Spearfishing Equipment

Question 1

What is the Hawaiian sling?

Accepted Answer

A wooden tube with an elastic loop at one end.

Answer

The Hawaiian sling is a traditional and simple spearfishing tool. It consists of a hollow tube, typically made of wood or carbon fiber, with an elastic loop attached to one end. The diver holds the tube, inserts a spear into it, pulls back the elastic loop to tension the spear, and then releases it to propel the spear forward, similar to a bow and arrow mechanism.

Question 2

How is the spear propelled in an underwater gun?

Accepted Answer

By a compressed spring

Answer

Spearguns propel a spear by storing and releasing energy, often through a mechanism that acts like a spring. While many modern spearguns use stretched rubber bands or compressed air, both of these systems function on the principle of a 'compressed spring' – storing potential energy that is then rapidly converted into kinetic energy to launch the spear.

Question 3

What are spearguns powered by?

Accepted Answer

Natural latex rubber bands

Answer

The most common type of speargun, known as a band speargun, is powered by stretched natural latex rubber bands. These bands store potential energy when pulled back and released, propelling the spear shaft forward with considerable force. While pneumatic spearguns use compressed air, rubber bands are the predominant power source for the majority of spearguns used globally.

Question 4

Wetsuits for spearfishing are often two-piece and what color?

Accepted Answer

Black or camouflage

Answer

Spearfishing wetsuits are typically black or feature camouflage patterns to help the diver blend into the underwater environment. Black helps to absorb light and create a less distinct silhouette, while camouflage patterns break up the diver's outline, making them less visible to wary fish. This stealth is crucial for getting close enough to game fish for a successful shot.

Question 5

Why is a knife carried when freediving?

Accepted Answer

In case the diver becomes tangled in a spearline or floatline

Answer

A knife is an essential safety tool for freedivers and spearfishers. Its primary purpose is to cut oneself free if tangled in fishing lines, spearlines, floatlines, or even discarded fishing nets. This can be a life-saving measure, especially when diving deep or in strong currents, preventing entrapment and potential drowning.

Spearfishing Practice Test

Spearfishing Practice Test

Spearfishing Equipment