I didn't want to cause an issue on the forum, but. Do not ever load, as was suggested (sitting on the gunnel of the boat), a speargun out of the water. That's very dangerous advice and will get you or someone else dead real quick. Load AND unload in the water.
Be safe and have fun. BTW, you really don't need to start with a polespear-it will frustrate you!!. A 2-9/16ths band gun is all you need. Mid-handle of rear handle.