Spearfishing is all about preparation and precision. The right gear can make or break a dive, and for me, having a solid setup is non-negotiable. Whether I’m freediving over reefs or heading offshore on my Yamaha FX Cruiser HO WaveRunner, every piece of equipment I use is chosen for safety, efficiency, and success in the water.
Here’s a breakdown of the gear I count on to dive deeper, stay safe, and land big fish.
Spearfishing & Freediving Essentials
1. Weight Belt – Riffe Rubber Weight Belt
Freediving weights are a must to counteract the natural buoyancy of my body and wetsuit, allowing me to descend smoothly. Without them, I’d be fighting to stay underwater instead of focusing on my dive. My Riffe Rubber Weight Belt gives me the perfect amount of weight while staying snug and secure, letting me move freely and reach neutral buoyancy for effortless diving
2. PFD – No Compromise on Safety
If I’m riding my WaveRunner, I’m wearing a PFD. It’s not optional, it’s the law in most places, and more importantly, it’s a lifesaver in rough conditions. No matter how experienced I am in the water, a personal flotation device ensures I stay safe while traveling between dive spots.
A dry bag is a game-changer when diving off a WaveRunner. I always pack a dry set of clothes to throw on after a dive—especially if the wind picks up. It also keeps my phone, keys, snacks, and other essentials dry and secure while I’m out on the water.
4. Spring Suit (Wetsuit) – Riffe Women’s Syren 2mm Long Sleeve
A wetsuit is crucial for both comfort and protection. My 2mm Riffe wetsuit is perfect for Florida waters, keeping me protected from jellyfish, fire coral, and reef scrapes without overheating. If I’m diving somewhere colder, I go with a thicker wetsuit to maintain body heat—just knowing that means adding extra weight to my belt to adjust for buoyancy.
5. Cooler – Keeping the Catch Fresh
If I’m spearfishing, I’m bringing back fresh fish—and keeping them cold is key. As soon as I land a fish, it goes straight on ice in my cooler to preserve its flavor and quality for the ride back.
6. Dive Flag – One of the Most Important Safety Tools
A dive flag isn’t just a good idea—it’s the law. It signals to boaters that there’s a diver in the water and that they need to stay clear. Not using a dive flag is dangerous and illegal, and I never head out without one.
7. Gloves – Riffe Digi-Tek Gloves
Gloves are essential when spearfishing. They protect my hands from sharp fish spines, reef cuts, and the wear and tear of reloading my speargun. My Riffe Digi-Tek gloves help me grip my catch securely and make handling gear a lot easier.
8. Two Masks & Two Snorkels – Riffe Nekton Mask & Riffe Frameless Mask
A properly fitted mask is critical for clear vision and equalization at depth. I always bring two masks and two snorkels—because if one leaks or fogs up mid-dive, I’m not letting that cut my session short.
9. Neoprene Riding Shorts – Protection from Water Impact & Comfort on the WaveRunner
Yamaha recommends neoprene shorts for a reason. They’re not just about comfort—they protect against water impact and jet thrust if I fall off and need to reboard. Unlike board shorts, neoprene provides insulation against wind chill, reduces chafing on long rides, and adds grip on the seat. Whether I’m heading to a dive spot or racing back to shore, neoprene shorts keep me protected and comfortable.
10. Fins – Riffe Carbon Fiber Fins by DiveR
Freediving fins are longer and more powerful than regular snorkeling fins. My carbon fiber fins let me cover more distance with less effort, which is key when chasing fish or diving deep.
11. Float Line – A Must for Big Fish & Strong Currents
A float line is one of the most useful and versatile tools in my spearfishing setup. It attaches to my speargun and a float, giving me the ability to release my gun and surface safely if I need to catch my breath or adjust my position.
The Riffe Euro 120 is my go-to speargun because it’s the perfect balance of power and maneuverability. It’s small enough to handle easily on the reef but strong enough to take down bigger fish when the opportunity comes.