Spearfishing Courses in Malta
Rocky Malta is great for spearfishing and it’s one of the main diving hot spots in Europe. Learn how to spearfish while having fun and enjoying lovely climate, stunning coastline, crystal clear waters and incredible marine life.
With over 20 years of spearfishing experience and being one of the very first spearfishing schools in the World – we are specialized in teaching you all about Spearfishing.
We teach 2 different spearfishing education programs. Have a look below and choose your preference.
Si “SPEARFISHING INSTRUCTORS”
The most complete, detailed and safest spearfishing program out there. You can think of it as AIDA for spearfishing. After completing an Si spearfishing course you will be a certified spearfisher.
Si was founded, developed and being run by Manolis Giankos, one of the greatest Greek champions that holds numerous national and world records in both freediving and spearfishing.
We teach Si recreational spearfishing courses for levels 1-3, meaning from absolute beginners all the way to Master Spearfisher.
For Si courses you must have a health certificate that is not older than 1 year. In Malta this can be obtained from a general doctor in most pharmacies.
SPEARFISHERZ SPECIALTY
Our own house specialty spearfishing courses, on the other hand, is your second option.
Some of the key differences are, that after completing our specialty you will NOT get a certification at the end. You will, however get all the necessary skills, knowledge and…fish!
Yes, fish. In the SPEARFISHERZ program we are having a more practical approach right away, where you will be able to hunt and catch fish on the very first day. This is not possible in the Si beginner courses.
As opposed to most other spearfishing teachers around the globe, we do NOT teach how to freedive in our spearfishing courses. Mixing freediving and spearfishing courses at the same time has proven to be a bad idea, and even more so for absolute beginners.
Therefore, our philosophy is to first do a dedicated freediving course, and then be ready and enjoy learning all about spearfishing without any unpleasant surprises. If you already know how to freedive – you are getting exactly what you came for.
And if you don’t, trust us on this one – you really want to learn how to freedive first. You must be comfortable in the sea and know how to hold your breath well. It’s important to learn the basic rules of freediving and to understand the physiology behind it in order to be able to make good dives and minimize the risks involved.
You want to dive down effortlessly while using good techniques so that you can stay relaxed and be safe and efficient while spearfishing.
Even if you are self-taught, but especially if you are a complete beginner and you never did a freediving course – it’s highly recommended to do so.
In our school we teach AIDA freediving courses – as good as it gets! 🙂
In case you are wondering, in order to begin spearfishing, our Freediving Course or AIDA2 Freediver Course are the better options. However, even the 1 day AIDA1 Discover Freediving will provide you with the basic freediving knowledge and skills to lay the essential foundations to kickstart your spearfishing adventure.
And ofcourse, not everyone is the same. We will adapt to each persons abilities accordingly.
With all that being said, you are most welcome to join us and learn how to catch your own fish while having an unforgettable underwater experience!
If you are looking to improve and advance your spearfishing then you should definitely check out our advanced spearfishing course.
It’s designed for certified freedivers that already posses basic spearfishing knowledge and skills.
In case you want to fish deeper, improve your underwater hunting skills & techniques and begin catching some nice game fish on a consistent basis then this course is for you.
Same goes for our Si Advanced and Master spearo courses.
Spearfishing is a very popular sport in Malta. Many people live off the sea, and for some of them fishing is their way of life.
In case you want to catch just about any edible fish then rest assured that you’re never going to stay hungry. Here in Malta you can go spearfishing at any time of the year and you’ll always bring wild freshly caught fish to the table.
If we are talking about game fish, then you should know that we like to go deep spearfishing during the Summer months, while Spring and Autumn are the best seasons to go spearfishing in Malta overall. In Winter we spearfish in shallower waters, looking for different kind of game.
PLEASE NOTE :
You need to be able to freedive in order to participate in spearfishing activities
To be able to spearfish you must possess basic freediving knowledge and skills.
First of all it’s important to do so for safety. You will also learn proper ways and essential skills & techniques that are going to optimize your performance and maximize your efficiency.
Before you begin spearfishing it’s highly recommended to complete a freediving course with a freediving instructor from a reputable freediving organization.
If the instructor is also an experienced spearfisherman that’s a big bonus because he will prepare you for spearfishing much better than non-spearos.
Dive safe with Si & AIDA Master Instructor
Over 7000 spearfishing hours in Malta in the last 9 years
In-depth knowledge of marine life and local terrain
Small teaching groups, no minimum number of students
Great prices
Professional feedback & advice for self-growth
DISCOVER SPEARFISHING
This program introduces you to the basic concepts and skills used by freediving Spearos. You will have the opportunity to freedive in order to practice underwater hunting techniques in a protected environment, always under the supervision of an experienced professional, and gain a ‘once in a lifetime’ experience that can change your approach to the sea and the underwater environment in general.
DISCOVER SPEARFISHING IN MALTA
WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?
The short theoretical part of this program provides useful information that prepares participants for the upcoming free diving and the basic safety parameters that should govern spearfishing.
The subjects taught include:
- Basic free diving gear
- Basic underwater hunting gear
- Basic underwater hunting techniques
- Basic characteristics of the marine and underwater environment
- Basic prey of the area of interest
- Possible risks during the activity and safety precautions
- Spearfishing history and evolution
Subsequently, in the practical part of the seminar, the participants perform exercises and gain their first experiences in the following subjects:
- Equipment adjustment
- Arming and disarming a speargun
- Inspection and maintenance of a speargun
- Safety procedures when at sea
- Duck Dive with a Speargun
- Aiming and shooting exercises with a speargun
DURATION : half day
PREREQUISITES :
- Τhe participant must be over 14 years old
- Τhe participant must be aware of the use and have used mask, snorkel, and free diving fins in the past
- Identity Card or Passport
- Medical certificate issued within the last 12 months
- Disclaimer form (to be completed at the beginning of the procedure)
- Parental consent document in case the interested party is under 18 years old
INCLUDED :
- Professional instructor
- Full equipment
- Pick up in St Paul’s & St Julian’s
- Transportation
- Snacks & drinks
- Underwater videos
PRICE : €100
Si SPEARFISHING COURSE
- LEVEL 1 *
This training seminar is aimed at sea lovers who are already a little familiar with the marine environment and the basic equipment of freediving (mask, snorkel, and fins) and want to acquire the basic knowledge and techniques of spearfishing.
The purpose of the trainers and the training process is for the participants to acquire the necessary basic knowledge of managing spearfishing so that they are comfortable and safe for themselves and those around them as well as to acquire some skills in organizing and planning safe excursions.
At the end of the seminar, you will be able to identify and hunt efficiently and safely, selected prey at depths up to 10 meters.
Si SPEARFISHING COURSE - LEVEL 1
INCIPIENT SPEARO (SPEARFISHING BEGINNER)
The theoretical part of this program, which includes at least 10 lessons of one hour and takes place in an auditorium, or online by using a specific platform, analyzes all these useful pieces of information that will prepare participants for their upcoming free diving in the sea, and/or, in the pool but also the basic safety parameters that should govern underwater hunting with apnea (snorkeling).
The subjects taught include:
- Basic freediving gear adapted for underwater hunting
- Basic underwater hunting gear
Spearfishing safety gear - Basic underwater hunting techniques
- Basic characteristics of the marine and underwater environment
- Basic meteorological principles / weather forecasting models
- Basic prey of the area of interest
- Possible risks during the activity and safety precautions
- Spearfishing history and evolution
- Diving buddy practice in spearfishing (Spearfishing Buddy system)
- Local legislation of underwater hunting
Subsequently, in the practical part of the training seminar, the participants through the corresponding excursions to the sea and/or the pool, perform a predetermined series of customized exercises in order to lay the right foundations and experiences in the following subjects:
- Gear adjustment
- Arming and disarming a speargun (Loading and unloading a speargun)
Inspection and maintenance of a speargun - Safety procedures when at sea
- Duck Dive with a Speargun
- Aiming and shooting exercises (Aiming and shooting with a speargun)
- The Drop Diving Technique
- Spearfishing in couples practice (Spearfishing Buddy system)
- Use of safety equipment
- Post-capture prey management
DURATION : 2 days
PREREQUISITES :
- Τhe participant must be over 16 years old
- Τhe participant must be aware of the use and have used mask, snorkel, and free diving fins in the past
- Identity Card or Passport
- Medical certificate issued within the last 12 months
- Disclaimer form (to be completed at the beginning of the procedure)
- Parental consent document in case the interested party is under 18 years old
INCLUDED :
- Certification costs
- Professional instructor
- Full equipment
- Pick up in St Paul’s & St Julian’s
- Transportation
- Snacks & drinks
- Underwater videos
PRICE : €250
Si SPEARFISHING COURSE
- LEVEL 2 **
It is addressed to those Spearos who already have some familiarity with the marine environment and the use of specialized equipment for freediving and spearfishing and wish to learn the theory and hunting techniques correctly and thoroughly in order to lay the necessary foundations for training, efficiently and safely.
The purpose of the training seminar is for the participants to acquire the necessary knowledge that affects the environmental conditions and the presence of prey in it, but also to delve into the details of the basic techniques of underwater hunting.
At the end of the seminar, you will be able to identify and hunt efficiently and safely, selected prey at medium depths and with various techniques. You will also be able to predict the type of prey you will encounter in each different type of seabed and devise the appropriate hunting strategy for catching prey.
Si SPEARFISHING COURSE - LEVEL 2
ADVANCED SPEARO
The theoretical part of this program, which includes at least 14 lessons of one hour and takes place in an auditorium, or online by using a specific platform, analyzes all that useful information that will prepare the participants for their upcoming free diving in the sea and/or in the pool but also the basic safety parameters that should govern underwater hunting with apnea (spearfishing).
The subjects taught include:
- Specialized free diving gear adapted for underwater hunting
- Specialized underwater hunting gear
Introduction to ballistic physics - Underwater hunting safety equipment
- Advanced underwater hunting techniques
- Characteristics and conditions of the marine and underwater environment that affect prey’s presence
- Meteorological principles/weather forecasting models
- Anatomy and physiology of prey in the area of interest
- Possible risks during the activity and safety precautions
- First Aid in a diving accident and procedures flow chart
- Spearfishing in couples practice (Spearfishing Buddy system)
- Selection of fishing destination and organization of excursion
- Ecological fishing behavior of the underwater hunter
- Introduction to conservation and performance enhancement for underwater hunters
- Local spearfishing legislation
Subsequently, in the practical part of the training seminar, the participants through the corresponding excursions to the sea and/or the pool, perform a predetermined series of customized exercises in order to lay the right foundations and experiences in the following subjects:
- Gear adjustment and specialized equipment use
- Arming and disarming a speargun (Loading and unloading a speargun)
- Inspection, modification, and maintenance of specific speargun’s parts (Speargun workshop)
- Safety procedures when at sea
- Duck Dive with a Speargun
- Aiming and shooting exercises (Aiming and shooting with a speargun)
- The Drop Diving Technique
- The Shallow Static Ambush (SSA) technique
- The technique of hunting in the hole (Hole Spearing – HS – Technique)
- Spearfishing in couples, practice in spearfishing (Spearfishing Buddy system)
- Parameters of silent movement underwater for each technique
- Use of safety equipment
- Post-capture prey management
DURATION : 4 days
PREREQUISITES :
- The participant must be over 16 years old
- Identity Card or Passport
- Medical certificate issued within the last 12 months
- Disclaimer form (to be completed at the beginning of the procedure)
- Parental consent document in case the interested party is under 18 years old
- Freediving level 1 * Certification, or if the participant is an experienced free diver, a certificate from an active Freediving instructor that the necessary conditions of knowledge and performance are met.
- Spearfishing Level 1 * / Incipient Spearo) certification, or SI Cross Staging certificate or if the participant is an experienced spearo, a certificate from an active SI spearfishing instructor that the necessary knowledge and performance requirements are met. (Can be provided by SI after the necessary theoretical and practical evaluation process)
INCLUDED :
- Certification costs
- Professional instructor
- Full equipment
- Pick up in St Paul’s & St Julian’s
- Transportation
- Snacks & drinks
- Underwater videos
PRICE : €450
Si SPEARFISHING COURSE
- LEVEL 3 ***
This training seminar refers to certified Spearos level 2 (Spearfishing Level 2 ** / Advanced Spearo), who wish to deepen in the most advanced techniques and specialized knowledge and who wish to acquire the ability to practice underwater effectively and safely on any part of the planet.
The purpose of the training seminar is for the participants to acquire the necessary knowledge and experience in the most advanced underwater hunting techniques and practices that will allow them to engage in some specialization of their choice.
At the end of the seminar, you will be able to identify and hunt efficiently and safely, selected prey at great depths and with the most advanced techniques. You will also have the necessary foundations for your further development as an underwater hunting athlete, specialized guide, or even as an underwater hunting instructor and so on.
Si SPEARFISHING COURSE - LEVEL 3
MASTER SPEARO
The theoretical part of this program includes at least 18 lessons of one hour and takes place in an auditorium, or online by using a specific platform. It analyzes all that useful information that will prepare the participants for their upcoming freediving spearfishing in the sea and/or in the pool but also the basic safety parameters that should govern underwater hunting with apnea (spearfishing).
The subjects taught include:
- Specialized underwater hunting gear
- Ballistic physics and light physics
- Parameter analysis of very large spearguns
- Introduction to competitive spearfishing
- Advanced underwater hunting techniques
- Spearfishing in extreme conditions
- Characteristics and conditions of the marine and underwater environment that affect the presence of prey
- Meteorological principles/weather forecasting models
- Anatomy and physiology of prey in the area of interest
- Management of fish stocks
- First Aid in a diving accident and action flow chart
- Spearfishing in couples, practice in deep spearfishing (Spearfishing Buddy system)
- Selection of fishing destination and travel organization
- Organizing a boat trip
- Introduction to the use of on-board electronic aids (GPS – Fish Finder – Chart Plotter)
- Ecological fishing consciousness and behavior of the underwater hunter
- Introduction in training and performance enhancement for spearos
- International legislation on underwater hunting
Subsequently, in the practical part of the training seminar, the participants through the corresponding excursions to the sea and/or the pool, perform a predetermined series of customized exercises in order to lay the right foundations and experiences in the following subjects:
- Gear adjustment and specialized equipment use
- Loading and unloading a large speargun
- Control, maintenance, and configuration of the parts of a large speargun (Large
- Speargun workshop and setup)
- Variable weight spearfishing
- Aiming and shooting exercises with a large speargun
- The Advanced Drop Diving Technique
- The ambush technique at great depths (Deep Static Ambush – DSA)
- Advanced variations of hole spearing (Hole Spearing – HS – Technique)
- The dynamic ambush technique at all depths (Dynamic Ambush, DA, a.k.a Agguato)
- Spearfishing in couples, practice in deep underwater hunting (Deep Spearfishing Buddy system)
- Increase of water life and parameters of silent movement underwater for each technique
- Use of safety equipment
- Post-capture management of large prey
DURATION : 7 days
PREREQUISITES :
- Τhe participant must be over 18 years old
- Identity Card or Passport
- Medical certificate issued within the last 12 months
- Disclaimer form (to be completed at the beginning of the procedure)
- Parental consent document in case the interested party is under 18 years old
- Freediving level 2 ** Certification, or if the participant is an experienced free diver, a certificate from an active Freediving instructor that the necessary conditions of knowledge and performance are met.
- Spearfishing Level 2 ** / Incipient Spearo) certification, or SI Cross Staging certificate or if the participant is an experienced spearo, a certificate from an active SI spearfishing instructor that the necessary knowledge and performance requirements are met. (Can be provided by SI after the necessary theoretical and practical evaluation process)
INCLUDED :
- Certification costs
- Professional instructor
- Full equipment
- Pick up in St Paul’s & St Julian’s
- Transportation
- Snacks & drinks
- Underwater videos
PRICE : €750
Si CROSS STAGING
Every Spearo that has invested the time and effort needed to land some trophy prey in the past, now has the opportunity to certify the experience he has practically acquired throughout the years, to fine-tune his/hers freediving spearfishing skills and safety practices.
The procedure of Cross Staging was established in order to save time and effort for those experienced Spearos who are really competent in all the skills to safely and sufficiently perform Freediving spearfishing to a certain level.
This is a prerequisite procedure/course for Advanced and Master Spearo levels, unless you are freediving and spearfishing certified for the corresponding level course you want to attend.
Si CROSS STAGING
THE CROSS STAGING PROCEDURE
The theoretical subjects taught include:
- Equipment (specialized and modifications)
- Breathing techniques –
- Hyperventilation
- Freediving technique
- Diving with a speargun technique
- Maritime environment (conditions – morphology- specificities)
- Specialized U/H techniques, Safety
Subsequently, in the practical part of the seminar, the participants perform exercises in the following subjects:
- Freediving technique
- Diving with a speargun technique
- U/H techniques
DURATION : 1 day
PREREQUISITES :
- Τhe participant must be an adult
- Τhe participant must be experienced in Freediving,
- Spearfishing and safety practices
- Identity Card or Passport
- Medical certificate issued within the last 12 months
- Solemn Declaration of Freediving and Spearfishing adequacy
PRICE : €150
BECOME A SPEARFISHER
If you are a certified freediver and you want to Become a Spearfisher then this SPEARFISHERZ SPECIALTY spearfishing course is for you.
SPEARFISHING COURSE IN MALTA FOR BEGINNERS
WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?
- Discover the magnificent world of spearfishing!
- Get acquainted with various spearfishing equipment, spearguns, buoy setups & accessories.
- Know all you need to know about buddying, safety, regulations & ethics of a spearfisher.
- Learn how to load, reload & handle the speargun.
- Practice positioning & proper shooting technique on a target.
- Master the basics of underwater hunting.
- Spearfish! Humanely dispatch and clean the catch for consumption.
In addition, we have a special place for you in case you want to eat what you caught!
DURATION : 1 day
PREREQUISITES :
- 18+
- Certified freediver
INCLUDED :
- Professional instructor
- Full equipment
- Pick up in St Paul’s & St Julian’s
- Transportation
- Snacks & drinks
- Underwater videos
PRICE : €150
SPEARFISHERZ SPECIALTY. Skills, knowledge & fish! NO certificate.
ADVANCED SPEARFISHER
Our SPEARFISHERZ SPECIALTY Advanced Spearfishing Course is designed for certified freedivers that already possess basic spearfishing knowledge & skills.
ADVANCED SPEARFISHING COURSE IN MALTA
WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO LEARN?
Find out what it takes to become a successful spearo on a consistent basis, while learning proper ways and correcting bad habits.
We will cover all important safety measures, protocols & buddying procedures specific to spearfishing.
You will increase your bottom time by optimizing your performance and you’re going to use proven strategies, tactics & practical knowledge that bring consistent results.
Learn about the fish in general, but also about the Mediterranean Game fish, their behaviors and when, where and how to find them. In addition, learn how to catch octopus, cuttlefish, crabs and lobsters.
Maximize your efficiency and time your sessions well by planning ahead according to weather, winds & water conditions.
Choose the right spots and find and recognize good fishing grounds by scouting the terrain and knowing how to read maps & charts.
Above all, learn and apply the most popular Spearfishing Techniques – aspetto, agguato, caduto & hole hunting.
It takes only 3 days to absorb what comes as a result of thousands of spearfishing adventures and decades of personal training, research and education.
DURATION : 3 days
PREREQUISITES :
- 18+
- Certified freediver
- Basic spearfishing skills
INCLUDED :
- Full equipment
- Pick up in St Paul’s & St Julian’s
- Transportation
- Snacks & drinks
- Photos
PRICE : €350
SPEARFISHERZ SPECIALTY. Skills, knowledge & fish! NO certificate.
TESTIMONIALS
"I am a big fan of the underwater. I was in Malta in 2017 and 2018 and I discovered the beauty of the underwater world because of Denis. He is an awesome teacher. I learned a lot about spearfishing and apnea with him. He is the best wild man! 100% recommended."
Joan
(Spain)
"After only 2 days I was able to dive to 15m. Before we started out I just couldn't believe that's possible! After successfully completing the freediving course we did the spearfishing course. On the first day I already caught my first fish! Thanks to Denis now I can catch my own dinner whenever I want... Amazing experience, very patient and knowledgeable instructor... Totally worth it."
Nikolas
(Malta)
"It was so much fun to learn to spearfish with Denis! I am a freediver but I never tried spearfishing before. I was a bit anxious at first because everything was so new to me but he made it easy with simple explanations and step by step approach. It was very exciting in the end and I am so happy that I did this spearfishing course in Malta. Absolute recommendation for anyone who likes fishing and adventure!"
Olga
(Russia)
