Al-Muwail: "Al-Rabi" is the best diving season

His love for the sea and fishing began at the age of 10, and he entered the world of diving during the coronavirus pandemic, likening the hobby of diving to “killing two birds with one stone,” combining both sport and fishing.

“Bahrī” page meets today diving instructor Captain Youssef Al-Muwail, who shared with us about his beginnings with the line and hook, why divers target the jand fish, the best places to find it, and his diving experiences in the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Sultanate of Oman, as well as what distinguishes their diving spots.

Al-Muwail also briefed us on the basics of diving, why a dive buddy is a lifeline, the difference between deep-water and shallow-water diving, the greatest danger facing divers, and the advice he offered to fellow novice divers, urging them to take courses and progress gradually in this hobby, along with various information about diving spots in the Kuwaiti Sea. Here is the interview.

At the outset, diving instructor Captain Yusuf Al-Muwail said: “My beginnings at sea and fishing started at the age of 10, when I practiced fishing with line and hook. Later, I abandoned traditional fishing methods and entered the world of freediving. The idea of diving had been in my mind for a long time, but I actually began this journey at the start of the coronavirus pandemic, as activities were halted and only the sea remained accessible. From that time on, I decided to give it a try and dive, thereby killing two birds with one stone: I was practicing a sport and fishing. Sometimes there is no catch, but I still engaged in the sport. Moreover, diving is not random; I always see the fish I catch and choose it from among tens or hundreds of fish.”

The Goal of Divers: The Ghanada

Al-Muwail added: “Regarding spearfishing, there are many beautiful spots. However, for us, the primary goal of divers is always to hunt the Ghanada fish, which can be found in several locations throughout the year. The best spots include Um Dirah, Failaka Island, and Qaruh.”

The diving season does not stop, as different fish species breed at various times of the year. However, the best season for fishing in general is spring, when all fish species reproduce. One of the beauties of spearfishing is that you might be targeting a specific species and unexpectedly catch a fish you hadn’t anticipated or planned for.

Diving Experiences in Bahrain and Oman

Al-Muwail continued: “I have dived outside Kuwait, in the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Bahrain. The experience was enjoyable and refreshing, offering a change from the nature of the Kuwaiti Sea we are accustomed to. I had these opportunities through young people I met via social media, with whom we always shared information and experiences, until I visited them and they organized the trips. In the Kingdom of Bahrain, the sea conditions are almost similar to ours, with a greater availability of grouper. In the Sultanate of Oman, there are large-sized fish species and varieties different from those in our waters.”

Diving Basics

Al-Muwail added: “One of the basics of diving is not to underestimate diving courses and to ensure you enroll in courses that teach you the correct techniques. Many people say they don’t need to take courses, which is a mistake. Diving courses open the door to the sport of freediving and allow you to practice it safely without exposing yourself to risks. We always emphasize that one should never risk their life by diving alone; a buddy must always be present.”

Diving Courses Enhance Your Skills

Al-Muwail said: “Deep-water diving differs from shallow-water diving in terms of the type of fishing, the equipment used, the length of the spear, the thickness of the wetsuit, and other gear. Naturally, how does one know these variables and adjust to them? All these aspects are learned through courses. Therefore, diving courses facilitate your progress, teach you to improve, and save you effort and time.”

The Greatest Danger for Divers

Al-Muwail continued: “The most important advice for novice divers is always to prioritize your safety. Do not dive beyond your limits or rush the process; do not sacrifice your safety for the sake of catching a fish. Risks exist in all sports and hobbies. In freediving, one of the most dangerous things that can happen is blackout or loss of consciousness. However, if you practice freediving as a sport and follow the rules, you can do so safely.”

Conclusion

Al-Muwail concluded: “The thing that saddens us most in diving is seeing abandoned fishing nets, which turn into graveyards for fish over time and pose a significant danger to us as divers. The danger lies in the fact that divers can get entangled in them, along with other debris such as beverage cans and plastic bags. I also urge anyone who has not tried diving to give it a go, not hesitate, and enter a new world full of adventure and challenge, while adding something unique and new to their maritime repertoire. May God protect us all.”