Originally from Santa Barbara, California I started spearfishing at the age of 11 in the summer of 1982 after I overheard some people on the beach talking about how clear the water was. Up to that point I had only played with a mask and snorkel in a swimming pool, so the thought of actually seeing fish sent me sprinting for the ocean. A friend and I lay side by side on a boogie board staring down at all the life swimming in and out of the gently swaying kelp beds. I was hooked! That night I went into my brothers closet and commandeered a rusty old speargun. I think it spent the night with me in my bed. I had dreams of shooting whales and giant squid, everything I had seen in movies and on TV.

The next day I shot my first fish, a small Leopard shark. I had no idea what to do with it but it was way cool for a kid. Caused quite a stir on the beach too. I felt like a hero, until someone asked me why I shot it. I said, I don't know, and I felt bad for the rest of the day. After that I learned and respected the saying, "spear only what you are going to eat and leave the rest." I still live by that rule even today.

I met Brian Bradley in the summer of 1991 when he was looking for some help in a dive shop he had recently acquired called The Dive Locker. I was a young man then and he quickly became like an adopted father to me. He taught me a trade I knew nothing about, and at that time, I had no idea what an impact it would have on me.

A few years had gone by and I found myself living in a dreamland called Hawaii. I had never been to this mystical place before but I just decided to pack up a couple of bags and try it out. It was 1994 and I was diving in the warm tropical waters near Magic Sands beach in Kailua-Kona. About thirty feet down I extended my arms in this crystal clear bath-like water and inhaled a breath of air, well, actually water. It felt so dreamlike, it seemed as if I was just flying through the air. Naturally, I broke the surface coughing up salt water and laughing all the way home.

Brian and I stayed in touch, I even ordered some spearfishing gear to send to me because there really wasn't anywhere on the island to buy spearfishing gear. Finally, one day Brian came for a visit and in November of 1997 the Blue Water Hunter Hawaii freediving and spearfishing store was born. I acted as manager and Brian was only a phone call away if I had any questions. Boy, did I learn a few things over the years with Brian's help. And in October of 2003 I took over the Blue Water Hunter Hawaii store from Brian. Luckily, he's still just a phone call away.

Today, the Blue Water Hunter has survived an onslaught of "big box" stores that sell spearfishing gear as well as many "mom and pop" stores dabbling in the sport. We have succeeded because we realize the importance of having the knowledge and experience, to know what is the best equipment for each individual, their level and their budget, to know the inherent dangers within the sport and how to protect against them, to know the skills and techniques to improve upon each person and to excel at the sport, to instill the morality of physical and mental discipline and conservation of our limited resources. And most importantly, for all of our family, friends, clients and customers to teach all these things to future generations.

The Blue Water Hunter Hawaii has given me everything I have ever wanted and more. Dealing with my customers, my friends, my family, it's like giving back. Giving back for all I have received from the ocean, the sport and the incredible people along the way. Please allow me to help you. It will be my pleasure.