Tim Kavermann on Overcoming Anxiety Through Spearfishing
In this episode of the Noob Spearo Podcast from 2019, Tim Kavermann shares how spearfishing has been more than just a sport—it has become a tool for personal growth and managing anxiety. Tim speaks openly about the challenges he has faced, from paralysing moments of fear to overcoming his tendency to overthink. His journey offers relatable insights and practical strategies for anyone navigating anxiety, whether in the ocean or in daily life.
Tim explains how spearfishing places you in situations that naturally provoke fear, such as strong currents, rough seas, or the presence of sharks. Instead of avoiding these challenges, he has learned to embrace them, using discomfort as an opportunity to grow. His approach is centred on the idea of “getting comfortable with the uncomfortable” and finding peace in moments of stress through tools like controlled breathing, mindfulness, and grounding techniques.
Lessons from the Ocean
For Tim, the ocean is the ultimate teacher. Spearfishing has shown him how to face fears head-on and transform anxiety into curiosity. By paying attention to small details in the moment—like the play of light underwater or the patterns of fish behaviour—he has found a way to ground himself and minimise panic. It’s a mindset that extends beyond diving, offering valuable lessons for handling stress in everyday life.
He also highlights the importance of speaking openly about mental health. Whether it’s sharing your struggles with close mates or seeking help from a professional, being honest about what you’re going through is key to taking away anxiety’s power.
Practical Tools and Insights
Tim shares actionable strategies that have helped him both in the water and in life. Controlled breathing helps him relax on the surface and prepare for dives. Accepting and sitting with anxiety, rather than fighting it, allows him to move forward with more clarity. Taking regular breaks, being mindful, and even making small adjustments like changing dive spots have been vital to managing overwhelming situations.
Through his passion for spearfishing, Tim has discovered resilience, built confidence, and developed tools that go beyond the sport. His advice for anyone struggling? Stop overthinking, embrace the moment, and give yourself permission to grow through the discomfort.
Why This Episode Matters
This episode isn’t just for spearo’s—it’s for anyone looking to better understand anxiety and how to manage it. Tim’s honest storytelling and practical advice are relatable, actionable, and inspiring. Whether you’re facing challenges in the ocean or in your own head, his perspective shows that growth often comes from leaning into the hard stuff.
If you’re looking for a mix of vulnerability, humour, and powerful insights, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Listen now on the Noob Spearo Podcast and discover how Tim is using his journey—and his work at Eat What You Kill (EWYK)—to support others.
Hi, I’m Tim Kavermann, the founder of Eat What You Kill (EWYK) and The Brave and The Wild (TBATW). I’m a brand strategist, designer, and photographer from Auckland, New Zealand. Throughout my journey, I’ve navigated the highs and lows of mental health and, in my 30s, discovered a passion for sourcing wild food, particularly through spearfishing—an ongoing challenge that continually pushes me outside my comfort zone. After years of building brands for others, I’m now channeling my experience and passion into EWYK and TBATW. By sharing my experiences and learnings, I hope to inspire and offer a space for others to openly embrace and share their own journeys.
