North Shore Underwater Club
Est. 1952 — Sydney’s Northern Beaches spearfishing community
Who We Are
The North Shore Underwater Club (NSUC), also known as the North Shore Seahawks, is a non-profit spearfishing club based on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Our principal purpose is the encouragement, conduct and promotion of the sport of spearfishing.
Modern Australian spearfishing began in 1917, and North Shore has been part of that history since our club records first began in 1952. We hold the record for the most consecutive Alliman Shield wins in history and have always been committed to developing new divers and growing our community.
1952 — over 70 years of spearfishing history on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
Based on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, NSW, Australia.
Open to divers of all levels — from absolute beginners to national champions.
Meetings & Events
Club meetings are held on the last Wednesday of each month at Harbord Diggers, Freshwater. They cover everything from reading weather and tides to species identification, gear maintenance, and cooking your catch.
Throughout the year we run a variety of events:
- Weekends Away — trips to locations such as Depot Beach and Seal Rocks.
- Club Competitions — friendly dives to test and develop your skills.
- Beach & Water Cleanups — giving back to the environment we love.
- Pool Training Sessions — improve technique in a safe, controlled setting.
- Cook-ups — learn to cook your catch with demonstrations from a professional chef.
Competitions
Alliman Shield
The Sydney Metro Alliman Shield is a monthly inter-club fin fish spearfishing competition held on the first Sunday of each month, with scores accumulating across the calendar year. Four Sydney clubs compete, with categories for all ages and ability levels — from beginners through to national champions. Only one of each listed species may be scored per diver, keeping the sport sustainable. The post-dive weigh-in is always a great social occasion.
NSUC holds the record for the most consecutive Alliman Shield wins in history. A valid USFA membership is required to compete (it also provides comprehensive worldwide sporting injury insurance).
Bo Hestridge Top 10
Running from January to November, this internal club competition sets 10 target species each month, announced on our members’ Facebook page along with a monthly codeword. Entries are submitted by photo. Scoring: 100 points per species + 1 point per whole centimetre of fish length. Fish can be upgraded throughout the month and scores are ranked as a percentage of the month’s top score. Financial NSUC membership is required to participate.
NSUC Trophies
The club maintains trophy records across 18 species categories, including Kingfish, Snapper, Mulloway, Spanish Mackerel, and more. The prestigious Tony Leslie Trophy is awarded annually to the member landing the largest pelagic fish. Trophy claims must be made to the Sports Secretary within one week of capture and require certified scales, photographic evidence, and a witness.
Safety
Safety is the foundation of everything we do. Every member is expected to:
- Always dive with a buddy using the “one up, one down” approach — one diver watches while the other dives.
- Use a buoy and Alpha dive flag at all times to stay visible to watercraft.
- Assess conditions before entering the water — swell, current, temperature, and visibility all matter.
- Attend training sessions to continuously develop diving skills and safety awareness.
Shallow Water Blackout (SWB) is a serious, potentially fatal risk in breath-hold diving. It can occur without warning during ascent when oxygen levels drop critically low. Avoid hyperventilation, always dive with a vigilant buddy, and know how to respond: bring the diver to the surface immediately, keep their airway clear, blow air on their cheeks to stimulate breathing, and call emergency services.
Rules & Regulations
All members must hold a valid NSW Recreational Fishing Licence and comply with DPI NSW Saltwater Bag and Size Limits. Certain areas are designated closure zones — check the DPI NSW Spearfishing Closures and the Sydney North Rec Fishing Guide before every dive.
Sponsors & Partners
The only dive shop with a physical presence on the North Shore — owned and operated by long-time club member Ash.
Founded by club member and Australian champion Jack Hatfield. Offers spearfishing and freediving courses locally.
Spearfishing charter operations exploring the Southern Great Barrier Reef from Agnes Water & 1770.
One of Australia’s largest spearfishing suppliers. USFA members receive a 10% discount.
Get involved — we’d love to have you in the water with us.
Join the conversation in our Members Facebook Group or follow us on Instagram @northshore_spearfishing. For questions, reach out to the committee via Facebook or come along to a monthly meeting.
