | ‘Spearo Dad’ | ‘Jobfish Tribute’ | 99 Spearo Recipes
- Adam Sterns FreedivingFamily.com use the code SPEARO to get 20% off any course
- Immersion Online freediving classes | 28-day Freediving Transformation | Equalization Masterclass – Roadmap to Frenzel
- How To Freedive | The 5 minute Freediver | Break the 10 Meter Barrier – Use the code NOOBSPEARO to save
- Audible.com Get a free audiobook along with a 30-day trial here. Listen to 99 Tips to Get Better at Spearfishing
- Old Man Blue | Wickedly tough and well thought out gear! Check out the legendary SeaSac HERE