A beginner spearfisher needs a speargun, a low-volume mask and snorkel, long-bladed fins, a wetsuit suited to the water temperature, a weight belt with weights, a float with float line, a dive knife, and gloves and socks. Just as important are the safety basics: freediving training, a dive buddy and knowledge of local spearfishing rules.
Key takeaways
- Core kit: speargun, mask, snorkel, fins, wetsuit, weight belt, float and line, knife, gloves.
- Start with a short, simple gun (around 75–90 cm) suited to your local visibility.
- A float with a dive flag marks your position for boats and is required in many areas.
- Use a quick-release weight belt and weight yourself carefully in shallow water.
- Never dive alone, take a freediving course and check local regulations before you hunt.
The complete beginner checklist
| Item | Why you need it | Beginner tip |
|---|---|---|
| Speargun | Your hunting tool | Short, single or double band, easy to load |
| Mask | Clear vision underwater | Low volume for easy equalising |
| Snorkel | Breathe on the surface | Simple design, no bulky valves |
| Fins | Efficient propulsion | Long-bladed freediving fins |
| Wetsuit | Warmth, protection, camouflage | Thickness to match water temperature |
| Weight belt and weights | Neutral buoyancy at depth | Quick-release buckle |
| Float and float line | Visibility to boats, holds catch | Carry a dive flag where required |
| Dive knife | Cutting line, safety | Mount where either hand can reach |
| Gloves and socks | Protect hands and feet | Match thickness to temperature |
| Gear bag | Transport and protection | Long enough for your gun |
1. Speargun
For a first gun, choose something short and simple that suits the visibility you usually dive in. Single-band aluminium guns such as the Rob Allen Cobia Speargun (50–90 cm) or the Rob Allen Scorpia Speargun (50–80 cm) are easy to load and handle around reef and rocks. If your local water is clearer, a railgun like the Rob Allen Tuna Railgun gives a wide choice of lengths.
Browse all Rob Allen spearguns and read our guides on choosing speargun length and railgun vs rollergun before you buy.
2. Mask and snorkel
A low-volume mask needs less air to equalise as you descend, which makes diving easier. Fit is everything: place the mask on your face without the strap, breathe in gently through your nose, and it should stay in place. The Rob Allen Cubera Clear Lens Diving Mask is a low-volume dual-lens mask with tempered glass lenses suitable for spearfishing and freediving.
For spearfishing, a simple snorkel is best; large purge valves and splash guards add drag and noise. See our mask and snorkel range.
3. Fins
Long-bladed freediving fins move you further with less effort than short snorkelling fins, saving oxygen on every dive. Many spearfishers use foot-pocket fins with interchangeable blades. In our fins category you will find models such as the Torsion Blades with Vortex Foot Pockets, currently listed as a pre-order item.
4. Wetsuit
A spearfishing wetsuit keeps you warm through long sessions, protects against scrapes and helps you blend in. Typical choices:
- 1.5–3 mm: warm water and summer diving.
- 5 mm: cooler water and longer sessions.
- Open cell: very warm and stretchy, but needs lubricant to put on and more care.
- Nylon/nylon: more durable and easier to put on.
The Rob Allen Rock Camo Grey Nylon/Nylon 3 mm Wetsuit is a super-stretch two-piece option with a chest loading pad and knee pads. Browse our full spearfishing suits.
5. Weight belt and weights
A wetsuit is buoyant, so you need weight to descend comfortably. Most spearfishers use a rubber belt that stays snug as the suit compresses at depth, such as the Rob Allen Marseillaise Weight Belt. Add weights such as the Rob Allen Drop 650 g Drop Weight in small steps.
Weight yourself in shallow water so that you are neutral or slightly positive near the surface, never heavily over-weighted. Your belt must always be releasable with one hand. See weights and weight belts.
6. Float and float line
A float marks your position for boats, gives you something to rest on and lets you attach your catch away from your body. Many areas require a dive flag. Options include the inflatable Rob Allen Remora Inflatable Spearfishing Float (11, 20 and 35 L) and rigid hard floats. A float line connects your gun to the float, and a bungee absorbs the pull of a running fish. Browse floats, flashers and boards.
7. Dive knife
A knife is a safety tool first: it lets you cut free if you get tangled in line or nets. Mount it where you can reach it with either hand, such as on your calf or forearm. The Rob Allen X-Blade 105 mm Dive Knife has a textured rubber grip. Always follow local rules on carrying knives. See our dive knives.
8. Gloves and socks
Gloves protect your hands from rocks, spines and line. The Rob Allen Amara Camo 2 mm Diving Gloves have an Amara synthetic leather palm and Kevlar-reinforced fingertips. Neoprene fin socks keep feet warm and prevent blisters in foot pockets. See boots, socks and gloves.
9. Bag and accessories
A long gear bag protects your gun and keeps everything together. Useful extras include a dive torch, a dry box for keys and phone, and a catch bag. See bags and cases.
Common beginner mistakes to avoid
- Buying a gun that is too long. A long gun feels powerful in the shop but is slow and awkward in average coastal visibility. Start shorter and add a longer gun later if you need it.
- Over-weighting. Too much lead makes the ascent harder and increases risk. Check your weighting every time you change wetsuit or dive location.
- Choosing a high-volume mask. It is harder to equalise and makes descents tiring. Test fit before you buy.
- Skipping the float. Without a float, boat traffic cannot see you, and you have nowhere to rest or keep your catch.
- Neglecting rinsing. Salt and sun shorten the life of rubber, line and mechanisms. Rinse everything in fresh water after each dive; see our speargun maintenance guide.
Where to spend first
If you are building a kit step by step, prioritise items that affect comfort and safety: a mask that fits, efficient fins, a warm enough wetsuit and a quick-release weight belt. A simple gun is enough to learn with, and the skills you develop on it carry over when you later move to a longer railgun or rollergun.
Safety: the most important part of your kit
- Never dive alone. Use the one up, one down system: one diver watches from the surface while the other dives.
- Get trained. A freediving course teaches breath-hold safety, recognising and handling blackout, and rescue skills.
- Never hyperventilate before a dive and rest fully between dives.
- Handle the gun safely: load only in the water, never point it at anyone and unload before leaving the water.
- Know the rules. Spearfishing regulations, protected species, seasons, size limits and marine reserves vary between countries and regions. Check before every trip.
- Check the conditions: current, swell, boat traffic and weather.
FAQ
What is the most important piece of spearfishing gear for a beginner?
Safety comes first, so training and a dive buddy matter most. In terms of equipment, a well-fitting low-volume mask and good fins make the biggest difference to comfort and breath-hold.
What size speargun should a beginner buy?
For most reef and rocky coastlines a gun of around 75–90 cm is a good start. In very murky water go shorter, and in clear open water consider a little longer.
Do I need a float for spearfishing?
A float makes you visible to boats and in many areas it is required, often with a dive flag. It also gives you somewhere to rest and to attach your catch.
How much weight do I need for spearfishing?
It depends on wetsuit thickness, body composition and the depth you dive. Adjust in shallow water so you are neutral or slightly positive near the surface, and always use a quick-release belt.
Is spearfishing legal everywhere in Europe?
No. Rules differ between countries and regions, and some areas restrict or ban spearfishing, certain species or the use of scuba. Always check local regulations before you dive.