G'day legend,

This one's a bit heavier than usual, so we'll lead with it.

A spearfisherman, a father, a mate — Steven Mattaboni

Last Saturday, 38-year-old Steven Mattaboni was killed by a great white shark while spearfishing near Rottnest Island in Western Australia.

His wife Shirene described him as "fiercely loyal, endlessly generous, and the kind of man who would give you the shirt off his back."

"Steven was a devoted father to our two beautiful daughters — one who turns three next month and our four-month-old baby. An avid fisherman and spearfisherman, who lived and breathed the ocean, he was always in tune with the sea."

Mattaboni was the secretary of Bluewater Freedivers of Western Australia — one of us. A bloke who loved what we love, who shared that joy with his mates, and who leaves behind a young family and a community that is clearly shattered by his loss.

His AFL club Kingsley Football Club remembered the premiership player as a much-loved friend, saying he had "a smile and presence that could light up a room."

We share this not for clicks or drama. We share it because this is our community and this is a time to be decent, to be human, and to hold his family in our hearts. If you're the type who's ever been tempted to wade into the comments section when tragedy strikes — be careful with this one as there are tonnes of insensitive and ignorant people mouthing off and I read just few I was seething.

To Steven's family and friends — we are deeply sorry for your loss. To his spearfishing mates who were there that day — we see you, and we hope you are being looked after.

If you or someone you know is struggling after a traumatic event, please reach out to Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 or Lifeline: 13 11 14.

Josh Halley is rowing the Norwegian coastline — and you can help 🇳🇴🚣

You might remember Josh Halley from our recent yarn on the podcast. Josh is one of those blokes who just radiates froth — he talked openly about his neurodivergence and how spearfishing, travel, and adventure have genuinely helped him engage with the world on his own terms. It was one of those conversations that stays with you.

Well, Josh has taken "full froth" to a whole new level.

He and three other absolute legends are rowing the Norwegian coastline, spearfishing their way along the coast, and raising money for their personally chosen charities. The goal is ambitious in spirit but actually extremely achievable in dollars — a $20 donation will genuinely move the needle here.

This is the kind of project the Noob Spearo community was made for.

👉 Support the Nordic Endeavour here​

Chuck in a few dollariedoos. You'll be glad you did.

WIN a Cabezon 1 Backpack from Ocean Cowboy Outfitters 🎒

*Valued at $310 USD

Kellen, the legend behind Ocean Cowboy Outfitters has offered a cracking prize — a Cabezon 1 Backpack valued at $310 USD, built for spearos, by spearos to say thank you to the Noob Spearo Community for their support!

Here's how to win: send us your best spearfishing story. Frothy, scary, funny — we want all of it. Keep it under 3 minutes.

Two ways to enter:

• 🎙️ Voice or video via SpeakPipe: speakpipe.com/noobspearo​
• 📹 Video via WeTransfer — send to shrek@noobspearo.com​

I'll pick my three favourites. First place walks away with the backpack. Second and third place will each score a Noob Spearo UPF30 Technical Fishing Shirt — No Ego, Full Froth.

Get sending. The spearfishing community has no shortage of yarns worth telling and I'd love to make a full length podcast with these yarns🤙

Turn your old fridge into a cold smoker 🐟🔥

Your freezer catch is just sitting there waiting to be something legendary. Here's a ridiculously satisfying DIY build using an old fridge and a Smokai Smoke Generator — and yes, we've actually done this ourselves (check the YouTube link below).

*the coolest thing about the cold smoker is that you can now make rainbow runner, Queenfish, fusiliers, heck any borderline good sashimi type fish TASTE waaaay better. Game changer. Legit.

The 3-step method:

1. Choose your Smokai Smoke Generator Pick your size: Classic 1L for compact builds, Magnum 3L for longer sessions, or Monster 4L if you want maximum output. The size you pick will determine the drill hole you need — so choose before you drill.

2. Get drilling Drill a hole through the lower side of the fridge for the smoke outlet. Hole size matters: the Classic needs a 30mm (1¼") hole, the Magnum and Monster need a 55mm (2³⁄₁₆") hole. Get it right and the fit is clean and sealed. I also put a 125mm vent in the top for airflow.

3. Mount and go Attach the smoke generator with the two supplied bolts. That's genuinely it. No complex fabrication, no welding, no drama. The modular design means mounting and cleaning are both quick, and the smoke output is adjustable so you stay in control of your smoke.

That old fridge loitering in your garage? Not junk. It's your next smoker.

​

📺 Watch Shrek's fridge conversion on YouTube 🔗 Smokai Smoke Generators​

🗓️ Charters & Retreats — spots going fast

Grab your spot at spearfishingcourses.com.au​

Full froth, no ego.

Shrek 🤙