Rockhopping and shore diving involve entering and exiting the water from land—often rocky headlands—and swimming around the coastline to hunt. These methods of entry are popular but carry unique risks compared to boat diving.
Key hazards include dangerous surf, changing tides, rip currents, slippery rocks, entanglement, and boat or watercraft traffic. Conditions can change rapidly and require careful judgment and planning.
✅ Safety Guidelines for Rockhopping and Shore Diving
To reduce risk and improve your safety, follow these essential guidelines:
- Observe sea conditions before entering the water—watch for surges, wave sets, and swell direction.
- Plan your entry and exit points carefully:
- Make sure they are safe and accessible.
- Consider tides, wind, and changing swell.
- Be aware that your exit point may differ from where you entered.
- Keep your speargun unloaded and the tip covered when entering or exiting the water.
- Avoid unfamiliar headlands in rough conditions—only dive calm waters until you’re confident in the area.
- Regularly check the current while diving. If you’re being pulled out to sea or away from a safe exit, end the dive and return immediately.
- Watch for boats and water users—especially jetskis, kiteboarders, surfers, and other spearfishers.
- Keep clear of rockfishers—their lines and lures can pose a serious entanglement or injury risk.
- Use a float line of appropriate length to avoid it becoming tangled in cunjevoi or submerged rocks.
- Always tell someone where you’re going and when you plan to return.
SPEARSAFE CONTENTS
Australian Underwater Federation - Spearfishing 