Category: Meet The Team

How did you get into spearfishing?

I’ve always loved being in the sea, and shortly after moving to Cornwall (about 10 years ago), my other half—who’s completely mad about spearfishing—got me curious about it. At first, I didn’t think it was something I could do. I’m Type 1 Diabetic, and I was worried my blood glucose levels would be too difficult to manage while hunting underwater.

But when I started working for Start Point Spearfishing, I decided to give it a go. My partner was incredibly patient and supportive, and I took baby steps to test how diving would affect my sugar levels—paying attention to the time of day, the weather, and how long I was in the water. I also carefully planned what kit I’d need in case my levels dropped too low.

It took a few months of trial and error to figure out my ‘pre-dive’ routine and build the confidence to feel safe—and most importantly, relaxed—in the water. Now, I get to share this passion for spearfishing and underwater foraging with my partner. It’s the best feeling knowing that even with a disability, I can still enjoy a sport I love.

What do you love about it?

Being underwater gives me a sense of calmness and wonder, I find spearfishing a completely
immersive experience. You never know what you might see, it’s always a different experience
every time I go.

What’s your favourite bit of gear?

That’s a very difficult question to answer and I’ve narrowed it down to 4! (Jen is our store manager so knows a lot about the gear).

1) My large float, without it I wouldn’t be able to take the equipment, food, etc I need to be
able to dive safely.

2) Start Point Carbon fins. I started using carbon fins last year and what a difference they
make! Before I used to suffer with cramp which usually meant the end of the dive, but
since moving to light weight carbon fins my bottom time has improved and no more
cramp!

3) Womens spearfishing wetsuit. I started with a ‘unisex’ wetsuit so a men’s wetsuit really
but it was so uncomfortable as it just didn’t fit a curvy shape. I find the Start Point
Women’s wetsuit so comfortable and fits me like a glove.

4) Start Point bespoke wooden speargun. My wooden speargun is so nice to use in the
water, it tracks so well as it’s been hand-crafted to be neutrally buoyant…it’s just a
dream to use.

What do you love about working in the shop?

There are lots of things I love about working for Start Point Spearfishing! Helping customers is one of
them, whether it’s giving advice, recommending products or fixing their equipment. Just knowing
I’ve helped them enjoy a hobby which they are (and I am) passionate about is extremely
rewarding.

I’ve got to mention I love working for a company that is passionate about what they do, has
good moral values and provides great customer service.

What’s your favourite spot and why?

The coastline around Lansallos has got to be my favourite place. I’ve had so many good dives
there, when the sun is shining, the water is turquoise blue and you could be fooled into believing
you’re holidaying abroad.

What’s your favourite thing to catch?

Honestly, anything 😂 I love the hunt of spotting and shooting! I get a kick of adrenaline and
satisfaction knowing I can kill what I eat!

Favourite thing to cook?

It’s all so tasty but Trigger fish has been the tastiest fish I’ve eaten. I like to use a fish steamer
as it’s super quick and the meat just falls off the bone. Spider crab is also a firm favourite, but
generally it’s all delicious lobsters, scallops, bass, mullet, cuttlefish….the list is endless.

Last one, any advice/words of spearfishing wisdom?

It’s like anything new, the more you do the better you become. So if you’re just starting to
spearfish, take it step by step or dive by dive, learn from each experience and enjoy the ride.
Always remember safety comes first but fun is a close second!

Imersion Challenger Float Board (SMB)

£85.99

The brand new Imersion Challenger Float Board is a must have for shore diving. The float  can easily store spearfishing or diving gear for a day’s diving and due to the hydrodynamic design is easy to tow in the water!

SKU: 4564590247

Category: Floats

Tags: dive float, diving float, Imersion Challenger, Imersion float, inflatable dive float, Large Spearfishing float, open water swimming float, Pluma float, Single Marker Buoy, smb, spearfishing dive float boat, spearfishing float, spearfishing float boat, spearfishing inflatable float, swimming float

Start Point Carbon Fins

£369.99

If you are interested in taking your spearfishing to the next level with the most efficient diving equipment, these carbon fins are for you.

The carbon blades are the absolute top of the range and we believe you won’t find any better at this price point.

At Start Point Spearfishing, we believe in more than just catching fish—we believe in forging deep connections with the ocean. And no one embodies this ethos more than our founder, Barcley. From his first spark of inspiration on a Devon beach to the meditative dives that now define his life, Barcley’s story is one of passion, adventure, and respect for the sea.

The Moment That Started It All

Over a decade ago, Barcley and his friend Joe PK were sitting on the beach below Start Point Lighthouse, soaking in the last light of the day. As the sun dipped toward the horizon, a figure emerged from the water, silhouetted against the golden sky—speargun in one hand, a seabass in the other. That moment ignited something deep inside them. The seed was planted, and before long, spearfishing became an obsession, a lifestyle, and eventually, the foundation of Start Point Spearfishing.

Why Spearfishing?

For Barcley, spearfishing isn’t just about catching fish—it’s about presence, peace, and escape.

“The moment my face touches the water, my mind is instantly at peace. Whether I’m hunting to feed my family or simply diving to decompress from the stresses of life, the ocean demands my full attention. The noise of the world disappears, and I’m left with nothing but the rhythm of my breath and the movement of the sea.”

It’s not just a sport—it’s a form of meditation, a way to reset, and a reminder that life above the surface should be lived with the same presence and intention as time spent below it.

A Dive to Remember

When asked about his favorite spearfishing spot, Barcley’s eyes light up as he recalls a small reef just off Strete in Devon. Getting there is an adventure in itself, but the effort is always worth it.

“One late afternoon, as the sun cast a fiery orange glow over the water, I found myself lying on the seabed among the kelp. I rolled onto my back to watch the light dance through the waves when suddenly, it started to rain. Each drop sent ripples across the surface, refracting the sunlight and filling the underwater world with shimmering golden beams. Time stood still. I have no idea how long I stayed there, mesmerized.”

It was a moment so profound that years later, working a stressful desk job in Oxford, he would start each day by watching this video to transport himself back to that dive.

The Thrill of the Hunt

When it comes to the ultimate underwater treasure hunt, lobsters take the crown.

“No matter how many I find, spotting one hiding under a ledge or backed into a cave never gets old. It’s a rush, a challenge, and even more rewarding when I decide to leave one behind. For me, it’s about the discovery, not just the catch.”

As for his favorite meal from the ocean? The elusive John Dory remains an unmatched delicacy, but his go-to catch-and-cook favorites are mullet and scallops—quick, easy, and best enjoyed fresh off the fire, right by the sea.

One of my favourite recipes is slow baked Grey Mullet.

Favourite Gear

Every spearfisher has that one piece of gear that changes everything. For Barcley, that game-changer was a stretchy weight belt. “It might sound small, but switching to a stretchy weight belt completely transformed my diving experience. It moves with me, keeping everything secure without restricting my breath-hold or movement. Once I tried it, I could never go back.”. A summer staple for me is the Start Point tee.

Words of Wisdom

Spearfishing isn’t about records or trophies. It’s about the experience, the connection, and the lessons the ocean teaches us.

“No time spent underwater is wasted. It’s not about catching the biggest or the most—it’s about disconnecting from the stresses of land life and reconnecting with Mother Ocean.”

At Start Point Spearfishing, we’re not just about the hunt; we’re about the journey. And with Barcley leading the way, we can’t wait to share the adventure with you