The Scuba Diving Podcast

Dive Fest Barbados: Scuba Diving Shipwrecks, Coral Nursery & the Island's Biggest Party 🇧🇧 What if scuba diving turned into a giant party? In Barbados, it did. Dive Fest Barbados is the annual scuba diving festival that has exploded. In this episode I’m bringing you right into the middle of it all. In this video we sit down with Andre Miller of Barbados Blue after diving the coral nursery and the Carlisle Bay shipwrecks, including a WW1 AND a WW2 wreck you can dive on a single tank, right off the beach. There are 7 wrecks in the bay, and the shallow ones are good enough that snorkelers (and even mermaids) can join you on the same wreck. If you've got friends or family who don't dive, Barbados is the place to bring them. Andre says most of them end up doing a Discover Scuba after one look. Also in this video:🐠 Diving the coral nursery with Barbados Blue.⚓ Carlisle Bay shipwreck diving: 7 wrecks, WW1 and WW2 on one tank🎙️ Scuba Radio at Dive Fest Barbados.🐟 The Oistins Fish Fry. Easily the best fish I've had…

During Dive Fest Barbados, Atlantis Submarines and Barbados Blue pulled off something I've never seen anywhere else: divers hanging onto the top of a real submarine for a 10-minute ride down to the reef. Some divers think this sounds terrifying. For me it was a bucket-list dive and one of the most fun things I've ever done, diving or otherwise.In this video:How it actually works: clearing your ears on a moving sub, staying clear of the props, and the safety plan behind it.Mermaid Kristen's "money shot" rising from the water on the bow (with safety divers and Greg the Divemaster on air support).The moment I found out there was only ONE submarine ride and had to scramble into my gear.My interview with Andre Miller, and his son Ajhanii, freediving down to the submarine.How deep it really went (reef ~40 ft, top of the sub ~20 ft) - this varied depending on locations as well as the sub going up and down occasionally.Why Dive Fest Barbados is my new must-do: the Oistins Friday fish fry, WW1 and WW2 shipwrecks on a…

Interview with Dr. Dawn Kernagis discussing living on the ocean floor in an undersea habitat. Here we primarily discuss her NEEMO missions in previous habitats, with the new DEEP Vanguard being shown. It will be deployed fall 2026. • Organization: DEEP. • Location: Tennessee Reef, Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. • Features: Dive center with moonpool entry/exit for scuba, rebreather, and hard-hat diving, reconfigurable living chamber with bunks for four and communal lounge area, safety refuges, emergency power, and breathing gas. • Supporting infrastructure: Shore-based command center, watch desk, decompression chamber, mission support vessels, and facilities for habitat diver training. • Inhabitants: Crews of up to four aquanauts, living and working underwater for five+ days at a time. • Mission types: Marine science research, coral reef restoration, long-term monitoring, climate impact studies, human performance research, and training for extreme environments. • Total installation weight of…

Scuba World Record holder and Hall of Fame legend Neal Watson joins me to talk about the world's longest scuba swim on record:What it actually took, how a critical equipment malfunction forced him to drink warm salt water mid-swim, how he stayed hydrated and fed underwater, and exactly how far he went.But Neal's resume doesn't stop there. He also holds the record for the deepest dive on regular compressed air, is inducted into the Scuba Diving Hall of Fame, and pioneered shark diving at what is now Neal Watson's Bimini Scuba Center.He's been diving since the 1950s. Long enough to have strong opinions about where the sport is headed, and something very specific that's been lost along the way.We talked about all of it with no notes or prep, this was completely impromptu on the dock at Marinelab Undersea Park. 🛟 Topics covered:World record scuba swim: Distance, logistics, and what went wrongDeepest dive on compressed airThe origins of modern shark divingOld school vs. modern scuba divingScuba Diving Hall of Fame

What if the scuba diving industry has been missing something critical — and two people just figured out how to fix it?Dr. Calina Ouliaris and Simon Lugan, cofounders of Journey Underwater, have developed a groundbreaking wellness framework that’s reshaping how divers learn, breathe, and reconnect with their minds underwater (and on land). Their approach — the “Dive In” Framework (also an official PADI specialty course) — challenges the dive industry to go beyond physical safety checklists and finally address the mental and psychological well-being of both students and instructors.In this full-length interview with Calina, we explore:Why traditional dive training is leaving a critical gap in diver wellnessHow the “Dive In” framework transforms learning environments and the significance of pre/post-dive briefings.The role of pace, mindfulness, and internalized safety in building a sustainable dive community.Why this movement could literally save scuba diving🗺️ Filmed entirely on location at Fitzroy Island, off…

I got a first-hand look at divers entering the water wearing a REAL WW2 Mark V dive helmet and suit! Local expert and guru "Sharky" paused for an impromptu interview right on the deck of the Marinelab habitat in Key Largo, FL. This is home to Vintage Dive Day, and Jules Undersea Lodge. Sharky walks us through the experience of diving in historical gear, why he does it, and some key reactions of divers who didn't know what to expect! Sharky (Mark Alexander), runs the "Dive a Mark V" experience, owns Trident Surface Supplied Diving, and contributes to the History of Diving Museum. Interview and video by: Kenny Dyal

Is there anything wrong with giving away the online scuba training for free? RAID doesn't think so. They’re a major presence in the UK, and an ubiquitous logo around the 2026 UK Go Diving Show. “RAIDers” are taking the scuba world by storm with a very different approach to learning. Director James Rogers took time to explain to me the learning culture behind RAID, which is an international scuba certifying agency. https://diveraid.com/ — Kenny Dyal is the host of The Scuba Diving Podcast: www.sweetwaterscuba.com

This new breakthrough version of a hyperbaric chamber is making it much safer to dive! The technology has been around for a while, but making it THIS lightweight, compact, easy to transport and setup (with just two people!) is a big deal in my book. This allows dive operators to bring along hyperbaric chamber treatment almost anywhere in the world (it can fit in the back of a pickup truck). It is called the “Hyperlite 1” Portable Hyperbaric Chamber. And the fact that two guys can set it up in 15 minutes is wild. When divers get “the bends” underwater (decompression sickness), they need to quickly be transported to a hyperbaric chamber for treatment. This often involves a long time between the emergency call, EMS, and the drive (or quite often, a life flight) to a hyperbaric treatment facility. It also requires the facility to be open, unoccupied, and ready. Having a portable hyperbaric chamber that can pack up and deploy is a big deal. While the price tag is high for an individual diver, the cost-benefit for…

Get front-row access to the most festive night in the Florida Keys, from the best seat in the house! Watch the Key Largo Boat Parade light up the water as fully decorated dive boats and Christmas-themed cruisers glide past The Amoray Diver’s official “Judge Boat”. I’ll be taking you start-to-finish behind the scenes from the official judge crew perspective of the annual Key Largo Christmas Boat Parade. We took the Amoray dive boat to Sundowners dock for the main event, where you’ll see not only the boat parade, but reactions from the judges (and Jeff Gneiser himself!). Despite heavy rains, we were determined to capture the holiday magic of Florida Keys Christmas events that go beyond just diving and snorkeling. With brightly lit boats, waterfront festivities, and the tropical nightlife vibe that makes Key Largo one of the most iconic holiday destinations in the Keys, I hope you enjoy the ride! A big thanks to the Amoray Dive Resort for hosting our stay, along with the Rotary Club, Key Largo Chamber of…

The scuba diving industry has been stuck in the past when it comes to technology — especially online booking. In this episode, we sit down with Alexis Jabbour, the creator of Buddy Booking. It’s a groundbreaking, new platform built specifically for divers, dive shops, and operators.Developed by the same team behind the popular Buddy dive app, Buddy Booking aims to modernize how divers plan and book their adventures — solving one of the biggest “bottlenecks”, which is a contributing factor in holding back the growth of scuba diving worldwide.This platform is designed specifically for the nuance of the dive industry, cutting down the dreaded steps to making a reservation. A key element is working with a simplified calendar, ability to add things like Tanks (or nitrox fills), rental gear, and other things that traditional booking software seems to lack. It even has options to book a private photographer or videographer!It is a standalone reservation + booking management platform, which is separate from the…

No filter. No script. Just real talk.Kenny Dyal and Myles Schwartz dive deep into the most controversial topics in the scuba diving world — from toxic competition between dive pros to the industry’s struggle to attract more women and young divers. And finally, the real reason is we all love scuba diving so much. In this episode, two dive hosts face off on:🌊 Why the scuba industry can be its own worst enemy🤿 How to get more people excited about diving⚓ The truth about dive gear (specifically, if it’s really a good idea to wear a dive knife on EVERY dive) — and what actually matters underwater🐠 What scuba diving is really about at its core Listen to the Free Descent Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1xsMzx1ya9qZBJO2ZL7PWi?si=7f916b989bc449a7 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/free-descent/id1677073474 Kenny Dyal is the host of The Scuba Diving Podcast: TikTok:⁠ https://www.tiktok.com/@kenny_dyal⁠ Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/sweetwater_scuba⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/realkennydyal⁠…

Scuba Diving creates such an ecosystem of social activities that it is almost impossible not to be exposed to a different lifestyle and group of people. It is so life changing that it has launched many careers, is a gateway to many other careers, and I’ve personally witnessed FOUR pairs of divers who got married after initially meeting on a dive. It’s a cheat code to meet people, especially people who would have no chance of ever crossing paths… but for diving. Finally, unlike school sports, scuba diving lasts a lifetime. It doesn’t end wit the season, or when school ends. This makes it a perfect investment in family for the long haul (and is often one of the only excuses for some to travel or meet up). I spoke for an hour at Aggieland Scuba, during their Dive Expo last year while the festivities were going on. The topic was “community” created through diving. In this video I explain how scuba diving changed my life, launched my career, and how I’ve watched it change other people’s lives. This magic happens…

I had way too much fun asking these renowned professional divers their opinions on some of those hot-button scuba diving topics. Everyone was such a sport about this and went for it, even when they knew these were controversial in some circles. It’s also funny how different some of these opinions can vary from one diver to the next. This took place at the 2025 Scuba Show in Long Beach, CA out on the showroom floor. The Questions: Is it OK to pee in your wetsuit? What is the scariest animal for a scuba diver to encounter underwater? Triggerfish has been removed as an option since it is obvious What was the most beneficial scuba course taken, after completing their Open Water scuba certification? Should Scuba Certification have some kind of expiration date? Jacket style BC, Back Inflate BC, or Backplate and Wing? How do you keep your dive mask from fogging up? What one thing should be in every scuba diver’s save-a-dive kit? Do divers prefer clear mask skirts or opaque (black or solid color)? Guests answering…

Most divers (including me) have been calling scuba gear “Life Support” equipment since the beginning. However, when considering redundancies, dive buddies, and proper SESA (Simulated Emergency Swimming Ascents), is our life truly dependent on this gear. And if so, is it truly life support, whereas if the gear fails we die? After a deep dive into this term we’ve all been using since the dawn of scuba diving, I believe Frank Degnan has a great point. Frank has been a scuba instructor for over 40 years, former Dive Safety Officer at Universities, is active with three agencies (PADI, NAUI, and one other). And even holds the title of Course Director Trainer with NAUI. He has won awards, teaches adaptive curriculum, and remains active in his local diving community. This is a well-articulated approach to recreational scuba diving and labeling gear “Life Support”. It’s also a bit of a wake up call for how we train scuba divers and students how to properly execute Emergency Swimming Ascents, as well as knowing when…

Captain Kevin was an extraordinarily laid back boat captain. He kept the boat fun, safe, and even sang Disney songs when underway. Not to mention, the Gilligan's Island theme song. I ask him why they have such a good time, incredible enthusiasm, and retention in their mates, Divemasters, and other employees. He also lets us in on how they stay so friendly with their Guests in occasionally high stress situations, and what ultimately led him to this job.Finally, Captain Kevin was a police officer who went on dive vacations to escape the stress, and ultimately ended up doing that very thing he loves in retirement. He moved down to Key Largo after 20 years of stressful work, and took up a new career as a boat captain (and a father). Look for Captain Kevin along with Captain G, and several other great Captains and Crew at the Amoray Dive Resort in Key Largo, FL, “the dive capital of the world”. Amoray offered my viewers a 25% discount when staying with them. I’ve copy/pasted it below: sweetwater25…

Amoray Dive Resort is considered the only true dive resort in the continental US, with it’s dedicated dive boat literally outside the door of some of the hotel rooms.I fell in love with this dive resort last year when I visited, so I returned a year later to interview the rest of their staff.With a fully staffed dive shop on site, gear, and even a filling station, it makes diving easy.I was asked so many times if this was “Amy Slate’s place?” that I thought it was important to show the renovated room interiors, and how well-kept the place was. They retained the old Keys charm, but upgraded the interior where it counts.The boat is ideal for easy, family-oriented diving that caters to newbies, snorkelers, and shallow scuba diving. But don’t be fooled, some of the best variety of shipwrecks are in the Keys and the Spiegel Grove is just offshore Key Largo, and Amoray does do dedicated trips for Advanced Divers.They offer scuba certification, dive guides, rental gear, and apparently are expanding into a live…

After the wildly popular interview with the inventor of Avelo, I had to go and actually take this thing in the water for some real diving. My wife Katie and I tested the new Avelo Dive System and could not believe it. From a lighter walk down to the water (and less grunting during suit-up), to a natural, cleaner, and more streamlined dive, it was definitely an upgrade in the overall diving experience. It did require a readjustment in the whole experience, but once we did it was one step backward, ten steps forward. I was able to actually go and dive the Avelo system myself and take the Specialty course (the RAD class as it’s been dubbed), and experienced the equipment first hand. It became apparent that this was not only a more enjoyable dive experience, but the instructor in me could not help but notice the safety improvements across the board. As any seasoned instructor knows, a student that bolts or suddenly drops down uncontrolled is a constant task, and in this system it’s virtually eliminated.…

Find out what it takes to be a Scuba Queen, and compete in the Miss International Pageant, as well as gain a sense of community in the scuba diving world!The National Director of Scuba Queen USA, Marina Inserra, has a talk with Kenny Dyal about the purpose of Scuba Queens, The Scuba Queen USA Pageant, and the Miss Scuba International Pageant.The world competes in multiple talent presentations for multiple titles, while cultivating a mentorship for young women who wish to become scuba divers and leaders in their communities.Scuba Queen USA builds confidence, teaches dance and performance, and empowers women to become ocean advocates.They are strengthening the dive community by building up women in the underwater world and beyond. https://www.scubaqueenusa.com/

🎙️ How to Make a Living in Scuba Diving | Interview with Kenny Dyal | Scuba Business & Marketing Tips In this interview, James Carbary, CEO of Sweetfish Media sits down with Kenny Dyal — seasoned safety diver, NAUI Course Director, and founder of Sweetwater Scuba — to break down how you can build a successful career in scuba diving. Whether you're a dive instructor, shop owner, or just curious about turning your passion into a profession, this conversation is packed with insights.👉 Topics Covered:How to start a career in scuba divingTips for teaching independently or owning a dive shopMaking money through social media and visual contentControversial topics in the dive industryFixing what's broken in the scuba worldMarketing tips for dive businessesHow to get consulting help for your dive shop or brand🧠 About Kenny Dyal:Kenny began diving in 1998, became a Disney safety Divemaster in 2006, and started teaching independently in 2009. He has spent nearly a decade as a NAUI Course Director and in 2016, sold his…

The Last Breath is based on the unbelievable true story of a diving accident. Kenny speaks with movie Director Alex Parkinson and Producer David Brooks to better understand the thought process behind the movie. Both Guests are co-writers of the 2025 movie, and give an inside look at some of the behind-the-scenes challenges and obstacles. Spoiler Alert: This is an early review and discussion of plot points and questions about the Last Breath. If you haven’t seen the movie yet, I’d definitely recommend it! Our interview discusses how actors Fin Cole, Simu Liu and Woody Harrelson were able to capture the true emotion of being trapped in a dangerous rescue mission deep underwater. This movie has a realistic, visceral feel to it. Aside from a little (visually stunning) creative license, it follows the real story of Chris Lemons, the commercial saturation diver who got stranded in a heavy dive suit on the seafloor of the North Sea. If that wasn’t enough, it was during a storm, and at night. We got to discuss the…

The inventor of Avelo explains exactly how it works and why it’s changing how people go scuba diving. Aviad Cahana invented this new system, intended to make scuba diving easier, more accessible, and just a lot more fun. Buoyancy Control is no longer an obstacle, especially for new divers and students. Scuba Diving is also somewhat restrictive due to carrying lots of weight (especially shore diving), and this reduces the overall weight a diver has on their back. Scuba Diving is not only safer with this system, but it also reduces air consumption (even for professionals). Aviad also reveals some wild research into buoyancy, weight, and wetsuits, turning what we’ve been teaching Open Water students upside down. Renowned underwater stunt performer, Liz Parkinson also explains her endorsement of this device. This brings the world of scuba diving much closer to the experience of freediving, without the breathhold limitations. The Avelo System is already changing the future of scuba diving. Hope you love this…

Dr. Melissa Giresi explains how regular scuba divers can help save the coral reefs! Volunteers can actually help maintain and grow new coral in the Florida Keys with the Ocean Conservation Foundation, which is a branch of Rainbow Reef. She walks us through the process of diving in the coral nurseries and helping save the reefs. If you've ever wanted to dive in a magical underwater farm of tropical fish and coral, this is how to do it! Melissa is the Director of Conservation at Ocean Conservation Foundation. She is public presenter on Fish ID, conservation initiatives. She has a Ph.D. in Biology with extensive experience in research, teaching, and diving. Special thanks to Coral Restoration Foundation™ for supplying video of the underwater coral nurseries. Also a special thanks to Seminole Scuba for hosting the conservation exhibit event where the interview took place. Contact Ocean Conservation Foundation: https://www.oceanconservationfoundation.org/ocean-conservation-team/…

Mark Gresham of PSI - PCI is a renowned industry leader in the dive and compressed gas industry. He debunks myths and disinformation about scuba tanks (formally called cylinders), offering detailed explanations. Some of the controversial topics include: Are titanium regulators flammable when filled with Nitrox? (or blended / partial pressure oxygen mixes) Is there any reason to roll or shake scuba tanks to mix the blended gas inside? Should valve hand wheels on a scuba tank still be turned back a quarter turn? Does the air in a scuba tank go bad after a while? What makes a VIP (Visual Inspection Sticker) valid? And how often do scuba tanks explode? Mark discusses and answers those topics and more in this interview where we finally get to the bottom of these common questions in the dive industry. Mark Gresham is considered the leader in Cylinder Inspections, analysis, valve, and fill station expertise. He is regularly consulted by global dive operations, NASA, Dept of Defense, NOAA, and many others.…

Scuba Divers are wildly attached to their gear, especially their regulator! That makes this all the more bold of a move by Jared Berg, who plunged head-first into a crowded, and ultimately tiny market space. But… NEX is now emerging as one of the top scuba equipment manufacturers in recreational AND technical diving. To prove it, NEX Underwater Products has already won two awards: Scuba Lab’s Tester’s Choice for 2022 Scuba Lab’s Best Buy for 2023 Jared’s passion spills onto everything he builds, and it’s for all to see. His daughter’s name is also infused directly into the product names. PS, his daughter also happens to be his dive buddy. Aside from making his gear line in the USA (which is amazing!), he even makes his own hoses and other small accessories. The quality control he puts into every little D-ring and doo-dad is unreal, to the point where it turned my head at the DEMA Show (this was not a planned interview at all). The build, performance, and modularity seem to rival the biggest stalwarts of the…

Every scuba diver must visit this location at some point in their life. My only regret is not going sooner. We noticed that it’s just as mind-blowing to non-divers and kids as it is to certified divers. I also believe it inspires many to go and get involved in the world of scuba diving. In this interview, I speak with the executive director, Lisa Mongelia while at the DEMA Show. She not only gives us some foundational history, but some of the most interesting points and facts about the museum itself. I also found the little hidden Playmobile divers to be wildly fun, in an Easter-eggy kinda way! The history of Diving Museum is a first-class operation with extremely fine attention to detail. This is every diver’s bucket-list destination, and it’s perfectly situated in the Florida Keys, on Islamorada. From sound effects to things you can touch, we got the vibe of being transported somewhere else. I was shocked at the number of dive helmets and suits that exist out there and loved the timeline and facts along…

Scuba diving has been stuck in the stone age for a while. Here is a recap of, in my opinion, why we are going to catch up to the other big sports rather quickly. We’ve all seen the endless, well-intentioned attempts at a new dive app like how to find dive locations, log a dive, or an agency app (like PADI, NAUI, SSI, SDI, BSAC, CMAS, etc.). But I see people light up when they realize they can store ALL of their certs and cross-validate dive logs. It tracks professional divers and operators so you can get validated by pro from any agency. The other big one is the fact it notifies you of divers in your area. Buddy Radar is a dive buddy finder, and it actually goes off quite a bit when I travel. This is a game changer as more people get on the app. It’s got buckets of other features that continue to impress me. I hope you love this recap that has been 2 years in the making! PS if you want to get some free stuff, win contests, and maybe grab a sponsorship, jump over to their site and get on it!…

Bella Zandoná dives the dark, cold waters of the Pacific Northwest packing a Marelux camera rig while wearing a drysuit. She is proof that scuba diving doesn’t need to be a macho sport for “tough guys”, and everyone with a love of the ocean should get involved. Bella loves shooting macro underwater photography, capturing the hidden sea life that enchants those less-traveled ocean floors. Bella is an ambassador for Marelux camera equipment, as well as Suunto dive computers. I bumped into her at DEMA, where she was on the showroom floor. Bella also gives lectures on photography, marine biology, and conservation in her home State of Washington. @divingwithbella is the account every diver should be keeping an eye on. Bella is the next big thing to hit the scuba diving industry and is already making big waves in the Pacific Northwest. How to follow Bella Zandoná: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divingwithbella/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@divingwithbella LinkedIn:…

Haley Mermaid explains exactly how she became a full-time Mermaid Performer and tips for other merfolk to break into those paid gigs. We cover a lot in this sit-down interview, from training tips to tail making pointers, plus safety concerns for parents with kids who want to learn to be a mermaid. She also lists specific steps to getting jobs as a mermaid. Finally, the big reason Scuba Certification is the biggest asset in mermaid training. We get into the real reasons why Scuba is more helpful than freediving for mermaid safety and character performance (but also why freediving is still extremely valuable). @HaleyTheMermaid has MILLIONS of followers, makes and sells mermaid tails, jewelry, tops, and accessories. Haley can also be hired for character performance events, shows, mermaid training courses, and even personalized videos. How to contact & follow Haley Mermaid: https://haleymermaid.com/ https://www.tiktok.com/@haleymermaid https://www.instagram.com/haleymermaid…

This was the perfect dive convention between the DEMA Show and The Scuba Show, and was much bigger than I expected. Loaded with vendors ranging from Tusa to Aqualung, Stream2Sea to Fourth Element, and even Huish Outdoors (Atomic, Zeagle, Suunto, Oceanic and others). They also gave out prizes, had mermaids on the scene, and even free food trucks! Aggieland Scuba has outdone themselves in creating something that has become an instant staple, and probably too big to contain in College Station, TX. Join me as I cover the Dive Expo from start to finish, setup to teardown, interviewing staff, vendors, and speakers throughout the event! Special thanks to Aggieland Scuba for putting such an incredible community together for the entire underwater world! (and inviting me out)! The crowds never thinned out and the energy remained at a constant 110% throughout the entire day. The inaugural event has already outgrown itself, so I'm looking forward to seeing where next year's event goes! Be sure to check out their website…

Jennifer Opiela-Miksch is a co-owner of AggieLand Scuba, a full-service retail dive shop in College Station, Texas. She’s running a success story of financial AND personal growth, with the simple ingredient to growing the store and enjoying the job revealed here in this interview. Jennifer has also helped launch the Dive Expo for their 10 year anniversary. This is a community of scuba retail, equipment service, liveaboard charters, mermaid schools and of course scuba training and trips. The Dive Expo is quickly growing into the “stop gap” between the Scuba Show and DEMA, with the convenience of being in the middle of the country. The DIVE EXPO is Saturday, August 24th, 2024 from 9am-5pm at Aggieland Scuba: 2151 Harvey Mitchell Parkway Suite #109 College Station Texas 77840 https://www.aggielandscuba.com/ https://www.tiktok.com/@aggielandscuba https://www.instagram.com/aggielandscuba https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsnaxodLj7dbpYhJfQQReqw https://www.facebook.com/aggielandscuba — Kenny Dyal is the host of…

Finally, you can find somebody to dive with. Even better, you can find divers in your area that have similar interests and skills! Kenny jumps on a video call with Alexis to discuss exciting new technology that links divers up with each other. The new “Radar” feature notifies you of divers in your area. You can chat, dive together, just ask questions about the area… but it’s divers talking to divers, and this is incredible. This is worth talking about because it has officially been released! PS -don’t forget to find and add me on Buddy! – Download Buddy App for iOS https://apps.apple.com/us/app/buddy-dive-log-community/id1588860327 Download Buddy App for Android https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.divewithbuddy.app&pli=1 https://www.tiktok.com/@divewithbuddy https://www.instagram.com/divewithbuddy/ — Kenny Dyal is the host of The Scuba Diving Podcast: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kenny_dyal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetwater_scuba Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realkennydyal…

Epic underwater photography and videography are some of the incredible accomplishments of Kewin Lorenzen. He’s a shark conservationist, cave diving explorer, tech diver, artist, and above all, an underwater photographer. He’s shot several renowned videos and photos for TV programs and sits on the board of directors for “People of the Water”, a non-profit dedicated to strengthening human understanding of our oceans. Finally, he works together with his spouse, Cristina Zenato, who is famously known for her underwater work with sharks. We discuss tricks to becoming a better underwater photographer, videographer, cave diving, and of course, the challenges of working together as a couple. Kewin is originally from Denmark and now lives and works with Cristina in the Bahamas. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kewinlorenzen/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kewin.lorenzen/ Kewin Lorenzen Website: http://kewinlorenzen.com/ People of the Water: https://pownonprofit.org/ – Kenny Dyal is the host of The Scuba…

Captain G was the most popular boat captain I have ever seen. Guests would arrive like old friends calling him by name. So after visiting the Amoray Dive Resort in Key Largo for another interview, I just had to interview the famous Captain G. Before the interview, I had the opportunity to go out on two dive drive trips, totalling 4 dives in a single day. He was our captain for both trips, and was fantastic. He had the boat laughing at briefings, never missed a beat, and was approachable. He always seemed to be enjoying himself, and the crew loved him as well. The boat captain plays a major role in ocean diving, especially with new divers and even classes. Keeping your cool in tense situations with lots of people doing different things from a large dive boat… and for decades on end? That is an art. I also watched him load and unload several other trips just below my balcony the days following, and it was always entertaining. One of the most memorable elements of our stay at Amoray Dive Center was watching the…

Amoray Dive Resort is the only dedicated dive resort in the Florida Keys. In fact, Key Largo is considered the “Scuba Diving Capital of the World”. Jeff Gneiser (and his wife, Cynthia) own the PADI 5 Star Dive Operation that operates with the resort. Jeff sat down with me to tell the story of how they’ve renovated and expanded the facility, and what it takes to be a 2023 and 2024 award-winning dive operation. They took us to the reefs and the famous Spiegel Grove shipwreck, and we stayed a few nights at the resort. After seeing some of the local sites like The History of Diving Museum (and feeding the tarpon at Robbie’s) we even had dinner with the two of them at what is now our new favorite waterside dive. This is someone who has it together and loves his work. If you want a peek into what the dream looks like, this is it. For a discount offered directly by the resort: Rate code: sweetwater10 Booking link: https://hotels.cloudbeds.com/reservation/o1m6rL#promo=sweetwater10 104250 Overseas Highway Key Largo,…

Liz Parkinson is, in my humble opinion, the world’s greatest underwater stunt performer, athlete, and real-life Aquaman (and by Aquaman I mean Aquawoman!) You might be shocked how she ended up in movies, and what led her to being the “go to” in-water trainer for A-list celebrities. If you’re James Cameron and you need the best person in the world to perform your underwater stunts for a billion dollar movie franchise, you’d better call Liz. If you don't think being involved with waterspouts like free diving and scuba diving will never open any big doors, just remember this: Liz was Oscar-nominated for Outstanding Action Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Motion Picture in 2023 for Avatar: The Way of Water She’s worked on documentaries (such as the Netflix mini-series Thai Cave Rescue) as well as movies ranging from Black Panther to Fast and Furious F9 Saga and beyond. She professionally conducts in-water safety, instruction, performances, and stunts for stars such as Kate Winslet, Sigourney Weaver, and Hugh…

In this episode we go inside the hyperbaric chamber, and ask everything you’d ever want to know about actually going in! Or, as owner and operator Mitch Hall puts it, “going down”. The hyperbaric chambers are used not only to treat scuba diving related injuries, but heal wounds and have other benefits to your health. He explains what it all means, how they work, and has some very surprising stories about some past divers that got into trouble (and a cautionary tale to those cavalier divers out there!) He gave me a tour of the entire facility, and we had way too much fun doing it! Website: https://www.hyperbaricstaugustine.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hyperbaric_staugustine Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HyperbaricStAugustine/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HyperbaricStAugustine — Kenny Dyal is the host of The Scuba Diving Podcast: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kenny_dyal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetwater_scuba Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realkennydyal LinkedIn:…

Divers Alert Network’s (DAN) marketing director Steve Jamroz gives us a peek behind the curtain of the world’s most famous SCUBA organization. DAN helps develop treatments, preventions, best practices and insurance for diving related accidents, illnesses, and even trip or business losses. They research prevention on everything from equipment safety to Decompression Sickness (DCS), as well as new training techniques. DAN also has a free Medical Services department you can call anytime to ask about potential conditions that could prevent you from diving. Their medical professionals can also offer guidance to your own doctor, whereas they may be unfamiliar with diving-specific health considerations. Steve and Kenny have a casual discussion about life at the DAN organization, workplace culture, marketing their product, and of course, the DEMA after-parties they’ve become famous for. Follow or contact them on all major social channels listed on their website below: https://dan.org/ Medical Services:…

In this showcase episode of the Buddy App, we go after the CORE reason the dive industry struggles to produce income earners: connection. The top question I get is “where do you suggest I go?” or “where can I learn to dive in my area?” or “who has dive trips around that area?” Despite all of the search engines on our smartphones and apps, this question is still going strong. This feature of the buddy app let’s dive shops, charters, resorts and even Independent Scuba Instructors create their own platform to connect with divers, and gets them found by divers. It is (finally) a TRUE hub for the diving community. It benefits divers, students, organizations and businesses, so everyone wins by being connected. No weird or awkward groups to join on some website or social platform you really don’t want - just divers connecting in the easiest way possible. The Buddy Dive Log app has everything else in a dive log, like social media links, tipping functions, galleries, filters, and even validates your dives…

There’s been a longstanding rift between Technical Diving and Recreational Diving in some circles, but does it have to be like that? Not according to Chris Foisey aka "The Modern Diver" -host of one of the largest scuba equipment review channels on the internet. He explains the importance of learning proper finning, trim and buoyancy, but also gets the value of fun (HINT: It’s the whole reason we do this) Chris is easily the most relaxed, educated, and easy-to-listen-to gear critic out there, with thoughtful breakdowns that let the diver actually make decisions for themselves, vs just an opinionated "this is what I think" monologue. I learn something EVERY single time I watch his videos, so it was a joy to finally speak to him in real time for this interview. We hit all the hot button topics like teaching on the knees, Backplate and Wing for Open Water training, and why some dive shops behave so differently than others. But perhaps the most valuable conversation of all, is HOW to bridge that gap between…

Strong opinions, confusion, and being overwhelmed with getting started are all part of this beast… The good news is we have an absolute GAME CHANGER: Once and for all, the dive gear dilemma of not knowing where to go, who to talk to, or where to even start is OVER. Alexis Jabbour, founder of The Buddy App, talks about how dive gear is now connecting people through sharing. Anyone can add gear to their dive log (even if it’s rental) so nothing gets lost. Dive buddies can see what their friends are wearing and literally click on it to learn more, including links to buy it right then and there. Influencers, Dive Shops and “Buddy Explorers” even have ways to add their affiliate links or get sponsored gear directly on their profile. Professional can even link back to their home dive shop! Buddy is quickly changing the landscape for diving, making it easier and more accessible for more people. This revolutionary dive app is streamlining the entire gear debacle that’s gone on far too long. The Buddy Dive Log app…

Alannah Vellacott is truly a creature of the Caribbean Waters, in every possible sense. She's been famously dubbed "The Real Life Little Mermaid" by many notable figures, and for good reason. Aside from freediving, scuba diving, working on several Shark Week episodes, and simply living the Island Life we all dream about… she actually works to preserve and rebuild the very world that sustains her lifestyle (and the planet, for that matter!) Land Based Coral restoration with Coral Vita is a unique process that she explains with great enthusiasm during our interview. It's a system that allows coral to grow up to 50 times faster than it would in the wild, helping revitalize dead or dying reefs. Alannah is wildly connected, seen working with the likes of André Musgrove, Cristina Zenato, Scuba Radio, and even Samuel Jackson. A flagship citizen of Grand Bahama Island, Alannah is armed with a B.Sc. in Biological Sciences, with an extensive resumé ranging from Cape Eleuthra Institute, BREEF, Perry institute for…

Ellie is as charming as she is talented, with more big scuba names under her belt than… maybe anyone. Known by her screen name as “Scuba Ellie”, she’s responsible for connecting Scuba Diving with the rest of the world in profound way. She works using brilliant visual photography, videography, editing, and just being awesome at diving. She creates content for the dive industry full-time, she’s a Scuba Instructor, and dives everything from the tropics to drysuits, aluminums to doubles. Ellie discusses how to handle social media burnout, negative comments, and of course what NOW fills her cup. If you’re like so many people trying to build your brand or following, she shares some sage advice for any creative diver that's willing to listen. I was fortunate enough to spend some time with her at the DEMA show, sit on a panel discussing social media with the dive industry, and finally, the after parties from Deeper Blue to Bourbon Street. PS: I’m still waiting on that scuba skating video… Ellie’s contact info:…

Ed Rasmussen is part of the Scubapro Team, including the Deep Elite Global Team, a Scubapro global government manager. Ed was also an active Navy Seal, who went on regular deployments. He is now a Divemaster, helping to liaison the recreational dive industry with defense departments, law enforcement, and emergency services. Ed is a big supporter of those who served in the Armed Forces. He’s received an avalanche of subscribers to his now-iconic Instagram page @ ecrazz -loaded with facts and historical video ranging from equipment breakdowns to covert operation footage. Ed now enjoys diving for the sheer joy of it, bringing a wealth of expertise, experience, and valued perspective that very few get to hear. He was as pleasant as he was knowledgeable to finally meet in person, and I’m fortunate to say I have a new friend in the diving world. Read more about Ed on the official Scubapro site: https://scubapro.johnsonoutdoors.com/us/global-dive-team/ed-rasmussen Follow his IG here:…

Kenny sits down with the founder of Deeper Blue, the world’s largest community for scuba divers. Stephan is larger than life, throwing the number one party to be at during the number one scuba diving gathering on the planet. His love of the ocean flows like a perfect cocktail. Always upbeat, hilarious, and seems to be close friends with the entire worldwide scuba industry (I’m kind of not kidding). He explains what DeeperBlue does, how it got started, the future, and what he would love to see improve in the dive industry as a whole. His passion for scuba and freediving is on full display everywhere he goes. Not only during our interview, but throughout the DEMA show, and pretty much anywhere else there was fun happening… Stephan was there. Never an ego or point to prove, just a fun-loving, water-obsessed human being. Further (and by total coincidence) Stephan & Kenny were both invited to a Panel for social media influencers to discuss with the audience some of their secrets to success. The event took place…

Chef Anton is an Award-winning magician who can actually teach and certify a PADI scuba specialty course using underwater magic! He uses magic to help make scuba diving concepts easier to understand, relieve anxiety, and foster better learning. Further, it helps paint a better picture of concepts like nitrogen buildup, compression and expansion, and all those core fundamentals that can be tough to grasp for new divers. Aside from making learning easier, underwater magic makes everything a LOT more fun! I was completely mesmerized during this interview. He performed REAL magic tricks right in front of me and the crew (And I promise, no camera tricks!) He’s an IDC staff instructor, offering a real specialty certification for scuba diving professionals, and specialty certification for scuba diving students, along with an underwater magic starter pack. His execution is just as impressive as his welcoming, warm, and hilariously charming personality. In fact, one of his recent scuba students, Avery Fisher, not…

A fixture in the Daytona Beach area, Don Bouer has one of the most unusual takes on just about anything water related. He’s a master of aquatics, spending decades protecting swimmers & tourists in one of the busiest beaches in Florida, which also happens to be the home of the shark attack capital of the world, New Smyrna Beach (Ponce Inlet). It’s also known as a dangerous area for swimmers due to the currents, waves, rip tides and tidal changes, combined with such a high number of annual visitors. Don teaches scuba diving, swimming, and seems to know someone everywhere we turn. He’s eccentric, fun, full of energy and his positive outlook on the world around him is beyond contagious. You can’t help but have a good time and feel like there’s something good about everyone and everything after spending just a few hours with him. His answers are reliably atypical, and even his (casual) independent scuba instruction company name is called “Aquatic Alternative”. He teaches private scuba lessons at both his…

This is the only app that verifies and works for ALL agencies. So any active professional can verify any diver, on any dive. The other big thing that caught my attention was the fact that in books- a signature or stamp leaves with the diver or student- so there’s no way for that professional to show how many logs they’ve verified, and they both lose contact as soon as that book closes. I’m 100% all for these, vs paper that can get lost, destroyed, and doesn’t keep that connection on both ends. As a professional or dive instructor, you only need to fill out one log for the dive, then send out for validation to your divers or students. That alone sold me on this feature! Although I’ve already interviewed Alexis in Hawaii (on site) about this app, I keep finding new things that make it special, and are worth discussing on my channel. With the official 2023 Summer now entering the holiday season, Buddy is making waves throughout the industry as a disruptive platform that’s quickly changing the landscape for…

"OMGitswicks" tries scuba diving with Kenny and the Sweetwater Crew, and lives to sit down and talk about it! Not only do we talk about that first experience scuba diving, but what it’s like running a social media personality with millions of followers, and making content everyday. In fact, some swimmers down at a remote freshwater spring in Florida immediately recognized him while we were getting ready to dive. Wicks is just as funny in person as he is with his sketch comedy, and wild Florida observations. We talk gators, crocodiles, hurricanes, Big Summer vs Summer Jr, and of course, Super Humidity. I also asked him his favorite character, favorite post, and when he felt like it went big. Finally, OMGitswicks hints at what’s coming around the corner, Publix, and of course the Blue Crab that had it out for him. This was the funniest interview I’ve ever had the pleasure of doing, I hope you have as much fun as I did! Make sure to follow his channels, Plus let him know how you felt about this interview by…

Kenny was invited in-studio to interview the host of Scuba Radio, Greg “The Divemaster” Holt. Founded in 1997, Scuba Radio is the oldest (and only) nationally syndicated terrestrial radio show for scuba divers (that’s like OG radio on the dial!) His interpretation of why people go scuba diving gives some serious food for thought. We discuss motivations for going scuba diving, why people tune into his show, golf vs scuba, some issues facing the dive industry, and even the late Jimmy Buffett. This whole show is basically a bunch of divers talking about diving at a waterside Tiki Bar. Scuba Radio is fun, energetic, doesn’t take itself too seriously, and just about anyone can get on the show if they ask nicely (hey, they even had me on!) Scuba Radio airs LIVE every Saturday LIVE number: 1-888-88-SCUBA Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/live/2sSjx97ekyc?si=jeOpg09OrMi2177a Listen to ALL of the episodes on your favorite podcast channels: Spotify:…

In my continuing showcase series of the Buddy App, we talk about Social Media and the integration of the “Sharebuilder” feature. While the app’s ability to integrate with social media accounts might seem like a meager topic on the surface - social is now the bloodline of Scuba Diving interest, and is indispensable for attracting new divers. We discuss the importance of social (for all its flaws) in diving, due to its visual nature. Alexis and her Buddy team did not overlook this critical element of the diving community, and went above and beyond. Although I’ve already interviewed Alexis in Hawaii (on site) about this app, I keep finding new things that make it special, and are worth discussing on my channel. With the official 2023 Summer launch completing its fourth month in existence, Buddy is making waves throughout the industry as a disruptive platform that’s quickly changing the landscape for divers, freedivers, and snorkelers. The world of diving is going to look very different 1-2 years from now, with…