By Simen Wilberg
It's that time of year again. It's getting cooler in the air. Darkness gradually takes over for long bright days. Especially for those who live under heavy rain clouds along the coast. There are still big grins to be seen on the freedivers. It's happening now, they say. But what really lies behind this enthusiasm for stormy weather and what most people associate with indoor time and Netflix? Well, we're going to try to give some answers to just that.
Photo: Aleksander Nordahl, ettpust.com
WEATHER AND WIND ON LAND, BUT WARM AND GOOD IN WATER!
It may look sour and cold, but for us freedivers it's really only now that it really feels good to be in the sea. Water temperatures from 10 to 15 degrees are absolutely optimal for the 7mm thick freediving suits, now we can be in the water for hours without getting either too cold or too hot. Perhaps this is one of the nicest things about freediving. Our peak season does not compete with sun and fine weather, and the autumn weather is no obstacle. Perhaps rather the opposite. We can enjoy ourselves to the fullest even when most people are sitting inside waiting for better times. A good friend of mine once said that life can be good if you just get out of your comfort zone. I think there is a lot of truth in that. Stepping out into nature's weather, wind and water makes you feel alive. Really alive. What is not nicer than sitting tired and good in the spring stones after a trip in the lake with good company? Netflix can take a bowl.
Photo: Frivannsliv
VISIBILITY AND COLORS
Right, so the temperature is perfect in the water and you can have fun even when the weather is not particularly good. But it does not stop there. As the summer sun recedes, the water clears up. The bloom of algae and plankton is over, and visibility improves dramatically. Now you can expect between 10 and 15 meters of visibility! It is clear that the experiences become bigger and stronger when the sea opens up in all its beauty! It is also the same beautiful autumn colors that appear in the sea at this time of year.
Photo: Aleksander Nordahl, ettpust.com
THE SEA INVITES TO PARTY!
Okay. Nice temperature, good visibility and great colours. What more? Life! It is now that there is life! The large paleos retreat to shallower water for one last feast before winter sets in. In large shoals, they wander along the rocky cliffs in search of food. When the small fish move towards shallower water, the big fish follow. Especially cod and ling. It is always in autumn that the best catches come in. Now it's just as much about being in the right place often enough as it is about being a skilled UV hunter. Plus, the fish of your dreams is 5 meters deep right below you.
In the clear water, it is also the season for picking scallops. Now you can see them from the top surface, and this is quite a delicacy! An extra nice thing about picking scallops is that you can quickly find a nice flatfish resting on the sandy bottom. It likes itself in shallow water near fish-rich areas now in the autumn. Scallops for a starter and sole for a main course?
Photo: Frivannsliv
WELCOME TO CRAB FESTIVAL!
Autumn is crab season and now they are full of food. Whether you pick them on the sandy bottom during the day or snorkel with a simple flashlight in the dark, this is the time to invite to a crab party!
Photo: Ruben Soltvedt #rubensoltvedt
TAKE THE CHILDREN TO THE SEA
With thick wetsuits, the children will still enjoy snorkelling and freediving throughout the autumn. With clear afternoons where the autumn colors are reflected in the surface of the sea, this is family time you can live for when winter comes. Bring the storm kitchen and enjoy fresh scallops if you dive in areas where these are found, or bring good old-fashioned grilled sausages ;-)
Photo: Frivannsliv
WANT TO READ MORE? HERE ARE ARTICLES FOR INSPIRATION AND USE
LIGHTING FOR CRABS DURING FREE DIVING
Autumn is here and the crabs are filling up with food! Here is a small blog about experiences around snorkelling and freediving for crab after dark.
NIGHT DIVE IN ALVERSTRAUMEN
Finally we had reached the highlight of Christmas, the obligatory night dive! A wonderful break from food, cakes and more food. The plan was ready. The Elverstraumen between Lindås and Radøy was supposed to explore the onset of darkness.
EQUIPMENT FOR UNDERWATER HUNTING
Youth? Beginner? Moved on? Here is our guide to which equipment may suit you, as well as links to interesting and useful articles on underwater hunting.
LIGHTS FOR NIGHT DIVING
Which lantern suits your use? Read our lantern guide for freedivers, underwater hunters and divers
LEGISLATION ON UNDERWATER HUNTING, USE OF HARPOONS AND COMPRESSED AIR HARPOONS
On this page, we give you an overview of which species are allowed to hunt underwater with a harpoon, as well as general laws for the use and storage of harpoons in Norway.