Essential Equipment for Spearfishing: Buoys and Boards

In the realm of spearfishing and underwater diving, safety equipment is paramount. Signaling gear is crucial for visibility and location, especially for boats and fellow fishermen nearby. As a diver or spearfisher, it is essential to always carry a signaling buoy. This requirement is stipulated by maritime fishing regulations. While many spearfishers may overlook this, a flag must also be present on your buoy to comply with regulations. The blue and white or red and white flag, although not always enforced by authorities, remains mandatory.

Remember, if you are diving in pairs, it’s one buoy per diver!

Explore the various accessories available, the brands that offer such equipment, and their respective advantages and disadvantages to choose what best suits your needs.

New for 2021: The SPF 900 Waterproof Spearfishing Buoy/Backpack, a two-in-one solution!

Spearfishing Board

A spearfishing board is multifunctional. Typically brightly colored in red or orange, they serve as signaling equipment. They allow others to easily and quickly notice your presence thanks to the red signaling flags. Your board also provides a resting point or a means to move across the water’s surface while finning, enabling longer outings without fatigue. With various attachments, you can secure all your fishing or diving gear. Additionally, you can hang your catch or store them in nets for safe keeping. Some boards feature a waterproof compartment that allows you to carry documents or items while keeping them dry.
Well-known brands such as Beuchat, Imersion, SEAC, and Omer offer various types of boards at different price points, all receiving excellent reviews from experienced spearfishers.

Spearfishing Board: Rigid or Inflatable?

Similar to bodyboards, rigid boards typically do not have an inflatable edge. Inflatable boards, on the other hand, are made from highly durable materials to prevent punctures. If storage space is limited, inflatable boards can be particularly convenient.

However, a significant drawback of these boards is transportation; if the path to your spearfishing spot is steep and lengthy, transporting this equipment can be challenging.

BEUCHAT SPEARFISHING BOARD IMERSION SPEARFISHING BOARD

Spearfishing Board: Immersible or Not?

Some boards are designed for immersion. Specific features allow you to secure all your gear to take everything with you underwater.

Inflatable Buoy

An inflatable buoy is solely for signaling. Made from PVC, you can choose between a single or double layer. The double layer enhances durability and reduces the risk of punctures. However, it cannot be used for resting. If equipped with hooks, you can attach gear, but not as much as on a board. Smaller in size, they take up minimal space when deflated. There are two types of buoys available.

Round Buoys

The most common type of buoy is the round buoy. Typically red, orange, or yellow, they are topped with a red signaling flag. However, using a round buoy is strongly discouraged. The cost savings with this type of equipment are minimal, and it does not allow for gear storage. Additionally, there is a significant risk of puncture since it only has a single layer.

Torpedo Buoys

Torpedo buoys are distinguished by their hydrodynamic shape. Their elongated form makes them easier to maneuver than round buoys. Otherwise, they are nearly identical.

A significant advantage is the ability to carry a second speargun. This is particularly useful when needing to double a fish, as is often the case with moray eels and congers. You can also attach a fish holder to avoid damaging your catch while navigating rocky areas or entering holes. Additionally, you can attach a net for collecting shellfish, spider crabs, octopuses, sea urchins, etc.

You can also store your mobile phone and car keys here, rather than leaving them on the shore or in your car. Personally, it is more reassuring to have my phone and keys on my buoy than in waterproof pouches around my waist.

One can also keep a small drink and energy bars for outings lasting three to four hours.

The Immersion spearfishing buoy shown below is the one used daily. It is perfect, comprehensive, and well-designed, all for the affordable price of €29.90.

Using a Spearfishing Board or Buoy: Tips

Attaching an Anchor to Your Buoy

Many spearfishers find it cumbersome to carry a buoy or board attached to their weight belt while freediving. A useful trick is to attach an anchor to your buoy or board and position it at your spearfishing site. You can then retrieve it by hand or temporarily attach it to your belt when changing locations. The regulation states that you must remain within 100 meters of your buoy.

This technique also helps avoid danger when spearfishing in holes, preventing your line from getting tangled in seaweed and potentially blocking your ascent to the surface.

How to Attach an Anchor to Your Buoy?

You can use a small anchor or a weight belt of 500g to 1kg maximum.

Replacing the Original Line on the Board

First and foremost, remove the inferior orange line that comes with the buoys and boards! This soft cord will lead to constant tangles and poses a risk of entangling your fins.

Replace it with a stiffer line of 4 or 5 mm thickness, approximately 20 meters long. Consider using a spool, a plastic tool to wind the line when not needed while moving between spearfishing spots.

Replacing Plastic Clips

It is essential to replace plastic clips with stainless steel carabiners. You can either opt for equipment specifically designed for spearfishing or use climbing carabiners.

Choosing Between Boards and Buoys

Ultimately, the final choice will depend on your needs while diving or spearfishing, as well as your budget.
Buoys are significantly more affordable than boards. You can find a buoy starting at around €20, while no board is available for less than approximately €200. Among the most reputable brands, Beuchat, Omer, Imersion, and Scubapro offer products with excellent quality-to-price ratios and highly positive customer reviews.