9 Costly Beginner Gear Mistakes in Spearfishing (And How to Avoid Them)

My Rookie Disaster

My first spearfishing trip was almost my last! I showed up with a scuba mask (massive leak problems), a gun twice the size I could handle, and a rental wetsuit so tight I could barely breathe. I spent more time fixing equipment issues than actually hunting. Don’t be like rookie me!

Comparison of black and pink spearfishing masks with snorkels and "VS" in the center
Foggy vs. clear vision your mask choice matters underwater 🎯

πŸ’‘ Pro Tip

Try before you buy whenever possible! Everyone’s face is different, and what works for your buddy might be terrible for you. I’ve personally gone through six masks before finding “the one.” Check out our beginner spearfishing gear guide for top mask recommendations.

Side-by-side comparison of a beginner spearfishing gun and a wooden advanced speargun
Which one should you start with? Beginner speargun vs advanced wooden model.
EnvironmentRecommended Beginner Gun SizeBand Setup
Reef/Shore Diving75-90cmSingle 16mm band
Blue Water (Intermediate)90-110cmSingle 16-18mm band
Very Tight SpotsPolespear or minigun (60cm)Single band or surgical tubing

 

Man wearing a wetsuit preparing for spearfishing at sunrise
Wetsuit too thick or too thin? It’s a common beginner mistake in spearfishing.

❄️ Cold Water Warning

I once made the rookie mistake of using a 3mm suit in 65Β°F water. After 30 minutes, I was shivering uncontrollably and had to end the dive. Temperature issues aren’t just uncomfortablethey can be dangerous.

Don’t settle for second-best thermal protection! Don’t skimp on proper thermal protection!

Comparison of short snorkeling fins and long freediving fins for spearfishing beginners
Short fins limit range and power. Beginners often pick the wrong type Here’s why longer fins matter underwater.

Your fins control how well you swim underwater and how it affects your air usage, dive duration, and hunting. Fins that are too stiff will exhaust your legs quickly, while flimsy fins won’t provide enough propulsion for effective diving.

πŸ’‘ Pro Tip

Many experienced spearos keep multiple fin sets for different conditions. As a beginner, focus on one versatile pair of medium-stiffness fins that you can use in various environments while you develop your technique and strength.

 

Spearfishing weight belt with lead weights on transparent background

⚠️ Safety First

Always test new weighting configurations in shallow water with a buddy present. I’ve seen too many new spearos struggling because they copied someone else’s weight setup without considering differences in body composition, wetsuit, and other gear.

Our in-depth spearfishing gear maintenance guide features a section on taking care of your weight belt and optimized weight distribution advice for maximum comfort and safety.
Spearfishing float for surface visibility, safety, and equipment support
Rugged spearfishing knife with corrosion-resistant blade for underwater use

Why It Matters:

⚠️ Real Talk

I once got entangled in an abandoned fishing net without a knife. The desperation and turmoil that ensued took me through a lesson I will never forget. Safety gear might seem unnecessary until the moment it saves your life.

Gear CategoryWhere to Invest EarlyWhere to Start Modest
Mask & SnorkelInvest in qualitySkip fancy features like purge valves
WetsuitGet proper thickness for your waterBasic models before custom-fit
FinsComfortable foot pocketsStart with plastic before carbon fiber
SpeargunReliable mechanismBasic model before multi-band setups
AccessoriesSafety items (knife, float)Everything else can be basic

 

Maintenance Calendar

Create a simple maintenance schedule: post-dive rinse (every time), deep clean (monthly), and thorough inspection (seasonal). I dedicate Sunday evenings to equipment check and maintenance it’s become a relaxing ritual that saves me money and prevents underwater surprises.

Package Reality Check

I once bought a “complete beginner package” that included a decent gun but a terrible mask that leaked constantly. I ended up replacing the mask immediately, essentially paying twice. The “savings” from the package were completely wiped out by this single necessary upgrade.

My Gear Philosophy

After years of trial and error, I’ve settled on a simple approach: buy once, cry once for safety gear (mask, wetsuit), but start modestly with the equipment you’ll likely upgrade as your skills advance (guns, accessories). This balanced mentality has spared me thousands while staying underwater safely.

 


Organizations like padi.com emphasize how critical proper training and gear familiarity are for safety.

NOAA reminds us that responsible spearfishing helps protect marine ecosystems while keeping you out of legal trouble.

Scuba Diving Magazine offers tons of insight on common beginner errors and expert-recommended gear tips.

Frequently Asked Questions About Beginner Spearfishing Gear πŸ€”

How much should I expect to spend on my first complete set of spearfishing gear?

For a quality beginner setup with all the essentials (mask, snorkel, wetsuit, fins, basic gun, weight belt, and safety accessories), budget around $500-800. You can go cheaper cutting corners, but I wouldn’t recommend spending less than $400 for a complete setup that will be safe and enjoyable.
 
The most important investments are a good-fitting mask ($60-100) and a proper wetsuit ($150-250), as these directly impact your comfort and safety.

Is used gear safe for beginners to purchase?

Used equipment can be the best way to save money, but you have to know what to inspect. Masks, snorkels, and fins are generally safe to buy and use if in good condition. Be more cautious with used wetsuits (check for tears, compression, and zipper function) and extremely careful with used spearguns (inspect bands, mechanisms, and shafts for wear or corrosion).
 
I’d recommend against used weight belts unless you’re confident in their release mechanism’s reliability.

How do I know what size speargun is right for me as a beginner?

For most beginners, a 75-90cm gun offers the best balance of maneuverability and range. Consider where you’ll mostly be hunting: reef/coastal hunting favors shorter guns (75cm), while slightly more open water might justify 90cm.
 
Start with a single-band configuration until you’re comfortable with loading and handling techniques. Remember that a gun you can load and aim accurately is far more effective than a powerful cannon you struggle to handle.

Do I need a wetsuit for warm water spearfishing?

Even in warm tropical waters (80Β°F+), a thin wetsuit (1-3mm) offers valuable benefits beyond just thermal protection.
 
Wetsuits protect against abrasions caused by coral and rocksprotection against jellyfish stings to some extent, and UV protection on surface intervals.
They also provide buoyancy that counteracts weight systems. At a minimum, wear a good rashguard and shorts.

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