Spearfishing is a physically demanding sport. Whether you’re diving from shore or a boat, conditions can change rapidly — strong currents, long surface swims, and unexpected challenges are all part of the experience.
To safely enjoy spearfishing, you need a reasonable level of strength, fitness, and mobility. This section outlines important health and medical considerations, based on guidelines adapted from the Divers Alert Network (DAN).
💪 Why Fitness Matters for Spearfishing
- Spearfishing can involve long swims, strong currents, and frequent duck dives.
- Unexpected tasks, such as helping a buddy or dealing with equipment failure, may require intense exertion.
- Cold water, rough seas, and dehydration can make even simple dives more demanding.
If you’re unfit or suffering from an underlying medical condition, your risk of accident or injury increases significantly.
🚫 When NOT to Dive
Avoid spearfishing if you have any of the following temporary or ongoing medical issues:
- Colds or flu – may prevent proper ear and sinus equalisation.
- Muscle or joint injuries – increase fatigue and decompression risk.
- Pregnancy – the effects of diving on unborn children are unknown.
- Breathing or mobility limitations – including heart, lung, or neurological conditions.
💡 Tip: Always consult a doctor if you:
- Have a chronic illness (e.g., heart disease, asthma, diabetes).
- Experience shortness of breath, fainting, nausea, or blackouts.
- Take any medication that causes drowsiness, dizziness, or alters heart rate.
💊 Diving on Medication
If you’re taking medication:
- Read the label warnings carefully (e.g., drowsiness or fatigue).
- Talk to your diving or general practitioner about any side effects that could affect you in the water.
🫁 Asthma and Diabetes
These conditions don’t always prevent diving, but:
- Asthma must be evaluated by a diving doctor — some people are cleared to dive on a case-by-case basis.
- Diabetes (especially insulin-dependent) must also be assessed by a medical professional familiar with diving risks.
📍 Always disclose these conditions to your doctor and diving instructors.
✅ Spearfishing for Life
There is no upper age limit for spearfishing, provided you’re fit, active, and medically cleared.
To stay dive-ready:
- Maintain a regular fitness routine.
- Avoid risky dives when unwell.
- Follow a health maintenance plan.
Spearfishing is a lifelong sport — with good health and preparation, you can safely enjoy it for decades.
SPEARSAFE CONTENTS
Australian Underwater Federation - Spearfishing 