Want to try some beach diving? Here are some useful tips...

• Check first that the beach you want to go to allows leaving from the beach. Typically, you will not be able to leave from wherever there is a lifeguard. However, if you show up before they do, you will have no problem. As far as coming back to the shore, the lifeguards will allow you but will not like it if you linger around with spearguns and all. There is one exception to all of this and that is Sunrise Beach, the stretch on A1A, North of Sunrise Blvd, where you will be allowed to leave from the beach anytime. Just make sure you bring quarters (and you only have a max of 4 hours). Only load your gun once you have passed the swim zone, which boundaries are marked by white buoys.
• There is also another spot where I usually go, because there is no lifeguard and no meter. Coming from South, go to A1A at Commercial Blvd, then drive North. Turn left at SE 13 Street. Park at Indian Mound Park and walk back towards A1A. Sligthly to the South, you will see a Beach Access sign. Posted: make sure you do not enter and exit the water North of this point. There is a jetski concession there and the folks will not hesitate to call the Police (which is completely useless, since they only have the right to use the beach as a concession)

How to make your own board

Choose one of the best quality boards. You do not want to choose one that is cheap because it will deteriorate quickly, will absorb water and will become extremely heavy.

Get an antenna holder at a local marine store. It will be used for your flag, which you can put in the upper or down position by lifting or lowering the handle.

Step 1: Mark the holes you will drill

Step 2: Drill through the board where you marked. Use a drill bit that is either the same or smaller in diameter than the bolt.

Step 3: Screw in the lock nuts, making sure you have first inserted a washer or two first. Do not lock the front two bolts.

Step 4: Crimp a sleeve with a piece of mono. Do this on both extremities, making a loop.

Step 5: Place the washers and the lock nuts and lock. Do not screw in too much so as to not damage the board.

Step 6: From a home improvement store, get plastic corners that usually utilized to make corners for drywall. This will be perfect to hold the catch bag in place while letting water in to keep the fresh wet. Place the corner all along the sides of the board, cutting exactly where the board curves (do not cut the entire corner). Repeat for both sides.

Step 7: Get some 5200 glue from a marine store and apply with your fingers on the entire length of the board. Make sure someone is with you to place some screw through the corners into the board (so that the entire corner length does not shift, allowing the glue to set). Before you start, make sure you have a cloth to wipe your fingers (baby wipes are awesome for that!)

Step 8: Screw in small screws into the board

Step 9: Let the 5200 glue dry for a full 48 hours (I'd recommend 72 hours to be on the safe side)

Step 10: Remove the screws and put some 5200 into the holes the screws left.

Step 11: Place your net on the board, with the opening facing the rear of the board. Run a line through the four corners of the back, each into a hole of the "corners".