Malén Sart: Champion of Sustainable Spearfishing
From Curiosity to Passion
Malén Sart didn’t discover spearfishing until she was almost 40. Growing up in Binissalem, she first tried the sport at 25 but couldn’t find gear that fit her size. Most equipment was made for men, so she had to wait. When she finally found a wetsuit that suited her in her thirties, she grabbed a speargun, jumped in, and fell in love instantly.
Breaking Into a Male‑Dominated Arena
Encouraged by her husband, Sebastià Torre, and local spearfishing advocate Tomeu Salas, Sart entered her first competition in 2013. At the time there was no women’s category, so she competed against men. She recalls thinking they must have been crazy, but the challenge only fueled her determination.
Rise to World Champion
National Success
The first women’s national championship took place in Porto Cristo in 2016. Two years later, Sart competed in the inaugural European Championship in Denmark. These milestones paved the way for her world titles.
World Titles
Sart claimed her first world championship in Sardinia in 2021 and added a second in Cantabria in 2023. Alongside these victories she has earned three Spanish championships, establishing herself as a leading figure in the sport.
A Memorable Victory Over All Competitors
One of Sart’s proudest moments came after the pandemic in Mallorca, where she outperformed every participant—men and women alike. She says she had to be told three times that she had won because she could hardly believe it. That win remains a lasting source of motivation.
Honors From Home
After her first world title, her home club, Club Perlas Manacor, renamed one of its Mallorca circuit events the Malén Sart Trophy. Sart describes the honor as thrilling and a true testament to her impact on the local spearfishing community.
Spearfishing: A Sustainable Choice
Many people confuse spearfishing with scuba‑fishing, but Sart emphasizes that it is a breath‑hold sport. Divers descend, observe, and decide whether to take a fish. This selectivity makes the practice inherently sustainable.
She eats every fish she catches—her mother loves the fresh catch, and they often prepare a traditional bullit de peix together. Beyond catching food, Sart also removes trash from the sea each time she dives, gathering plastic and debris from both the surface and the seabed.
Setting the Record Straight on Environmental Impact
Critics sometimes blame spearfishing for declining fish stocks, but Sart points to industrial methods as the real problem. She cites a recent incident where a single day of trawling off Huelva netted 23,000 kilos of spawning meagre—far more than any spearfisher could ever take.
For Sart, being a guest in the ocean means protecting it. She and her fellow divers are often the first to notice changes and advocate for healthier seas.
The Role of Social Media
Online platforms have boosted visibility for spearfishing, showcasing dramatic dives and big catches. However, Sart warns that the highlights can be misleading. Extreme depths and rough‑sea feats shown online are achievable only by top specialists after many attempts. Imitating these stunts without proper training risks blackouts, decompression sickness, or worse.
She urges newcomers to focus on the real practice: patient observation, respect for limits, and safety first.
Staying Safe Underwater
Sart stresses a few essential rules for anyone interested in trying spearfishing:
- Learn proper breath‑hold techniques and safety protocols.
- Know your personal limits and never push beyond them.
- Always use a buoy to mark your position.
- Never dive alone, especially when you’re just starting.
Following these basics helps ensure that the sport remains enjoyable and safe.
Legacy and Inspiration
Through her achievements, Sart hopes to shift perceptions of spearfishing from a niche, misunderstood activity to a respected, environmentally conscious sport. She wants young people—especially girls—to see that they can excel in any field, even those traditionally dominated by men.
Her story shows that passion, perseverance, and respect for nature can lead to both personal fulfillment and positive change.
Conclusion
Malén Sart’s journey from a late‑started enthusiast to two‑time world champion illustrates how dedication and a sustainable mindset can transform a sport. By championing selective catches, cleaning the oceans, and advocating for safety, she offers a model for responsible spearfishing that benefits both athletes and the marine ecosystem. Her ongoing efforts continue to inspire the next generation to dive in with purpose and respect.
Images Credit: mallorcaglobalmag.es