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17/09/2005: "Underwater Skindivers and Fishermans Association .........USFA"

Spear fishing was the forerunner to scuba diving by as much as thirty years. Scuba diving raced ahead when training courses became seemingly more professional from about 1971.

Other factors contributed to the decline of spear fishing clubs.

It was a fabulous era in the clubs with older members helping the new ones to learn with free advice and friendship. Small groups formed within these clubs as boats and outboards became increasingly necessary.

Professional abalone diving took the most able free divers away from spearing competitions well before scuba diving had an impact.