We are excited to share our interview with Cait, a bonified Rad Woman Spearo, Freediver, and all-around beautiful person. Enjoy her lovely words and get inspired! Follow her on Insta @cupcakecait for more diving adventures!
Can you tell us about your background and how you got into spear fishing and diving? I’ve always been drawn to the ocean, but it wasn’t until I moved to Hawai’i that I really immersed myself in it...literally. I started freediving first and fell in love with the silence and beauty beneath the surface. Spearfishing came later, as a natural extension of that connection and a desire to source my own food sustainably. Initially I just wanted to get good enough to be able to eventually catch my own lobsters (which is done at night and seemed almost insane to me at the time) but after spearing my first fish, I was hooked and wanted to learn how to hunt all types of fish! Not only is it so gratifying to be able to catch your own food but there is also a spiritual side to connecting with the ocean, its creatures and having so much gratitude for the fish you are taking.
What inspired you to pursue a passion for the ocean and underwater activities?
The ocean grounds me. It’s where I go to feel most present. I think I was craving that sense of connection and challenge and the more time I spent in the water, the more I realized how healing and powerful it was. And how much I wanted to be part of that world, not just an observer of it. As someone who has always battled anxiety and depression, being underwater felt like freedom - freedom from my own thoughts and worries and from a world that can be overbearing at times. But when you're underwater, you're in a different world and I could literally feel my fears wash away.
How do you prepare physically and mentally for a day of diving or spear fishing?
I prepare by hydrating well, eating clean, and getting good sleep the night before. Breathwork and meditation are key parts of my mental preparation as well. They help calm my nervous system and keep me focused in the water, especially when diving deep or going for long hunts. But most importantly is face protection! I struggle with some acne scarring which is how I found Zinc based sunscreens, I needed something that would stay on my face for at least 3-4 hours and provide maximum strength protection.
What has been your most memorable experience while spear fishing or diving?
One of my most memorable experiences was when I 3-pronged a Moana Kali! It’s one of my favorite fish to eat, it's soft, white, and perfect for panko-frying, so it was high on my dream catch list. I had never caught one before, and to make it more challenging, I set the goal of landing it with a 3-prong instead of a speargun. After countless failed attempts, I finally hit one and I was so stoked. But it wasn’t the storybook ending I imagined…as I came up, I was so excited about the catch that I forgot one of the golden rules of using a 3-prong: always secure the fish with your hand on the top of the spear. Right at the surface, it made its final attempt at freedom and wiggled off the spear and darted off into the blue. Huge lesson learned but also a moment I’ll never forget!
What advice would you give to women who are interested in taking up spear fishing or diving?
I think some of the most inspiring freedivers and spearo's in the space are women! Which is really cool because I'm sure 10 years ago that wasn't the case. If you're interested, start with a freediving course. That's the best way to learn safety and freediving basics. Once you have freediving locked in, it's much easier to move into spearfishing. There are so many people on all the islands that spearfish but learning how to spearfish with respect is key. It's similar to learning how to surf, you always want to learn with respect and not overstep. Here in Hawai'i, spearfishing can be a way for some to provide for their families, which is why it's important to not over-fish spots and never take more than you can eat. We also have quite a few invasive species that are killing native fish and harming the reefs, so learning to spear by targeting these fish is a win-win for everyone!
How do you balance your passion for the ocean with other aspects of your life?
It’s definitely a dance. I’ve structured my work and lifestyle to allow for flexibility so I can be in the water regularly. The ocean is my reset, and I’ve learned that when I make time for it, I show up better in every other part of my life...personally and professionally. But it's not always easy to juggle, especially when diving is dependent on good conditions and sometimes when it's the best conditions, life is crazy busy! But I try to give myself grace and just get in the water whenever it works out...even if it's not as often as I would like.
How do you feel when you’re underwater, and what does it mean to you personally?
When I’m underwater, I feel weightless and deeply connected. Time slows, the noise of the world disappears, and everything feels still and alive at the same time. It’s my version of church. I’m not religious, but there’s something sacred, grounding, and expansive about being beneath the surface. Diving has helped me build trust in myself and my body in a way nothing else has. It’s taught me to listen more closely to my breath, my instincts, and the ocean itself. There are so many parts of Hawai’i that I cherish, but the ocean and the culture around spearfishing hold a special place in my heart. I feel incredibly grateful not only to live here, but to participate in a practice that’s so deeply woven into the island’s history and culture. My favorite part of catching fish is being able to share it with others. And in doing so, continuing the cycle of aloha that was extended to me by those who first taught me how to fish. It’s really not just about food; it’s about connection and respect.
