Questions from a possible rookie

[Chasingame]

I'm pretty sure that most hunting is done in the top 30' or so, but I'm looking to just learn how to freedive for now, so maybe down to 30' or 40' max for now. If I can accomplish that, then I'd like to start spearfishing. Small steps first, maybe if I like it enough then my overall goal would move to 80'-100' someday, but that's looking a little too far into the future right now. I already know I'm gonna' probably have to travel to hook up with a freedive group because I live in the southeast metro area.  The main thing that I need to do is find some accomplished dive buddies to go with. I'd also have to rent or buy a belt and weights, and I can rent a 3 or 5 mil suit if I have to.  Right now my weekends are booked until after the 4th of July.  If you could give me advice on finding freedive buddies, events, locations, dates, etc., that would be great.