Spearfishing Gear Maintenance: Cleaning and Storing After San Diego Salt Water Dives
San Diego’s kelp forests, rocky reefs, and offshore breaks offer world-class spearfishing opportunities—but salt water is relentless. Whether you’re hunting calico bass off La Jolla, white sea bass around the kelp beds near Point Loma, or rock cod in the shallows of Mission Bay, proper gear maintenance is the difference between equipment that lasts years and gear that corrodes within months.
This guide covers the essential cleaning and storage practices every San Diego spearfisher needs to know.
Rinse Everything Immediately After Every Dive
The moment you exit the water, rinse your entire setup with fresh water. This is non-negotiable. Salt crystals begin corroding metal and degrading rubber within hours if left untreated.
What to rinse:
- Spear gun (barrel, trigger mechanism, band, and muzzle)
- Wetsuit and hood
- Weight belt and lead weights
- Fins and booties
- Mask, snorkel, and regulator (if using one)
- Catch bag or stringer
- Dive knife and sheath
Use a hose or freshwater shower—most San Diego beach parking areas and dive shops have these available. Pay special attention to crevices, joints, and the trigger assembly where salt deposits accumulate. A soft brush helps dislodge stubborn salt without scratching surfaces.
Deep Clean Your Spear Gun
Your spear gun is your most critical piece of equipment and deserves focused attention.
Barrel and shaft: After rinsing, wipe the barrel interior with a soft cloth. If you’re using a wooden or carbon shaft, inspect it for cracks or splintering. Store the shaft separately in a dry location—never leave it compressed in the gun for extended periods.
Trigger mechanism: This is where corrosion causes the most problems. Use a small brush and fresh water to clean around the trigger, sear, and release mechanism. If you notice stiffness or grinding, apply a light coat of marine-grade lubricant (like Triflow or similar). Avoid heavy oils that trap salt.
Bands and muzzle: Rubber bands degrade in sunlight and salt. Rinse them thoroughly and store them in a cool, dark place. Check for cracks or brittleness monthly—bands lose elasticity over time and should be replaced every 1–2 years depending on use frequency.
Wood or composite stocks: If your gun has a wooden stock (common on traditional designs), dry it completely and apply a thin coat of teak oil or marine varnish every few months. This prevents swelling and checking in San Diego’s variable humidity.
Wetsuit and Thermal Protection
San Diego’s water temps range from 56°F in winter (December–February) to 68°F in late summer, and your wetsuit takes a beating.
After rinsing, hang your suit on a wide hanger in a shaded area—direct sun degrades neoprene. Turn it inside-out occasionally to ensure even drying. Never store a damp suit compressed in a bag; mold and mildew will destroy it within weeks.
For stubborn salt buildup inside, soak the suit in fresh water for 15–20 minutes, then rinse again. Once dry, store in a cool closet away from heaters and sunlight. A properly maintained 5mm or 7mm suit will last 3–5 years; neglected suits fail in a season.
Weights and Metal Hardware
Lead weights and stainless steel hardware are heavy-duty, but salt water still corrodes them.
After rinsing, dry weights completely with a cloth. Stainless steel hardware (buckles, D-rings, carabiners) should be dried and wiped with a silicone cloth monthly. If you notice white or orange corrosion (especially on cheaper zinc-plated hardware), scrub it with a soft brush and apply a thin coat of silicone spray.
Check weight belt stitching regularly—salt and UV exposure weaken threads. Replace fraying sections before they fail underwater.
Mask, Fins, and Accessories
Mask: Rinse the lens and silicone skirt thoroughly. Store with the strap loosened to prevent permanent creasing. Keep it in a protective case if you transport it frequently to Point Loma or La Jolla.
Fins: Rinse and dry completely. Store upright or flat, never bent or compressed. Cracked fins lose efficiency and can break mid-dive.
Snorkel and regulator: If you use a regulator (required for deeper dives), have it serviced annually by a certified technician. Rinse the snorkel barrel and mouthpiece after every dive.
Long-Term Storage
If you’re taking a break from spearfishing—common during summer heat when visibility drops at local reefs—follow these steps:
- Clean everything thoroughly with fresh water
- Dry completely (use a hair dryer on cool setting for tight spaces)
- Store in a cool, dry location (50–70°F is ideal)
- Keep spear guns unloaded with bands removed
- Store shafts vertically or flat, never bent
- Use silica gel packets or a dehumidifier in your storage space if humidity is high
San Diego’s coastal climate means moisture is always a threat. A simple plastic storage container with a seal and silica packets works well for off-season gear.
Maintenance Schedule
- After every dive: Fresh water rinse
- Monthly: Deep clean gun mechanism, inspect bands, check hardware
- Quarterly: Wipe down with silicone cloth, check for corrosion
- Annually: Professional regulator service, band replacement, wetsuit inspection
Proper maintenance turns expensive equipment into reliable tools that last. The reefs around Point Loma, La Jolla, and the kelp beds near Coronado demand respect—and your gear should be ready to deliver every time.
Track water conditions and plan your dives with the Element app to maximize your time on the water and minimize emergency gear failures.