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Spearfishing Basics

Level 1: Spearfishing Basics

Beginner course covering the essentials to get you hunting safely—includes theory and equipment. Build freediving fundamentals and effective, ethical hunting skills as part of our Spearfishing Courses pathway.

No Experience Needed Equipment Included Duration: 1 Day Shore‑Based
Level 1 spearfishing student at the shore

Safety First

Clear protocols, small groups, conservative calls on conditions.

Local Expertise

Plymouth sites, tides and byelaws—briefed and applied on the day.

Ethical Hunting

Selective targets, seasons, sizes and zero‑waste handling—aligned with our ocean‑positive standards.

All Kit Provided

Speargun, mask, snorkel, fins & wetsuit available for the course (follow‑up tuning via Servicing & Repairs).

What’s Included

  • Theory session: safety, ethics, local regulations & species ID
  • Equipment setup, speargun handling & maintenance
  • Breathing & relaxation foundations
  • Confined/shallow‑water drills & buddy procedures
  • Shore session focusing on entries/exits & site reading
  • Hunting techniques: approach, shot placement, dispatch
  • Catch care, field prep & food safety basics
  • All core equipment for the day

See upcoming course dates on the Events Calendar

Skills You’ll Learn

  • Breathing, duck dives & streamlined finning
  • Neutral buoyancy & weighting for spearfishing
  • Use of buoys, lines & simple reels
  • Buddying, signals & rescue basics
  • Target selection & ethical harvest
  • Reading ground, tide & visibility
  • Shot placement & fish handling
  • Equipment care & travel tips

Ready for more? Step up to Level 2: Spearfishing Advanced.

Prerequisites

  • No experience necessary (water comfort recommended)
  • Medical history form
  • Commitment to UK regulations & local conservation rules
Spearfisher on rocky shore
Spearfisher entering surf
Gearing up for the hunt
Coastal foraging around Plymouth
Plymouth Sound lighthouse

FAQ

Basic swimming ability and water comfort are required. We keep groups small and progress at your pace.
Yes—speargun, mask, snorkel, fins and a wetsuit are provided for the course. You may use your own kit if you prefer (follow‑up checks available via Servicing & Repairs).
Nature decides—our goal is safe technique, ethics and identification. A catch is a bonus.
We brief current UK and local byelaws, closed seasons and protected areas. We only operate where it’s legal and responsible.
We choose sheltered options where possible. If conditions aren’t suitable, we reschedule—your safety comes first.

Need help choosing a date, more information?

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