Wetsuits

Choosing Wetsuits for Spearfishing

There are a number of wetsuits that have been designed specifically for spearfishing. These have camouflage patterns that help to break up your outline in the water.  This can help you to get into range to secure your targets more effectively underwater.  This could give you the edge you need to bag some big catches.

You can find some great camouflage wetsuits online at Beuchat but don’t forget you can also use any wetsuit for spearfishing.

Wetsuit Thickness

This will be a key decision when you are spearfishing.  You need the right level of thickness to ensure you stay warm in the water.  If your wetsuit is too thin this could reduce the amount of time you can continue to hunt prey as you could start to get cold very quickly.  Also you don’t want to be wearing a thick wetsuit in warm water conditions as this can be difficult to manoeuvre in and you could get too hot.

Ideally you should be looking to buy a standard 3mm to 4mm wetsuit if you are spearfishing in any water temperatures under 20 degrees centigrade. Wetsuit boots and gloves can also increase warmth.  For warmer waters you can go down to a 1.5mm wetsuit or you may opt for a lightweight stinger suit instead.

Wetsuit Materials

Wetsuits are made from neoprene but there are a wide range of different qualities available on the market.  Spearfishing does require a degree of manoeuvrability in the water so you should be looking to buy the most flexible options available for your wetsuits.

Top grade options such as Elaskin and 100% super stretch neoprene can provide the best flexibility in the water.  This can make moving around wrecks, caves and reefs whilst you are hunting much easier.

Caring for Wetsuits

Saltwater is a highly corrosive environment for wetsuits so you do need to make sure you give them a really good wash off after each spearfishing trip.  Hang them up to dry before you put them away to help prevent the growth of mould and bacteria.  You can buy special wetsuit wash as well which can help keep your neoprene smelling clean and fresh.

Don’t fold wetsuits when storing or transporting them.  This can damage the neoprene and cause it to crack and split more easily. This will then let cold water flush into your suit ruining its thermal properties.

Be very careful when you load your speargun against the chest section of your wetsuit.  It is a good idea to invest in a chest guard or gun butt to help prevent any accidental tears or rips when you are loading.