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From La Jolla's Bottom Scratchers to today's scuba divers
My father, Wally Potts, loved the purity of breath hold blue water hunting. Thank you for mentioning the Bottom Scratchers, and on a personal note, my Dad. His experience with shallow water blackout was arguably the first documented case on record. It happened off La Jolla Shores and his buddy Jack, a genius equipment innovator and a vital contributor to the sport, his partner and best friend, saved his life by pulling him on the paddleboard and pounding on his chest when he floated to the surface. His report most definitely included seeing stars. As the daughter of a pioneer blue water hunter, I can't recall ever hearing tank divers and free divers put in the same "hunter" category, but the love of the ocean was shared by all. Conservation and beach access were always important to the Club, and everyone has a right to enjoy it as they see fit. There is a Reader article done in 1978 that comes straight from Jack and Wally themselves, if anyone cares to look it up. It's cleverly titled "Thanks but no Tanks" Telling tales of the hunt are often sensationalized. Bringing new attention to the sport of breath hold spearfishing is a good thing and I know the Bottom Scratchers would like it. I— October 15, 2013 11:59 p.m.