Spearfishing Course in Plymouth - Spear Fisher Level 1

Set off on a spearfishing adventure with our Level 1 Spear Fisher Course (SF1), a foundational two-day program designed for novices eager to dive into the thrilling world of spearfishing. This course is meticulously crafted to instill safe practices and hone the essential skills required for spearfishing, offering a comprehensive introduction to this exhilarating sport.

Key Details

Price: £615 per person (discount for a group of 4)
Duration: 2 days
Duration: Maximum of 4 students
Location: Laira Wharf, Plymouth, PL4 0SR
Minimum Requirements: Ability to swim 200m unaided, completed medical questionnaire

Key Skills

On your two-day course, we will cover and develop the following spearfishing skills:

Understanding anatomy and physiology related to spearfishing
Mastery of equipment and gear handling
Accident prevention and emergency procedures
Environmental conservation and responsible spearfishing practices
Fundamental spearfishing and diving skills
Dive planning basics and regulatory knowledge

Course Breakdown

Day One:

Part 1: Classroom Theory and Knowledge Assessment

The day begins in the classroom, where participants are introduced to the core concepts essential for understanding and practicing spearfishing responsibly. The subjects covered include:

Anatomy and Physiology: Understanding how the body reacts to the underwater environment is crucial for spearfishers. This section covers the basics of pressure changes, breath-hold diving, and the physiology behind freediving.
Equipment and Gear: An in-depth look at the various pieces of spearfishing equipment, including spearguns, fins, wetsuits, and more. Participants learn how to choose, maintain, and store their gear correctly.
Accident Prevention: Emphasising safety, this segment addresses common spearfishing hazards and how to prevent accidents through careful planning and adherence to best practices.
Environment and Conservation: This topic covers the importance of sustainable spearfishing, focusing on respecting marine life and ecosystems, and understanding the impact of spearfishing on the environment.
Spearfishing and Diving Techniques: Basic techniques and skills are introduced, preparing participants for their first spearfishing experiences.
Dive Planning Basics: Essential information on how to plan a spearfishing dive, including assessing conditions, safety checks, and understanding local regulations.
Regulatory Awareness: An overview of the relevant federations, agencies, and regulations that govern spearfishing and marine activities in the UK.

The theoretical part concludes with a knowledge assessment consisting of 30 questions, with a passing score of 80%, ensuring that participants have absorbed the essential information.

Part 2: Freediving Essential Skills and Rescues

In the afternoon, the course moves to the water, where participants begin to apply their newfound knowledge through practical skills training. This session includes:

Warm-Up Routine: Exercises designed to prepare the body for freediving, focusing on breathing, relaxation, and stretching.
Controlled Dive to 8m: Participants practice diving to a maximum depth of 8 meters, focusing on proper technique, equalization, and controlled ascent and descent.
Buddy Rescue from 6m Depth: A critical skill for all spearfishers, this exercise simulates a rescue scenario, including bringing a buddy to the surface from 6 meters, performing surface procedures, and towing them 50 meters to safety.
Surface Flip Procedure: Techniques for efficient maneuvering at the surface, including flips and turns.
Weight Belt Drop at 8m: Learning to safely drop a weight belt at depth and ascend using buoyancy control, an essential safety skill.
Speargun Safe Handling & Rigging: Instruction on the proper handling, maintenance, and setup of spearguns, ensuring safety and efficiency.
Target Shot from 2m Away: Practicing accuracy with the speargun, aiming for a target from a distance of 2 meters, a foundational skill for successful spearfishing.

Day Two:

Day 2 transitions to practical experience, taking participants onto the water with our boat for a day of foraging and spearfishing. Under expert guidance, you'll apply the skills learned on day 1, focusing on sustainable foraging and honing hunting techniques in the sea.

The day emphasises safety, the buddy system, and real-world application of spearfishing practices, offering hands-on learning in a natural setting. It's a thrilling conclusion to the course, providing invaluable insights into marine life and responsible spearfishing.

Prerequisites

Competency in swimming 200m without assistance.
A completed medical questionnaire to ensure fitness for diving activities.
We can take participants as young as 14 years old. However, there are guidelines for anyone under the age of 18 which are as follows:
- Those between 14 and 16 years old must be accompanied by a participating parent/responsible guardian.
- Those aged between 16 and 18 may attend alone but they will need an authorisation form to be completed by a parent/legal guardian.

Why Choose Us?

Choosing our centre for your spearfishing journey means opting for an unmatched learning experience. With a unique training program and a passionate team of experienced coaches and pilots, we offer a safe, enriching environment aboard 'Relentless', our fully equipped RIB. Our commitment to safety, conservation, and the highest standards of education ensures a welcoming, supportive, and comprehensive introduction to the sport. Dive in with us, and embark on a journey that goes beyond the basics, fostering a lifelong passion for spearfishing and the underwater world.

Ready to take the plunge? Book your spot online and join us for an unforgettable spearfishing adventure!

Expert instruction and support from our qualified coaches
Use of our 6m RIB, 'Relentless', for practical training sessions
Comprehensive learning materials for in-depth understanding
Safety equipment including high-visibility vests
Refreshments including coffee, tea, and cookies
Issuance of certification upon successful completion of the course

Personal diving gear (available for rent)
Transportation to and from the course location

In order to offer flexibility, and accounting for some individuals choosing to use their own kit, gear rental is not included in the course price. However, you can add equipment rental to your booking and be supplied with our top-quality kit.

The pricing is as follows:

Full Kit (Mask, Snorkel, Fins, Socks, Gloves, Wetsuit) – £50pp
Wetsuit – £30pp
Mask, Snorkel & Fins Rental - £30pp
Speargun - £30pp

Please note, a deposit will be take on the day to account for lost or damaged items.

We are based in Plymouth, Devon. We deliver courses and charters in South Devon and East Cornwall. Our course meet at Laira Wharf, Plymouth, PL4 0SR.

Weather permitting, we generally run courses from June to September. However, we do arrange earlier and later courses.

You can see our upcoming course dates on the booking form. If you can't see a date which suits you, just message the adventuro team in the live chat and they will do their best to find a time which will work for us and you!

You don’t have to be incredibly fit, although you must be comfortable in the water, a fairly confident swimmer (200m swim), and have a basic level of fitness. Our courses require the completion of a self-medical declaration. If you have any questions regarding this please just get in touch.

Yes. In order to enjoy and safely learn in an open environment.

Yes, however we follow the BSA recommendation of a minimum age of 14 years old for spearfishing with a speargun. For under 14 year olds we can offer snorkelling and foraging and pole-spearing experience.

Those between 14 and 16 years old must be accompanied by a participating parent/responsible guardian. Those aged between 16 and 18 may attend alone but they will need an authorisation form to be completed by a parent/legal guardian.

The maximum dive depth on this course is 8 metres.

Established in the picturesque South West of England, our centre is dedicated to the thrilling world of spearfishing, offering an unparalleled array of courses in spearfishing, foraging, and freediving. The leadership and vision behind our centre are courtesy of Maxime, a spearfishing expert with a quarter-century of global experience across the planet's oceans and seas. A former member of France's elite underwater hockey team and a two-time world champion, Maxime's dedication to the sport extends beyond personal achievement to fostering safe and sustainable practices as the Chairman of the Exe Spearfishing Club since 2020. His expertise is further underpinned by a professional background in commercial diving and critical care nursing, alongside certifications in RYA powerboating and yacht mastery. Under his guidance, the centre has developed the UK's first certified training programme in spearfishing. Maxime's commitment to excellence is mirrored in our coaching staff, each personally mentored by him to ensure the highest standards of instruction. Our pilots, a diverse team skilled in navigation and safety, hold RYA powerboat certifications and additional qualifications in VHF operation, sea survival, and first aid, fully endorsed for commercial activities. Our curriculum is unique and pioneering, offering a structured path for enthusiasts to advance their skills in spearfishing and freediving. At the heart of our operations is Relentless, a meticulously coded 6M RIB, serving as our mobile base for safe and efficient coastal exploration. Our expert team comprises two seasoned coaches and four adept pilots, ensuring a comprehensive and secure learning environment for all participants. At our centre, we are not just teaching spearfishing; we are cultivating a community of responsible, skilled, and passionate spearfishers. Join us to embark on a journey that transcends the conventional, diving deep into the realms of marine adventure with unmatched professionalism and care.