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!