Seven Decades Beneath The Surface

Mackay Down Under Skin Diving Club Marks 70 Years

The Mackay Down Under Skin Diving Club has been diving deep – in every sense – since 1955. What began as a tight-knit group of ocean-loving skindivers has grown into one of the strongest spearfishing communities in Australia, boasting around 100 active members and a legacy that spans generations.

As the second spearfishing club to be established in Australia, following Sydney’s Sans Souci Dolphins in 1953, the Mackay-based club has become renowned not just for its sporting achievements, but for the lifelong friendships it fosters along the way.

“I joined in 1978 without knowing a thing about spearfishing,” one life member shared.

“But the senior members took me under their wing straight away. That’s the heart of the club — people giving their time to support others, regardless of age or experience.”

The club has long been affiliated with the Australian Underwater Federation (AUF), and its members have made their mark in numerous regional and national competitions, including the Nimrod State and Australian titles. But perhaps the most cherished event of all is the Andrew Clough Memorial Challenge, affectionately known as the Cloughy.

Launched 21 years ago in honour of beloved club member Andrew Clough, who tragically passed away, the Cloughy has become one of the top skindiving events in the country. Club President Geoff Opie said this year’s competition is expected to draw up to 150 divers from across Queensland, New South Wales and possibly as far afield as Western Australia.

Held in August, the event is live-streamed and includes two full days of diving, a community debrief and weigh-in, and a celebratory lunch and presentations.

“It’s grown into something really special,” Mr Opie said.

“It’s about competition, yes, but it’s also about coming together to remember a mate and celebrate everything we love about the sport.”

So what is spearfishing, exactly?

In its purest form, spearfishing is freediving – no scuba gear, no oxygen tanks – just one breath, one dive, one shot. Divers hunt fish underwater using a spear gun or hand spear, with competitions often rewarding not just the size of the fish but also the species and skill involved.

“It’s an amazing sport because you can do it your own way,” Geoff said.

“You can stay in the shallows and have heaps of fun, or dive deeper and push your limits.”

The club also hosts a year-long running competition, where members accumulate points for various fish species. Some events are scored by length, others by weight – but the goal is always the same: to enjoy the thrill of the hunt while respecting the ocean and its ecosystems.

For beginners, the club offers seasonal pool training led by qualified freediving instructors, giving newcomers a safe and supported entry into the sport. The club’s Facebook page is the best place to find out more and get in touch.

With three major competitions in three months – including the 70th anniversary event recently held and the upcoming Queensland titles – 2025 is shaping up as one of the club’s biggest years yet.

As Geoff puts it: “This is a family-friendly club where everyone’s welcome. Whether you’re here to compete, learn, or just meet like-minded ocean lovers — come say hi.

"You might just find a new lifelong passion beneath the surface.”

Cloughy Challenge 2025
Sign-in & debrief: Thursday 14 August, 5pm @ Mackay Surf Club
Two full days of diving
Weigh-in, presentations and lunch: Sunday 17 August
All divers welcome – bring the weather!

Divers from the Mackay Down Under Skin Diving Club proudly show off their catch after the 70th anniversary dive, a celebration of seven decades of camaraderie, competition and underwater adventure. Photo credit: Amanda Wright

A prized fish hits the scales during weigh-in, as part of the Mackay Down Under Skin Diving Club’s 70th anniversary weekend, showcasing the skill and spirit of local spearfishers.

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