GEAR GUIDE
for
Freediving and
Spearfishing
in Alaska
New Spearo,
Old Spearo,
We all love new gear.
Like any sport, freediving and spearfishing require an initial investment in gear, especially when diving in cold water.
It is important to be prepared and have high-quality gear.
Check out our recommendations below.
01. Wetsuit
With water temps maxing out at 50 in the summer and dipping down into the high 30s in the winter, a warm, well-fitting wetsuit is a must!
Open Cell wetsuits are warmer and more flexible for a given thickness rating than closed cell, though more expensive and much more fragile.
- 5mm-7mm and beyond
- 2-piece
- Open Cell
- Nylon-Lined Exterior or Smooth Skin
- Hood
- Camo pattern for spearfishing
- Don't skimp on your wetsuit; it can make or break your enjoyment of the sport!
Why Open Cell Wetsuits
Why Smooth Skin Wetsuits
How To - Ear Holes in Hood
How To Put On Open Cell Wetsuit
02. Neoprene Gloves & Booties
Neoprene gloves & booties are a must when diving in Alaska.
But don’t go too thick or you’ll lose dexterity in your hands and your feet will get sloppy in your fins.
- 3mm-5mm
- Not constricting
- Too thick Gloves = decreased dextarity
- Too thick Booties = sloppy feet in fins
03. Mask & Snorkel
All About Masks
Skip to 5:37 for How to prep your mask for fog-free dives.
Note: we recommend applying toothpaste AFTER burning off factory layer. OR skip burning & use only toothpaste
04. Fins
Freedivers & Spearfishermen use long bladed fins for maximum efficiency.
You may have to go up a size to make sure they fit over your 3mm-5mm neoprene socks.
- Long Blades
- $ Plastic - Durable
- $$ Fiberglass - Durable & increased transfer of energy
- $$$ Carbon-Fiber - Best transfer of energy
05. Weights
There is no one-size-fits-all calculation for how much weight you might need.
- A 200lb man in a 7mm suit will likely need 20-25lbs
- A 150lb woman in a 7mm suit will likely need 10-15lbs
- Extra weight is needed for your thick wetsuit
- Keep some small increment weights on-hand
- Choose a Quick-Release style belt for safety!
06. Freediving Watch
Almost as important as a dive buddy, having a freediving watch will help keep you from doing anything foolish.
- Surface intervals
- Dive time
- Max depth
- Meet-Up Time
07. Spear Gun / Polespear
Ideally you would have an all-around gun to chase rockfish around the reef but also have the ability to land a king salmon or halibut.
- Contact us directly for speargun & polespear recommendations
08. Buoy & Float Line
Diving with a buoy is a good safety practice in high traffic areas, and having one connected to your gun can help you land that monster halibut.
- Buoy
- Dive flag
- Float line
- Reel
- Extra clips, etc.
09. Dive Knife
A dive knife is a necessary safety item as it can save you from an entanglement.
- Serrated edge(s)
- Holster options
- Bright handle
10. Misc
You’ll need something to carry your gear and a way to warm up after your dive.
- Gear Bag
- 5 Gallon Bucket
- Fresh Water to Rinse
- Towel
- Crocs
- Sweats
- Wool Socks
- Rain Gear / Wind Breaker
- Beanie/Gloves
DISCLAIMER: Freediving and spearfishing can be dangerous endeavors that may lead to permanent injury or death.
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