Spearfishing for Women — The Beginner's Guide to What Gear You Actually Need

The honest guide for women getting into spearfishing; what you actually need, what you don't, and how to get in the water with confidence.

Woman spearfishing, Bunker Group Islands, Queensland

Speargun

My recommendation is to start with a single band gun, shorter reef-style, nothing too long or powerful. You don't need a reel, fancy rail gun, or anything oversized while you're learning. Keep it simple.

A single band is perfect when you're starting out because it's so much easier to load than a double. Something worth knowing early on, the length you set your band at makes a real difference. A slightly longer band still gives you that punch and recoil power you need to actually take fish, but its manageable to load. And honestly, loading a speargun in the water is as much about technique as it is strength. Once you find your rhythm it becomes second nature. In the beginning I used to have to ask my partner to reload for me every time and it drove me crazy, there is nothing worse than feeling like you can't do it yourself out there. Sticking with a single band means you can be independent from the start, and the more you do it the more natural it becomes. Before long you'll be adding bands and upgrading your gun on your own terms.

And as you upgrade its always handy to have a smaller single band spear gun in the spearfishing kit.

Wetsuit

If you run cold like me (and I know a lot of women do) look into an open cell spearfishing wetsuit. They're warmer than standard wetsuits, keep you drier, and are worth every cent if the cold is your biggest barrier to diving. I learned the hard way that a thick 5mm suit is not the answer, it just makes you float and then you need a ridiculous amount of weight to get down. It creates more problems than it solves. Open cell are more expensive but if you can afford it, I personally found it to be a great investment, as I could stay out there longer and was far more comfortable. 

I run a 3.5mm open cell in Queensland and it works perfectly for me but I'm also an ice queen, so take that with a grain of salt. If you run warmer or you're diving in the hotter months, you might get away with something thinner. If you're heading south, Victoria, Tasmania, New Zealand, go thicker. Match the suit to your water, not someone else's.

Women's options in wetsuits are genuinely getting better and that's worth acknowledging. But if you're tall and lean, finding a suit that actually fits is still a real problem. Nobody seems to be making them for long legs and a slim frame, and until more women are in the sport that's probably not changing fast. In the meantime, get neoprene socks that match your suit so you're not rocking up to the boat ramp in what looks like your nan's capri pants. Additionally, one thing to watch: don't buy a freediving wetsuit for spearfishing. The material is more delicate and not built for rubbing against shale and reef on the bottom of the ocean. You'll go through it fast. Get a proper spearfishing suit, it's built to take the punishment.

Weight belt

You'll need a weight belt. The goal is neutral buoyancy at the surface. You're floating comfortably, not sinking, but not fighting to push down either. Get that right and as you dive deeper your body naturally becomes negatively buoyant and the water starts working with you instead of against you. That's the feeling you're chasing. Don't overload the belt trying to get there faster just start light, add weight gradually, and let your body find the balance.

One thing I wish someone had told me earlier: don't try to learn in super shallow water thinking it's safer or easier. I actually found it harder. Once I pushed out to 8–10 metres it became so much easier to work through that feeling of your body wanting to float back up. Shallow water makes that fight worse, not better and it actually gives you the space to practice your breath hold and equalising. 

Fins

Composite or fibreglass blade fins are lovely to dive in and there are some beautiful designs around now. But if budget is a concern, a decent pair of long blade plastic fins will absolutely do the job while you're starting out. Don't let gear hold you back from getting in the water.

Mask

Fit is everything. Put it on your face without the strap, it should suction gently and hold itself there. If it doesn't seal, move on to the next one. A leaking mask will end your dive fast and is endlessly frustrating. I prefer a snorkel without the purge valve or splash guard on the end, on rough days those things flood and you spend half your time clearing it. Personal preference, but worth knowing going in.

Gloves, socks and a knife

Just do it. You will be touching reef, scraping things, and your fins will rub. Protect your hands and feet and always carry a blunt-tip dive knife on your calf or arm it's a safety tool first and foremost.

Most importantly — go spearfishing with someone and preferably someone experienced when your learning 

My partner grew up spearfishing and I was lucky enough to learn from him. Having someone calm, knowledgeable and patient beside me made an enormous difference, being relaxed in the water is everything in this sport, and that starts with who you're in it with.

If you don't have that person, honestly that makes you even more impressive for giving this a go. Find a beginner course or a women's dive group. You'll learn the fundamentals properly, meet people to dive with afterwards, find out about spots, and plug into a community that's genuinely growing. More women are getting into spearfishing every year and the groups are welcoming, don't let not knowing anyone stop you from starting.

And even if you do have a dive buddy already, a course is still worth it. You'll pick up technique and tips that would take you years to figure out on your own, and it'll improve both your diving and your hunting faster than anything else.

Check your local zoning laws, safety laws and size limits before you head out. Always dive with a buddy. And enjoy it, there is nothing quite like it.

The information in this post is based on personal experience only. Always dive/ride within your ability, follow local regulations, and seek qualified instruction.

Woman spearfishing, Keppel Islands