Zahteva potrpežljivost in vztrajnost lovca, saj mora biti njegova pozornost usmerjena na dokaj široko območje vidnega polja.

Ribe se namreč lahko pojavijo iz vseh smeri; iz globine, po površini, iz smeri odprtega morja, po površju za krajem, lahko so skrite za kamni ali robovi, lahko so v luknjah. Pogoj za srečevanje lovca z ribami, pri tej obliki lova, je njegovo tiho in umirjeno gibanje ob hkratnem pozornem opazovanju dogajanja v okolici.

Kljub temu bo marsikatera riba preplašeno odplavala proč, kar naj ne bo moteče. Odločitev lovca je, ali bodo njegov cilj vse vrste rib, ki so dovolj velike, ali pa si bo za cilj izbral točno določeno vrsto ribe. Ta oblika lova omogoča boljše spremljanje posamezne vrste rib, če poznamo značilnosti njenega vedenja.

Tehnika plazenja oziroma zalezovanje v plitvem

Lovec je za to zvrst lova dodatno obtežen do te mere, da še lahko plava po površju brez napora. Obtežitev naj bo takšna, da nudi negativno plovnost lovca ob mirovanju. To je nujno potrebno, ker so ribe ob obali previdnejše in bolj plašne, kot na globini.

Tehnika zalezovanja torej pomeni, da je naše gibanje odvisno večinoma od vlečenja po kamnih s prosto roko. Plavutke se v tem primeru uporabljajo le za krmarjenje. Z občasnimi postanki, za katere izberemo primerno kritje, opazujemo dogajanje v vidnem polju.

Pri tem gibanju je pomembna lega puške, ki naj bo vedno obrnjena od smeri našega gibanja za nekako 10 do 30 stopinj proti odprtemu morju. Ob nenadnem srečanju z ribo, se ta vedno obrne v smer odprtega morja – torej proti puški.

Pogoste napake pri tehniki zalezovanja so naslednje:
- ko se nam riba približa, sunkovito zajamemo sapo – to ribo splaši
- ob bližanju ribe, glava lovca ostane na površini – to ribo splaši
- smo preveč obteženi – “ra ta ta” bo zato značilen zvok plavuti ob stiku s kamni na dnu – to ribo splaši
- opiranje na kolena povzroča zatikanje obleke ob podlago, tudi to ribo splaši

Pravilna tehnika zalezovanja ribe poteka na dva načina:

1. Na površini – s prosto roko ohranjamo kontakt s podlago, ostalo telo naj lebdi. Ko se riba pojavi, zajem sape ni potreben, tiho in počasi se potopimo proti dnu. Pri tem dihalka ne sme povzročati zračnih mehurčkov.

2. Po dnu – s prosto roko ohranjamo kontakt s podlago, ostalo telo naj lebdi. Apneje so dolge do 30 sekund, kar omogoča kratke postanke na površini ( 2 do 3 vdihe), Pri tej tehniki lova je lovec veliko večino časa pod vodo. Plavanje na površju poteka le na tistih delih obale, kjer se ribe ne pričakuje.

Tiho in premišljeno gibanje lovca pomeni, da se bo po odprtem terenu, kjer ni kritja, gibal malo hitreje, pa še vedno tiho. Priporočam umiritev in previdno gibanje pred večjimi nepravilnostmi morskega dna ali obale. Območje, ki nudi kritje nam, mogoče že predstavlja kritje ribi, ki jo zalezujemo.

Z več letnimi izkušnjami, si bo lovec pridobil občutek za to, v kakšnih predelih obale se skriva posamezna vrsta ribe. Zato bo prihajalo do situacij, ko riba ni več presenečenje za lovca, temveč je dobro postavljen lovec presenečenje za ribo!

Takšen lov postane zelo uspešen s kombinirano uporabo tehnike zalezovanja ribe z gibanjem po dnu, v apnejah dolžine do 30 sekund, vendar le 1 do 3 m pod gladino.

Kako je lovec opremljen z dodatnimi utežmi?

Poleg osnovnega pasu z utežmi na bokih, so v uporabi še uteži za gležnje, katerih teža je nekje do 0,5 kg za vsako nogo. Pomembna oprema pa je poseben nahrbtnik z utežmi, ki je nameščen visoko na plečih.

Vrsto in količino obtežitve si prilagodi vsak lovec za sebe, saj s tem doseže dva cilja:
- pravilna razporeditev obtežitev nam olajša horizontalno gibanje pod vodo (lebdenje)
- takšna porazdelitev obtežitve nam razbremeni predel križa, saj ob dolgotrajnem lovu in nepravilni obtežitvi pridelamo neprijetne bolečine v križu

Velika večina lovcev se sooči z jezo, ko ugotovi, da so mehurčki iz dihalke tik pod površino tisti, ki redno plašijo ribo. Brbotanje mehurčkov ob potopu je potrebno odpraviti.

Večina lovcev po vdihu z roko seže po dihalki in jo potegne iz ust. Ta tehnika je primerna le za prvo silo, saj v pogojih tihega jutranjega morja ali bližine ribe, takšni gibi niso uspešni.

Kadar se znajdemo v pogojih povsem tihega morja, v slabem kritju in naletu radovedne večje ribe, se uporabi naslednja tehnika z dihalko:

Ob umirjenem vdihu skozi dihalko, pod vodo počasi odpremo usta in voda bo dihalko neslišno zalila s spodnje strani. Čez trenutek ali dva se lahko popolnoma neslišno spustimo pod gladino.

Katere šume lovca lahko ribe zaznajo?

Ribe seveda nimajo ušes, imajo pa  pobočnico, ki je zelo občutljiv organ, s katerim zaznavajo tresljaje v vodi. Zavedati se moramo, da ribe ob mirnem plavanju neslišno drsijo v vodi in zato ob vsakem času dobro zaznavajo vsak tresljaj v svoji okolici, ne glede na smer, iz katere ta prihaja.

Pri primerkih rib iste vrste, se opaža povezanost med velikostjo ribe in njeno občutljivostjo na tresljaje, ki jih podvodni lovec oddaja. Gre za brbotanje, drgnjenje obleke, izpih iz dihalke, vibracije elastik, nenadni dotik opreme s tlemi, dotik podvodne puške ob kamen in celo srčni utrip lovca.

Lov bele ribe, ki je prisotna tik ob obali ob zgodnjih jutranjih urah

Tiho zalezovanje ribe ob obalnem pasu morja, je najbolj uspešno v času intenzivnega hranjenja, to pa je zgodaj zjutraj. Večina ribjih vrst postane aktivnih ob prvi jutranji svetlobi, njihova aktivnost pa se močno zmanjša, ko mine deveta ura.

Brancin je riba roparica, ki se najraje hrani z drobnimi ribicami v obalnem pasu morja. Velja za kralja podvodnega lova te zvrsti. Za kraljico je razglašena orada, ki se prav tako v zgodnjih jutranjih urah zadržuje v plitvem obalnem pasu morja, saj se hrani s školjkami, rakci in podobnim. Seveda je atraktivnih še cel kup drugih ribjih vest, odvisno od morja v katerem jih lovimo.

Zgodi se, da pregledujemo idealen ribji teren, ribe pa od nikoder. Lahko zaznamo tudi malce pretirano plašnost rib. V takšnih situacijah si poiščimo dobro skrivališče, poiščimo nekaj kamenjčkov, ki jih vržemo 5-10 m od sebe.

Velikost kamenjčkov je odvisna od vetra in valovanja morja. Bistvo je v tem, da pljusk povzroči radovednost in ne preplah. Nekaj prakse in izkušenj vam bo podalo natančne odgovore o tem, kako velik kamen prijeti v roke.

Ribe so načeloma radovedne, zato se odzivajo tudi na druge oblike klicanja. Razni zvoki iz našega grla pod vodo, so jim zelo zanimivi, če so primerno dozirani. Tudi rahlo brenkanje po elastikah na puški ali rahlo trkanje, bo povzročilo radovednost, če ni pretirano in prepogosto. Tudi v tem primeru zadoščajo apnee v dolžini 30-40s.

Dolžina puške

Zaradi različnih vrst in velikosti rib, zaradi bližine, na katere takšne ribe pridejo, je najprimernejša podvodna puška dolžine 90cm. Takšna puška ima najboljše razmerje med močjo in okretnostjo, zato se je v praksi ta dolžina puške izkazala za največkrat uporabljeno.

Tip puške in blagovna znamka niti nista tako pomembna. Zelo pomembna lastnost podvodne puške pa je dobra uravnoteženost, saj se pri tej tehniki lova zahteva lahkotno vodljivost puške. V nasprotnem primeru bo dolgotrajni lov v tehniki zalezovanja ribe, povzročil bolečine v zapestju, poleg tega pa to podaljša tudi reakcijski čas lovca pri strelu.

Podvodni lov s tehniko zalezovanja ribe, v obalnem pasu morja lahko traja 4-5 ur, lahko tudi več. V kolikor lovimo s krajšimi presledki, tako da se s čolnom prevažamo na druge lokacije, lov ni tako naporen, kot stalno plavanje. Le to povzroči močno dehidracijo lovca.

V kolikor je dolgotrajni lov predviden, je zelo priporočljiva uporaba varnostne boje. V nekaterih državah je ta tudi obvezna po zakonu. Varnostna boja ne označuje le pozicije, na kateri se nahaja “človek v morju” in opozarja plovila na našo prisotnost, ampak je zelo dobrodošla v primeru iskanja lovca, če se le ta ni vrnil ob dogovorjeni uri.

Poleg navedenega, so današnje boje za podvodni lov dobro opremljene z žepki, pasovi in rinkami. Tja sodi poleg nekaterih rezervnih pripomočkov tudi obvezna plastenka z vodo.

V žepkih bo dobrodošla tudi mala posodica s suhim ali kandiranim sadjem, ki hitro nadomesti porabljeno energijo in ne obremenjuje prebavil podvodnega lovca.

Zato podvodni lov na nek način zadovolji in izpolni človekovo dušo, ker nudi lepote podvodnega sveta ob hkratni koristi, če pride do ulova. Le ta predstavlja dodatno zadovoljstvo. Zato je zelo pomembno, da se podajamo  na lov za ribami sproščeni, da pustimo vsakdaje skrbi in morebitne napetosti daleč proč od podvodnega ribolova.

Nasprotno pa vnašanje skrbi,  jeze, slabe volje ali celo agresije v podvodni lov ne bo prineslo pričakovanega zadovoljstva, temveč le še dodatno slabo voljo ob zgrešenem strelu ali izgubljeni ribi.

Seštevek negativnih čustev se v vodi lahko neopazno stopnjuje tako daleč, da  potapljač (naj bo lovec ali apneist) ne zaznava več opozoril svojega organizma, temveč postane žrtev lastnih negativnih čustev. Vsako takšno “nasilno” potapljanje na dih postane nevarno!

Naj bo torej podvodni ribolov vsakemu lovcu v užitek, sprostitev ter veselje in dober ulov bo postal bolj verjetna posledica.

That is how the idea of manufacturing my own spear gun, in which all these essential requirements were built-in, has matured.

In addition to achieving good technical characteristics, a lot of effort has also been put into the external appearance of the spear gun. Achieving low-cost manufacturing for the speargun Achilles was not a criterion.

Only the best materials, selected teak wood, stainless steel type A4 and the best equipment have been used. Perfect symmetry angle of the body is achieved with CNC processing; however the visual image of the spear gun is underlined by the handle, which is embedded in several types of wood.

For lovers of spearfishing,  both the wooden  speargun Achilles is available, with its appearance of a classic wooden spear gun and with trigger mechanisms that I  manufacture even for other self-builders.

Spearguns Achilles are Euro-gun type with a handle at the rear (not in the middle) and are adapted to conditions and spearfishing techniques in the Adriatic and Mediterranean Sea.

Why wooden spear guns?

• Great buoyancy of wood enables manufacturing of a well-balanced spear gun, which, even after several hours of hunting, doesn’t exhaust the wrist.

• The mass of the wooden spear gun, compared with the serial guns (aluminium or carbon) is greater, which means fewer twitches in the shot – which furter leads to greater accuracy.

• The manufacturing of a spear gun can be adjusted to individual preferences (handle, holes for power bands).

• Wood allows easy repair and finishing

Why teak?

Teak is the only tropical timber which contains fat; because of that it is highly resistant to atmospheric effects and  sea water. In addition, teak contains silicates, which effectively defend the wood against various timber worms; on the other hand however, these substances  wear out the carpenter’s tools  more than with other wood in the manufacturing of a spear gun.

Because of these characteristics, it is used in nautical equipment on the external and internal surfaces of vessels, where the highest quality and long lifetime material is required. Teak is, for the spear hunter, certainly the best choice for manufacturing a spear gun.

Why Achilles?

All spear guns Achilles bear the logo of the Greek warrior, as a symbol of power, accuracy and reliability.

I made a unique series of spearguns named “Special Edition”, which are distinguished by its completely new appearance.

Unique appearance of the new series of spearguns Achilles 90 Twin is available now in limited quantity.  Outlook of the new series is designed in combination of teak and wenge wood strips in the speargun body and handle.

Wenge wood has an extremely strong structure and chocolate brown colour.

For the hand custom made speargun Achilles Series “Special Edition” equipment will be carefully selected, based on my personal conviction that for the wooden speargun only reliable and durable equipment is suitable, which is made from stainless steel.

The central piece of equipment for speargun represents the reel. The decision and choice of appropriate reel was quite heavy. The requirements for appearance, operation, technical solutions, the type of material, manufacturing quality, usability and price all lead to difficult choices and adoption of different compromises.

Speargun shafts made of stainless steel (Sandvik), with “shark fins” and double barbs, inox reel with special (softer) Dyneema rope in blue color, with diameter of 1.5 mm and a load capacity of 172 kg, which is due to these properties well suited for the use in reel.

For a very demanding hunters Dyneema rope in red color is available, with diameter of 2 mm and a load capacity of 212 kg.

A heavy duty snap swivels is added, made of Norwegian steel and other equipment that is in recognizable red colour!

Let you be the judge whether my choice of equipment meets your high standards.

Laser cutting of the steel and bending of the body on CNC machines are the guarantee for a flawless operation. By using PVC washers, the problem of salt crystallization inside moving parts has been successfully resolved. The only recommended maintenance is a periodic washing in fresh water. There is virtually no wear out and, therefore, the life of the mechanism is very long.

Attached to the mechanism is also a trigger guard. Carrier load of the mechanism is over 220 kg. In the case of specific customer requirements, such as incorporation into large spear guns (4 to 5 power bands), we can adapt it even to a higher carrier load – 330 kg. The mechanisms are equipped with a silencer, so the shot is silent, which is particularly important when hunting certain fish species.

Line release: Specifically tailored to the form of the speargun Achilles is a system of descent-lines – Mark Valentin, which in testing has proved to be the most reliable and is also used in some other mass-produced guns. It allows separate windings of double length nylon, which affects the effective long-range of the harpoon.

Installation is easy as you only need to twist it and put it on the appropriately prepared slot (under the harpoon), and screw it on to the body of the spear gun.

Power bands: to produce circular rubbers we selected the best power bands on the market (U.S. Latex). The proper length of the power band is calculated for each type of spear gun separately.

Small differences in the length of power bands have a major impact on the power and life period, so it is crucial to choose the right expansion coefficient, which is used to divide twice the length of the spear gun measured from the hole for the power band to the last slot on the shaft. The value of the coefficient (between 3.2 to 3.5) yet again depends on the thickness of the power band and the weight of the shaft.

Wishbone: the toggle system from  Dyneema line is wooden gun “friendly”. When making a shot, power band hits back to the body of a spear gun. Dyneema line has a high capacity (2 mm = 200 kg), is very “fast” and does not leave any damage. However, it requires perfectly smooth edges of the shaft, otherwise it tears.

When desired, other combinations of wishbones made of aluminium and steel are possible, them being heavier than strings. The use of such wishbones can, over time, leave a few slight bruises on the body of the spear gun, although for  teak wood, this  presents no damage.

Ballbearing Swivels: They are an indispensable link between the shaft and the spear gun, mounted between nylon and the line. The choice of top quality steel swivels from Norway and carrying capacity 90 to 100 kg, provide long and reliable use. The big carrying capacity is not in relation to the weight of fish, but rather to the size of the spear hunter who can be easily dragged by a caught fish of big dimensions!

Magnets: High-end magnets are made from a fusion of neodymium, iron and boron (NdFeB). These are currently the strongest permanent magnets on the market. They are many times stronger than the usual everyday use magnets.

Built-in the head of the spearguns Achilles, they reliably cling to the harpoon. They are nickel-plated and do not rust. Magnet strength of 1.8 kg is big enough so that the contact with the shaft is not necessary, but there is between 0.2 to 0.3 mm of distance. The launch of the shaft, therefore, does not wear off the surface and the magnet doesn’t rust.

Despite the period of “Jaws”, years and years of tireless diving followed (where a high heart rate and shortness of breath were not significant), which brought me to adulthood.

In 1984, following CMAS rules, I passed the exam for scuba diver and I became familiar even with deeper parts of the sea. However, I soon discovered that all that fuss of having to fill and transfer the oxygen cylinders did not correspond with my idea of a quiet and free movement below sea level.

With years of experience there were also adrenalin moments such as when catching a trophy, a memorable meeting with a 250 kilo tuna, watching enormous schools of dentexes, sea basses and more and more. The peaceful nature of Aquarius and a well-judged self-rescue from a critical situation under the water have saved my life.

The moment of sobering at recollection of the accident, has not left me with discomfort, nor has it negatively affected my spearfishing, but it has activated thoughts about safety in spearfishing.

The constant pursuit for answers to questions about the capability of the body has led me to yoga and breathing techniques. I chose a snorkelling school http://www.apnea2000-ar.si/,that answered all my questions with the doctrine of the famous Umberto Pelizzari.

The knowledge of meditation and even breathing techniques have demonstrated to me (in the controlled environment of the pool) that the extent of my capacities to hold my breath under water can be moved surprisingly far.

For a few years the competitors’ apnoea moved me away from spear fishing, as I was enjoying the timeless state of my body in a static apnoea and in 2005 I set the national record, with the time well over six minutes. I recognized the extreme limit of my body’s capacity to hold the breath, tested “black out”, went to the World Cup, recorded a few TV shows and left.

I got back to spear fishing because I truly find myself only in this quiet world of the blue. This is my answer to the eternal debate about whether  spear fishing is a sport. It all depends on the point of view and philosophy of each individual.

My experiences show that it is wise to take seriously the warning: “Never dive alone!”  This warning should also apply to spearfishing, where I’m now always accompanied at least by common sense!

Rigorous selection and proper turning of lamellas when gluing them are two conditions for a level and stable body of the gun, which is not subject to curving. To protect the glued joints, the guns are lined with six layers of lacquer that is resistant to sea water and UV rays.

Many years of experience in spearfishing have been the starting point for setting high requirements when planning a speargun. The target design was a speargun with an optimal ratio of buoyancy (balance), minimum side resistance (sectional form) and Carrying capacity (cross-sectional dimension).

Computer models and calculations (carrying capacity and force of resistance) were made by my friend David, who is the constructor of the speargun. This was followed by the manufacture of test models and their testing.

A series of spearguns were constructed in which we continuously installed new ideas and made improvements. Years of persistent effort have shaped the product that is now in front of you.

Manufacture: all three lengths of the speargun Achilles are manufactured with one or two (delayed) holes for circular power bands. In the case of a single sling we recommend  18 mm diameter, in the case of two slings then 16 mm diameter. For the gun of the length 110 cm, the sling diameter is higher by 2 mm.

Achilles 75

Speargun Achilles 75 is, because of its manoeuvrability, the best choice for hunting in a wavy sea  (frothy waters), hunting in muddy water (sea bass hunting), and for hunting in holes.

Two versions are produced – one or two holes for circular power bands. Achilles 75 may be used without a reel but we recommend using one. Carrying capacity is adjusted to shaft length 105 cm and a diameter of 6.5 mm.

Achilles 90

This is the optimal length of the spear gun for all forms of hunting, since it represents an ideal ratio between manoeuvrability and power.

Achilles 90 is produced in two versions – one or two holes for circular power bands. The advantage of using spear guns with one circular power band is in accuracy. When using double power bands, however, the advantage is in the speed of the shaft, its power, reach and penetration.

When using a single power band dimensions are 18 mm, in the execution of the two, the power band is 16 mm diameter. At the same time I recommend the use of high-quality capacity reel 30-50 m. Carrying capacity is adjusted to shaft length of 130 cm and a diameter of 7 mm.

Achilles 110

Speargun Achilles 110 targets experienced underwater hunters, fishing with waiting-technique and is projected to catch a larger fish.

Even this spear gun is manufactured either with one or two holes for circular power bands. When using single sling, I recommend power band dimension 20 mm diameter, and when using double power bands, sling dimension is 18 mm diameter.

I advise you to use a reel of a higher price bracket and capacity of somewhere between 50 and 80 m. Carrying capacity is adjusted to shaft length 150 cm and a diameter of 6.5 mm.

Contact: Aleš Mencinger – Menci
Phone.: +386 (0)40 229 602
e-mail: achilles.spearguns (at) gmail.com

I am talking about a sports activity that combines experiencing the beauty of the underwater world with experiencing oneself. With the development of organizations such as AIDA, CMAS and Apnea Academy, organised trainings of freedivers began in the late 1990′s.

I can say that a new era has now begun, bringing with it all the more amazing performances of the underwater athletes.

A few years ago we could only dream of today’s achievements. It was something unattainable for  human kind.

Therefore, as a joke, the expression ‘homo sapiens aquaticus’ is being used, since only representatives of this “new human species” are considered to be capable of such achievements.

Today’s best competitors reach a depth of 120 m, 250 m in length and almost 11 minutes of static apnea, in the discipline No Limits or even 214 m depth.

Famous freediving names are: Umberto Pelizzari, Jaques Mayol, Tanya Streeter, Natalia Molchanova, Tom Sietas, Patrick Musimu, Loic Leferme, Herbert Nitsch and others…

I too competed in this (for the majority)  new sport that is evolving rapidly in the world. New participants regularly come into this world from entirely different sports, often as already established world-class athletes.

Some are already accustomed to the noise and glory which resounds around champions. Nevertheless, they are overwhelmed by the call of silence coming from the depths of the sea and they replace their own sport with the competitive apnea.

Clearly (more than 20 years after the cult film Big Blue) even the development of equipment has contributed enormously so that competition in freediving has become a pleasure.

Of course an apnea competitor, along with good equipment, needs some inborn “gifts” such as: complete ease under the water, aquatics, an ability to concentrate and a sense for “listening” to one’s organs. Most of these characteristics can be significantly improved with  training.

My ease under the water was spotted very early on. Already at the age of 4, before even knowing how to swim, I enjoyed staying about a meter or two under the water.  Maybe my zodiacal sign has some contribution to how I feel under the water. Namely, I was born under the sign of Aquarius.

If this influenced my  quite peaceful character and (often criticized) individualism, I do not know. However, the fact is that these characteristics go well with the competitive apnea, since it’s a sport in which you compete primarily with yourself, only far in thesecond place are competitors; opponents in sportive terms do not exist.

Very noticeable is the difference between recreational freediving (where the length of the apnea is limited to the physical ability of our body) and the competitive apnea (where achievements are largely dependent on the trained mental capability of monitoring our body’s functions).

The meditative relaxation techniques and breathing techniques pranajama are used to allow the competitor good control over the body and consciousness.

When a competitor learns how to control his own consciousness, how to reach the level of state of consciousness and how to relax the body, the competitor can then affect his own breathing, control it and with it, influence the heartbeat, upon which the length of our apnea largely depends.

Homo sapiens aquaticus, therefore, does not have bigger lungs than the rest of the people, but has only learned how to use the knowledge with which to guide the thoughts, emotions and intellect, which the body follows. In apnea, therefore, everything is happening in our head, not in our lungs.

The right choice of wood gives many opportunities for unique colour variations and combinations, giving the  spear gun it’s own distinctive character, and good visibility under the water.

Handles are either designed specifically for right-handed or left-handed individuals and are anatomically shaped. They are glued to the body of the spear gun, so the coupling component is made with extreme care. Inside the coupling, additional vertical and horizontal reinforcements are incorporated due to the action made by the torque.

The main requirement in the design was that the spear gun when hunting could, for most of the time, be held with a relaxed palm; that is why the handle, also in the horizontal direction, is delayed.

For the pull back a support for the middle finger and pinky is provided, thus offering excellent support even when swimming with the spear gun close to your body.

The elliptical shape provides optimal grip, superb handling and excellent support for the shot. An extended handle grip is, with a “click,” connected to the trigger guard.

A raised support for the back of your palm prevents slipping with side movements of the spear gun. These entire specialties, therefore, do not allow construction of the universal handle for either left-handed or right-handed individuals.

Additional better grip accessories are of no use.