Freedive Spearfishing: Beginner-Intermed

GUIDED FREEDIVE-SPEARFISHING (BEGINNER-INTERMEDIATE LEVEL)

Learn the speargun and dive deeper through kelp, caves, and coastal reefs.

Student demonstrating controlled hunting technique with speargun and seaweed grip during beginner-intermediate freedive-spearfishing class

Hole Hunting and Nearshore Rockfish

After 1-2 Introductory Level Freedive-Spearfishing outings, you will likely be ready to step up your underwater hunting. Guided Beginner-Intermediate Freedive-Spearfishing is that next step. This 3-hour experience is designed specifically for newer divers who have mastered the pole spear for perch and the occasional rockfish and now want to begin targeting shallower rockfish with confidence, safety, and purpose.

Led by expert instructor Kevin Smith, this immersive outing focuses on hands-on learning in a calm, nearshore environment. You’ll gain foundational skills while targeting accessible species with a pole spear, speargun and using a dive light in a depth range of 10-20ft. Depending on the spot, you may even discover shellfish and other edible underwater delicacies along the way.

***IMPORTANT: Please see Additional Information tab to read about prerequisites before signing up for this course

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Freediver lining up speargun on a fish hidden in sea grass to practice stealth and agility during beginner–intermediate spearfishing class

Learn to spear the nearshore caves and kelp forests

This beginner-intermediate course emphasizes fundamentals like calm, efficient movement in the water, locating and evaluating caves and ledges, and working with your environment to ethically and effectively harvest wild seafood. With an emphasis on safety, simplicity, and sustainability, this course lays the groundwork for stepping up your spearfishing for a lifetime of skilled underwater hunting.

What You'll Learn:

This course blends in-water practice with expert instruction tailored to your pace and comfort level:

Freedive & Spearfishing Safety: Tailgate briefing covering hazards, environmental awareness, and risk mitigation
Target Species ID: Learn which species are legal, sustainable, and good targets for your skill level
Laws & Ethics: Understand local regulations and the importance of responsible harvesting
Gear Orientation: Dive light use, pole spear review and speargun use
Basic Techniques: As a follow up to Intro-Level, you will build upon previously developed skills (duck diving, equalization, etc.) and will add kelp forest navigation, streamlining movements, and hole/cave hunting approaches.
In-Water Hunting Practice: Hunt nearshore waters in depths of 10–20 ft (comfort-dependent) in real-world conditions: kelp forests and small caves/holes

catch of the day at the end of a guided beginner-intermediate freedive spearfishing course in california coast

Participants must bring or rent the following:

Mask, snorkel, and fins (freediving-style long blade fins strongly recommended)
2-piece wetsuit (thickness based on location/water temp but typically 5mm-7mm)
Weight belt (weights can be adjusted during session if needed)
Pole spear or speargun (optional loaners available): See FAQ’s for recommendation
Dive light (required): See FAQ’s for recommendation
Dive knife (required): See FAQ’s for recommendation
Dive float (provided)
Water bottle and towel for changing

***Please see FAQ’s for further details and email Kevin at catchncookca@gmail.com for dive shop recommendations.

Freediver lining up on a kelp rockfish with a speargun in a kelp forest during guided beginner–intermediate freedive spearfishing course

Additional Information:

Duration: Approximately 3 hours
Location: (Precise location will be shared upon registration)
Group Size: Three clients at a time for safety, sustainability & quality.
Instructor: Kevin Smith (30+ years of experience in freedive-spearfishing)
Conditions: Nearshore waters, typically calm and relatively shallow (10-20ft)
Shellfish: May be included, depending on location and season
Meals: Not provided. Please eat a light meal beforehand and stay hydrated. Avoid excessive caffeine.
Price: $200/person in group settings. Please inquire for private 1-on-1 or private groups.

Prerequisites:

Unlike our Intro-Level Freedive-Spearfishing, prior freediving and spearfishing experience is necessary
Must already be comfortable in open water with the freedive-spearfishing basics covered in our Intro-level: equalization, duck diving, finning, pole spears for perch, etc.

Age Requirements:

Minimum recommended age: 16 (kid-specific outings upon request
Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian
All divers must complete a safety briefing and waiver

***Please see FAQ’s for further details and email Kevin at catchncookca@gmail.com for any further questions. You can also use the Contact Us form.

BOOK NOW

GUIDED FREEDIVE-SPEARFISHING (BEGINNER-INTERMEDIATE LEVEL)

Learn the speargun and dive deeper through kelp, caves, and coastal reefs.

Catch your moment. Join the crew and make your mark in the gallery.

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