Spearo Open Water Course: Spearfishing Cape Town From Shore

Key Points: 

• Open Water Training: Beyond basics with significant ocean time and depth exploration. 
• Comprehensive Skill Development: From e-learning to open water practice, covering all facets of spearfishing. 
• Hands-On Experience: Spearfish with experienced instructors in real ocean conditions. 
• Certification and Benefits: Gain CMAS/PADI qualifications, a free spearfishing license, and memberships to enhance your spearfishing journey. 

Introduction:

Dive deeper into the world of spearfishing with the Spearo Open Water Course offered by Apnea Addicts Freediving. Designed for those who wish to take their spearfishing skills to the next level, this course provides an immersive experience that extends far beyond the confines of a traditional classroom or shallow water training. 

Course Overview:

The Spearo Open Water Course is a comprehensive program that begins with e-learning modules accessible from home. This allows participants to familiarize themselves with the theoretical aspects of spearfishing at their own pace. The course then transitions to hands-on training in a swimming pool, where participants master the basics of speargun handling, breath-holding, fin strokes, and safety procedures, including rescue and buddy diving techniques. 

Transition to Open Water:

The real adventure begins when participants move from the pool to the open ocean. Here, the course emphasizes practical skills in a natural setting, where students learn to apply their training in dynamic sea conditions. This includes: 

• Depth Training: Techniques for diving to greater depths safely. 
• Fish Tracking and Spearfishing: Identifying local fish species, understanding legal size limits, and practicing sustainable spearfishing methods. 
• Navigating Ocean Conditions: Reading and predicting water conditions to enhance safety and effectiveness in spearfishing. 

Local Marine Life and Spearfishing Techniques 

1. Hottentot (Cape Bream):

• Habitat: Commonly found in the lush kelp forests along the Western Cape’s Atlantic coast. These fish thrive in waters ranging from 2 to 40 meters deep. 
• Behavior: Hottentots are sociable fish that often form shoals, making them predictable yet challenging due to their numbers. 
• Spearfishing Strategy: Participants learn how to navigate the kelp forests to locate Hottentots effectively. Using a speargun sized between 80-100cm, like the Freedivers Horizon 90cm, is recommended for optimal maneuverability and precision. Techniques include stealthy approaches and targeting from a distance to avoid startling the shoal. 
• Conservation and Limits: The course emphasizes responsible fishing practices, adhering to a daily bag limit of 10 to ensure sustainability. 

2. Cape Galjoen:

• Habitat: Found in rocky shallow waters, this fish is a staple along the South African coastline but is known for its elusive nature. 
• Behavior: The Cape Galjoen is extremely cautious, often giving spearos only a brief opportunity to make a successful shot. It is known for its quick reactions to any disturbances in the water. 
• Spearfishing Strategy: Techniques focus on minimizing noise and movements. Participants practice approaching targets slowly and calmly to prevent spooking the fish. Precision aiming is crucial as the opportunity to spear a Galjoen usually comes just once per encounter. 
• Conservation and Limits: With a bag limit of two, the course teaches the importance of selective fishing, targeting only mature specimens to help preserve the population. 

3. Red Roman:

• Habitat: Prefers deeper rocky areas and kelp beds, ranging from 15 to 45 meters deep, where it lives in small family groups. 
• Behavior: Red Romans are territorial and can exhibit bold behaviors when approached. They often retreat into caves or crevices when threatened. 
• Spearfishing Strategy: Advanced training includes techniques for approaching cave-dwelling species without causing distress. Participants learn how to coax the fish out of hiding using gentle taps on the rocks with the spear shaft and how to maintain a respectful distance to avoid provoking aggression. 
• Conservation and Limits: The bag limit for Red Roman is two. The course covers the ethical considerations of spearing such a rare species, emphasizing the need for conservation-minded practices. 

4. Two-Toned FingerFins (Butterfish):

• Habitat: Typically found around rocky outcrops and within seaweed beds. 
• Behavior: Although common, larger Butterfish are cunning and can be challenging to spear due to their agility and the protective nature of their hard scales. 
• Spearfishing Strategy: This section of the course focuses on precision targeting and proper spear handling to penetrate the tough scales of larger Butterfish. Techniques include close-range spearing to ensure maximum impact and strategies to avoid spear damage against the rocks. 
• Conservation and Limits: Participants are encouraged to target only abundant sizes and to practice catch-and-release with smaller or breeding-age fish to promote sustainability. 

Course Requirements 

• Age and Fitness: Open to anyone 8 years or older who is medically fit to dive. 
• Experience: No prior diving experience is required, making it accessible to beginners. 

Comprehensive Course Outcomes:

Upon completion, participants will: 

• Achieve a breath-hold of at least 90 seconds. 
• Perform dynamic apnea of 25 meters or more. 

• Successfully dive to a minimum of 10 meters. 
• Develop proficient buddy diving and rescue skills. 

What is Included 

• Full Spearfishing Gear: Including high-quality spearguns tailored for local species. 
• Certified Spearfishing Trip: Participants get to experience a guided spearfishing trip where they can apply their skills and potentially catch their first fish under expert supervision. 
• Licensing and Memberships: Includes a spearfishing license and membership to the South African Underwater Fishing Federation and an introduction to the Huguenote Spearfishing Club, enriching the community and support network for participants. 

Conclusion

The Spearo Open Water Course by Apnea Addicts Freediving is an exceptional opportunity for spearfishing enthusiasts to deepen their knowledge and enhance their skills in a supportive and challenging environment. It prepares divers not just to spearfish, but to do so responsibly and sustainably, contributing to the conservation of the marine ecosystem. Whether you’re a novice or looking to advance your skills, this course offers the guidance, tools, and community needed to excel in the sport of spearfishing.