Channel Islands Divers
SPEAKER’S BIO
Darvil McBride is a seasoned spearfisherman, educator, and industry leader with global experience across nearly every style of underwater hunting.
He currently serves as the Director of Sales for American Dive Co., the largest distributor of spearfishing and freediving equipment world-wide, representing iconic European brands such as Pathos, Picasso, Cetma, Alchemy, Epsealon, and Beuchat, as well as the American brand SpearPro.
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Each summer, Darvil runs a major watersports program on Fishers Island, NY, where he teaches diving, freediving, and ocean safety. He is a former national champion and world champion in freshwater spearfishing, with hunting experience ranging from Ulua in Hawaii, to tuna in California, to halibut in the icy waters of Norway.
Known for his engaging teaching style, Darvil regularly speaks to clubs across the country, sharing insights on safety, equipment trends, hunting strategy, and gear optimization—all backed by real-world close calls, field experience, and industry expertise.
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Darvil McBride
April Presentation
Tips From a World Champion: Spearfishing Sport Trends and How to Hunt Smart
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Where will the sport be in the future? - Trends in the industry, the rising generation, travel solutions, sustainability
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What are the best recent improvements in spearfishing tech? - material matters (samples demonstrated), electronic element, lighting innovations with Red beam and UV, speargun and blade innovations, work smart, not hard, and attracting fish
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Tips to improve quickly as a freediver / spearfisher. Hunting technique, critical points on buoyancy, safety first, professional training vs self-learning, how hard to push, learning curve, practice tips
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What else should I consider to increase the success of any hunt? How fish think vs how you act, calm approach, shot placement, aggressive recovery, tips to prep for a trip, what gear really makes a difference, and what does not really matter, solo diving vs buddy diving, environmental preparedness, dive planning checklist for greater success.