For Anna Hilton, the ocean was more than scenery— it was a sanctuary. She never imagined it would also lead her to competitive spearfishing and the World Championships in Brazil. Growing up, Anna spent summers on Long Island, NY, always at ease in the water. Swimming, fishing, and surfing brought her peace, quieting her mind. The ocean soon became more than just a calm escape—it was a place for achievements and dreams.

Four years ago, Anna and her husband visited Newport, Rhode Island, for a quick trip. Looking for activities, Anna found a website for spearfishing excursions. Instantly drawn, she tried it—and it changed her life. Spearfishing involves freediving—no oxygen tanks, just breathholding. You pull the trigger on the speargun, secure the fish by hand, and kill it with a knife. “It was like a lightbulb went off,” Anna recalls. The captain told her she was a natural. That was all it took. She fell in love with spearfishing.

She immediately began watching spearfishing videos and learning. She trained whenever possible—waking early to swim and even holding her breath while walking her kids to the bus stop. After receiving a competition invitation, she decided to try, showing that nothing can stop you from reaching your dreams. With her partner, she placed first; as an individual, she placed fifth. Impressive for a newcomer. She kept entering more competitions, each with its own point system.

At a competition at a freshwater lake in Arizona, each species had a point value. Shad and Carp species were each worth one point, and striped bass three. This particular competition teamed up with Fish and Game Services, working to get rid of these invasive species. Another competition in the Florida Keys, the point system was based on weight. At these two competitions, Anna did exceptionally well. “Spearfishing is actually the most sustainable way of harvesting fish,” Anna says, “Sometimes, after competition, we have fish fillet parties,” noting the uniqueness of the culture while building a small and tight-knit community.

After two years at nationals, Anna qualified for the World Championships in Brazil. This spring, she learned she made the US spearfishing team. The four members had to collaborate creatively due to distance.

“You don’t need to go to Hawaii or the Bahamas to see beautiful life,” Anna says. There are many opportunities in the northeast, such as Anna’s Tristate Skindivers club. Dive shops offer courses, and YouTubers provide resources online.

With no government funding, it’s the support of a small but passionate community that keeps this sport alive--one dive, one breath, and one dream at a time.