Updated: The Definitive Guide to Diving and Spearfishing in South Africa

by Amanda on Oct 4th, 2012

South Africa has over 2500km of spectacular coastline washed by the icy rollers of the Atlantic Ocean in the west and the temperate waters of the Indian Ocean along the eastern seaboard. This provides the country with a vast undersea wilderness and a staggering array of marine species that attract divers and spearfishers from around the world.

In this book, Piet van Rooyen provides a comprehensive overview of all there is to learn about diving and spearfishing. Knowing when to dive, what equipment to use, which spearfishing and deep-diving techniques are most effective, and how to avoid the hazards of the sport – from shark attacks to diving and boating accidents – is essential knowledge for any underwater adventurer. Fitness training, prolonged breath-holding, boat handling and safety guidelines are also discussed. Especially important in promoting sustainability, the very latest in regulations and protective measures, species size restrictions and bag limits are covered in detail.

Twenty-one major fish species are profiled, and prime diving and spearfishing destinations – in the Western Cape, Southern Cape, Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal – are given for help in planning where to go.

Regarded as the definitive text on the subject when it was first published in 1988, this new edition of Diving and Spearfishing in South Africa will appeal to novice and seasoned spearfishers, as well as scuba divers, shore fishers and boat anglers.

About the author

Piet van Rooyen is professor in Political and Administrative Studies at the University of Namibia in Windhoek. He has a PhD in Development Studies and qualifications in nature conservation and conservation planning. He has been an avid diver and spearfisher for the past 25 years and captains the Namibian national spearfishing team.

Book details