Start Point Spearfishing (Formerly Spearfishing Store)

Start Point Spearfishing, previously known as Spearfishing Store, is a specialist retailer focused on equipment and training for those who want to hunt and forage in the sea with confidence rather than guesswork. The team combines hands-on experience in UK waters with a broad product range, so the shop functions as both retail space and informal classroom for anyone interested in spearfishing, freediving and coastal foraging.

The product range is tailored to British conditions, which is crucial for comfort and safety in the water. Visitors and online customers can choose from dedicated spearfishing wetsuits designed to keep divers warm for extended sessions in cooler seas, as well as low-volume masks, snorkels, robust fins, weight belts and floats that are suited to local visibility and temperature. For many customers, this combination of specialist gear and practical advice has turned an initial curiosity about spearfishing into a long-term hobby, with some reporting that they have gradually assembled their entire kit through the shop.

A defining strength of the business is the way staff handle newcomers who have little or no prior knowledge. Several reviewers describe arriving as complete beginners, unsure what to buy and even how to use basic equipment, then leaving with a coherent setup and a much clearer understanding of safe practice. Staff members are frequently mentioned for taking time to explain how to fit wetsuits correctly, how to weight a diver for neutral buoyancy, and how to choose between different types of speargun or pole spear without pushing the most expensive options. This patient, non-intimidating approach has helped the shop build loyalty among divers who might otherwise feel out of their depth in a highly technical niche.

The depth of knowledge on equipment is reinforced by content the business publishes, which goes beyond simple product descriptions. The website dedicates space to outlining what counts as essential spearfishing equipment, covering items such as spearguns, pole spears, knives, floats, weight systems and thermal protection, and explaining the trade-offs of each in everyday language. Rather than treating every item as equally necessary, the guidance usually distinguishes between core gear and optional extras, which aligns with customer accounts of staff actively discouraging unnecessary spending when someone is just starting out.

One of the more distinctive services offered is full gear hire for those attending courses and sessions run under the Start Point name. Divers can rent complete kits that include spearfishing wetsuits, masks, snorkels, fins, weights, floats, lines and accessories like torches and lobster hooks, all selected and maintained by instructors who regularly use the same items in the water. This option is particularly valuable for beginners and holidaymakers who want to try the sport before investing in their own equipment, and it helps ensure that participants in courses are not held back by ill-fitting or unsuitable gear.

Customer feedback repeatedly highlights the quality of fitting and guidance given when assembling a new setup. Many reviews praise the team for explaining how to balance warmth and mobility with neoprene thickness, how to choose blade stiffness for fins, and how to adjust weight belts so that buoyancy remains manageable at different depths. These details are especially important for safety and comfort, and the fact that they are covered both in person and online gives confidence to buyers who rely on mail order. For customers who live far from Plymouth, being able to order with accurate sizing advice and a clear returns option has been a strong positive.

Online ordering is a major part of the business, and many reviewers focus on delivery speed and reliability. Several customers mention that orders arrived quickly, often within a day or two, and that items were well packaged and exactly as described. This efficiency has encouraged repeat purchases, with some spearos stating that they now default to Start Point Spearfishing whenever they need to add or replace part of their kit. There are also accounts of staff proactively contacting customers to clarify orders when something looks wrong, rather than simply sending items and dealing with problems afterwards, which suggests a hands-on approach to customer care.

The in-store experience in Plympton is described as a densely stocked showroom where customers can handle a wide range of spearfishing gear before committing to a purchase. One reviewer likened it to a treasure trove of equipment, noting that the physical shop complements a comprehensive web store. This combination allows divers to browse online for inspiration and then visit in person to finalise choices, or to rely on the online catalogue alone if travelling is not practical. For those who do visit, the chance to try on suits, test mask fit and discuss specific spots and conditions with experienced staff is a strong selling point.

Alongside retail, the brand is closely associated with training and education in safe hunting and foraging practices. Course materials and gear-hire pages emphasise the importance of using appropriate freediving fins, correctly weighted belts and well-fitted masks to maintain relaxation and control underwater, linking equipment choice directly to breath-hold performance and risk management. This focus aligns with the way customers describe learning not just what to buy, but how to use it effectively, from loading a speargun properly to handling catch and avoiding fatigue.

On the positive side, recurring themes in reviews include friendly service, honest advice and a sense that the team genuinely cares about the success and safety of their customers. Many divers credit the shop with helping them land their first fish, stay warm on long winter dives or refine their setup after struggling elsewhere. For some, this has turned into long-term loyalty, with customers stating that they now source all their spearfishing equipment from Start Point. The ability to support a UK-based specialist retailer, rather than dealing with large generalist platforms, is another element that many buyers appreciate.

However, no retailer is without drawbacks, and not every experience has been uniformly positive. Historical comments on independent review platforms indicate that service quality has not always been consistent, particularly around times of ownership or management changes. A small number of reviewers report slower responses or frustrations with communication during certain periods, contrasting with the many accounts of near-instant replies and highly attentive support. While these less favourable experiences appear to be in the minority compared with the volume of positive feedback, they suggest that potential customers should still pay attention to current reviews to understand how the service is performing at the moment they intend to buy.

Price is another area where opinions can vary. Some customers feel that certain items sit at the higher end of the market, especially when compared with large international retailers or discount outlets, though they typically acknowledge that quality and service partly justify the difference. Others point out that when advice, after-sales support and the option of returns on ill-fitting spearfishing wetsuits are factored in, the overall value remains strong. For budget-conscious divers, it may be sensible to prioritise crucial items such as suits, masks and weight systems from a specialist like Start Point, while sourcing less critical accessories according to price.

Another consideration is that the showroom is located on an industrial estate, which makes sense for a warehouse-style retail operation but may not feel as accessible as a high-street shop for those without transport. Customers travelling from further afield sometimes rely entirely on online interactions, which places more weight on clear communication, precise sizing advice and responsive support channels. The business does encourage visitors and provides multiple ways to get in touch, but for some potential buyers the distance will mean trusting the online process rather than building familiarity in person.

The brand’s digital presence helps mitigate this distance. A combination of an informative website, social media activity and independent review listings provides potential customers with a broad picture of what to expect. The main site showcases best-selling products such as weight vests, kit bags and floats, and emphasises that Start Point Spearfishing is a key contact point for advice on spearfishing gear in the UK. Social channels further reinforce the impression of an engaged community, where spearos share catches, discuss conditions and respond to updates from the team.

For those considering where to source their next speargun, set of freediving fins or complete spearfishing kit, Start Point Spearfishing stands out as a specialist option that prioritises informed advice and suitability for UK waters over quick, impersonal transactions. The strengths lie in knowledgeable staff, a well-curated range of equipment and structured support for both beginners and experienced divers, with most reviews emphasising satisfaction with both products and service. At the same time, historical variability in service and the realities of industrial-estate access and specialist pricing mean it remains sensible for potential customers to assess their own priorities and expectations before committing.

Overall, Start Point Spearfishing offers a focused environment for anyone serious about spearfishing or curious to try it properly, with particular appeal for those who value expert guidance and equipment configured for real conditions rather than generic warm-water assumptions. Whether visiting the Plympton showroom or shopping online, customers can expect a retailer that blends commercial operation with a strong practical understanding of what it takes to stay warm, safe and effective with a speargun in British seas.