Three Days of High-Level Spearfishing Training
Step up your skills and take your spearfishing to the next level with our Advanced Spearfishing Course. Designed for experienced divers, this three-day programme focuses on advanced freediving techniques, refined hunting strategies, and sustainable fishing practices tailored to your goals. Whether you want to master shore-based wreck dives, explore deeper Cornish waters, or prepare for blue-water hunting trips abroad, we’ll help you build the expertise and confidence to succeed.
Rated Cornwall's Top Spearfishing School
Course Details
Price: £600 (equipment included)
Join us at Delphy Pool for an advanced spearfishing experience designed for divers who are ready to push their limits. This three-day programme, led by National Spearfishing Champion Matt Hill and AIDA Master Freediving & Spearfishing Instructor Oliver Cacioppo, blends advanced freediving techniques, refined hunting strategies, and real-world experience in Cornwall’s coastal waters.
Whether your goal is to become a more efficient shore diver, tackle far-out wrecks, or prepare for blue-water hunting abroad, we tailor the training to your specific needs.
With small groups, one-to-one coaching, and the flexibility to adapt the course based on your goals, you’ll leave with not only sharper skills but also a clear path for your future spearfishing adventures.
What’s Included & Requirements
The course fee is £600 and includes pool hire, training, and all necessary equipment (although we recommend bringing your own wetsuit for the best fit).
Boat dives can be added for £35–£45, payable on the day and dependent on weather and tide conditions.
You must be over 16 years old, capable of swimming 500m unaided, and able to hold your breath for 1 minute 30 seconds at 15 metres.
AIDA Level 3 (or equivalent) and solid rescue knowledge are strongly recommended. A self-declaration medical form must be completed prior to booking.
This course is taught in small groups with a maximum 1:2 instructor-to-student ratio, starting in Bodmin, Cornwall each day from 9:30 am to 4–6 pm.
Before booking, you’ll need a 30-minute consultation (£30) with Matt or Oli to assess your current abilities and discuss your objectives. This ensures the training is relevant and that you are truly ready for this advanced level.
Please note: You should be confident swimming around 1 metre underwater and comfortable going below the surface.
If you’re not quite there yet, we recommend getting a few hours of swimming and snorkelling practice before your course so you can feel more relaxed and confident in the water.
Skills You’ll Master
Day 1 – Freediving & Theory
- Apnea freediving training and introduction to variable weight dives.
- Advanced equalisation (EQ) techniques.
- GPS and navigational skills for both shore and boat dives.
- Advanced species tracking methods.
- End-of-day debrief and plan for Day 2, paced to your comfort and progress.
Day 2 – The Hunt
- Practical application of freediving and hunting techniques in the sea.
- Speargun use in real-world hunting conditions.
- Shore or boat diving, decided during your pre-course consultation.
Day 3 – Mastering Spearfishing
- Full day at sea refining techniques and applying skills learned.
- Optional cook-up and end-of-course discussion.
- Insights into preparing for overseas trips targeting species like tuna, swordfish, dogtooth tuna, and mahi mahi.
Course Schedule
This is not a one-size-fits-all course. Every day is shaped to suit your experience level, target species, and hunting environment. Whether you want to master UK wreck diving, become more confident in strong currents, or start preparing for blue-water hunts, your training will be focused on making you a better spearo where it matters most.
Bad Weather and Sea Conditions
If sea conditions are not suitable or safe, training will continue at Delphy Pool, where we can work on freediving, safety and spearfishing techniques.
Our aim is to create safe, competent divers, so there is always more to learn and valuable use can still be made of the training day.
In some cases, it may be possible to rebook sea-based training on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. This is strictly at the discretion of Delphy Pool and subject to availability.
Booking & Additional Info
We will only run this course when conditions are suitable and when we know it will be a valuable, relevant experience for you. If we believe an intermediate course would be better for your development, we’ll recommend that instead – ensuring you get the most benefit from your training investment.
Spaces are limited, and once booked, your place is confirmed.
A £50 refundable deposit is taken on the course day for any equipment loss or damage
Bring swimwear, a towel, and warm layers for after dives.
We also recommend old shoes or flip-flops for walking at dive sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the advanced spearfishing course designed for?
Experienced spearfishers who want to refine advanced techniques like blue water hunting and deep reef dives.
What techniques will I learn on advanced spearfishing?
You’ll practice drift diving, fish stalking, sustainable catch methods, and using equipment like gun reels, slip tips, and float lines.
Is advanced spearfishing dangerous?
Safety is our top priority. All training is conducted with safety protocols, focusing on blackout prevention, breathe-up routines, and buddy rescue skills.
Where is advanced spearfishing training held in Cornwall?
At carefully chosen reefs and deep sites along the Cornish coast, some of the best in the UK for deep spearfishing lessons.
Do I need my own speargun for this course?
Most advanced spearos bring their own spearguns and wetsuits, but rental gear is available if needed.