October 5, 2007

Dear Orange Beach Tournament Divers,

You know, when we plan these events, good weather conditions are favored.  
However, some times it doesn't always go as planned and alternate dates have to
be set.  This has been the case with this years event and for the second time
and due to bad weather, we are once again forced to reschedule the Orange Beach
Spearfishing Tournament.

This is due in part to the one particular rule regarding the weather which reads
as follows: Rule #3. Bad Weather Rule: 12 consecutive hours without a small
craft caution issued by the National Weather Service constitute a valid
tournament.

As of 0100 Friday morning (10/5/07) a small craft advisory was lifted.  It was
reinstated on the 11:30 a.m. advisory, the 3:52 p.m. and the 10:20 p.m.
advisory.

Many of us tried to get out Friday morning in hopes of finding calmer seas but
to no avail. It is my firm belief that safety should come first and everyone
that I talked today turned around for this very reason.  We are out here to
compete but not to the extent that causes injury to self or property.

With this in mind, Rule #3 will immediately be changed to read as follows:
Bad Weather Rule: 12 consecutive hours without a small craft caution issued by
the National Weather Service (NOAA) constitute a valid tournament. However, the
event may also be postponed and rescheduled at the discretion of tournament
Officials if bad weather patterns exist prior to the tournament.

I feel that this rule change would give advance notice to participants and
latitude to the event organizers to better prepare and for the divers to better
plan and not have to be subject to the on again, off again conditions we are
currently experiencing.

I further contend that 2-4 ft. seas are not conducive to a successful tournament
regardless of advisories.  1-3 ft. seas or less will be the future determining
factor.

With all that said, the Orange Beach Spearfishing Tournament will be rescheduled
to coincide with the October Shootout.  That is to say that the weekend of
October 19-20 or 26-27; whichever offers the most suitable conditions first.

It is my hopes that these changes are in the better interest of the local
spearfishing community and as always if you have any questions or comments,
email me or give me a call at 251-604-9744.

Mike Wade, Director
Alabama Spearfishing Association
Mobile, Alabama

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WATERS FROM PENSACOLA FL TO PASCAGOULA MS FROM 20 TO 60 NM-
WATERS FROM DESTIN TO PENSACOLA FL FROM 20 TO 60 NM-
1020 PM CDT FRI OCT 5 2007

SMALL CRAFT SHOULD EXERCISE CAUTION


TONIGHT
EAST WINDS 15 TO 20 KNOTS. SEAS 3 TO 5 FEET. SCATTERED
SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS.

SATURDAY
EAST WINDS 15 TO 20 KNOTS. SEAS 3 TO 5 FEET. SCATTERED
THUNDERSTORMS.

SATURDAY NIGHT
EAST WINDS 15 TO 20 KNOTS. SEAS 4 TO 6 FEET.
SCATTERED THUNDERSTORMS.