Famed Spear Fisherman Jay Riffe Left A Legacy

It wasn’t highly publicized, but iconic spear fisherman and diver Jay Riffe has passed away at 82. Here’s more from the New York Times:

When he died on May 11 at 82, at his home in Dana Point, Calif. — a death not widely reported beyond spearfishing circles — Mr. Riffe left behind a trail of accomplishments in his undersea world, including breaking three world records for deepwater sport fishing; founding Riffe International, a premier American spearfishing and freediving equipment maker; and advancing a campaign for sustainable-fishing regulations. His family said the cause was heart failure.

A powerfully built freediver who could hold his breath for five minutes or more while chasing after tuna, grouper and dorado at depths of up to 100 feet, Mr. Riffe (pronounced rife) first took up spearfishing with his eldest brother, John, for a simple reason — “to get food for the table,” as he put it.

RIP, Jay and condolences to his loved ones.