The Scuba Diving Podcast

Latest Episodes:

S3:E08 | Tech Diving Instructor & Commercial Salvage Diver Red Sullivan talks nasty dive sites, dangerous situations, & even teaching students. He also shares his home remedy for his famous "Ear Beer" Jul 22, 2023

Show notes

Red Sullivan owns a scuba gear service company and commercial dive salvage operation called Bluewater Diving, based in Daytona Beach, FL.

While working on gear or teaching technical diving courses such as Rebreather, Cavern & Cave Diving, Red listens each day on his massive radio tower for the call.

Calls come in requesting help with sunken boats, a need to sink a boat to form an artificial reef, or even airplanes and cars that find themselves on the bottom of a local pond or waterway. Red spends his in between time at the work bench, servicing scuba regulators and equipment from all over the world. He services gear for dive shops and other facilities, and has been for over 30 years. In that time, he's seen some wild stuff.

Red talks about teaching techniques with open water scuba certification (such as teaching on knees vs starting from a neutral position) as well as some contrasts between recreational and tech diving, from an Instructor's viewpoint.

This is also the famous "ear beer" story from those viral post on all the sweetwater channels, …or possibly better known as “Red’s Ear Beer”

His personal concoction to keep ears form getting infected while diving in nasty water.

The second interview is finally here and I hope you enjoy this episode!

Red Sullivan is the owner of Bluewater Diving in Daytona Beach, FL

https://www.bluewaterdiving.com

red@bluewaterdiving.com

+1 (386) 299-8671

—

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: www.linkedin.com/in/kennydyal

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RealKennyDyal

www.sweetwaterscuba.com

S3:E07 | BEST SCUBA DIVING APP EVER possibly just for this one reason | Tips, & Diver Résumé | The Scuba Diving Podcast with Buddy creator Alexis Jabbour Jul 19, 2023

Show notes

In this showcase series of the best scuba diving app on the market today, we discuss how divers can setup a profile, and (finally) get tipped! This interview takes place on the beaches of Oahu, Hawaii, with Guest Alexis Jabbour. She’s the mastermind behind the Buddy App, now over 2.5 years in the making! With the Summer 2023 launch happening as we speak, Buddy is making waves throughout the industry as a disruptive platform that’s quickly changing the landscape for divers, freedivers, and snorkelers.

With the tipping feature built right into the Buddy Profile, we no longer have to remember our cash, find an ATM, or worse… forget and never see the divemasters or boat crew again.

Not only can dives be validated and buddies be added to dive that show up in the dive log, it’s an easy way to find and tip those who deserve it, even after-the-fact!

The Buddy Dive Log app has the best of all the agencies like PADI, SSI, NAUI, and goes well beyond the capabilities of Manufacturer apps like Garmin, Suunto, Apple Watch and many others. It combines all the features into one, without those barriers that divide the already-small industry even smaller. Connecting buddies of ALL agencies is the skeleton key of all future growth in this watery world. Making sure hardworking scuba instructors, boat hands, and divemasters get paid is equally important. This app, yet again, fixes a lingering rankle within the dive industry.

Further, Alexis talks about the Charter and Dive shops features that allow those QR codes to be posted for those who pool their tips.

It’s clean, works smoothly, easy to use, and is the most comprehensive diver app YET. It got me excited enough to continue interviewing and discussing this incredible new tool, and making it part of our series here on The Scuba Diving Channel.

Just a reminder, it’s even set up for those that aren’t certified yet! So literally anyone can download this app (it’s free).

BONUS: There’s a program to help you make more money by getting people to sign up! Become a “Buddy Pro” and start growing your following NOW:

Professional Divers, Operators, Facilities, Resorts, or Dive Shops: Get Buddy for Business

–

Download Buddy App for iOS

Download Buddy App for Android

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

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kennydyal

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RealKennyDyal

www.sweetwaterscuba.com

S3:E06 | Number One reason divers stop diving: Nobody to dive with. This is the best solution yet. Jul 12, 2023

Show notes

In this showcase series of the best scuba diving app on the market today, we discuss adding buddies in the Buddy App. This interview takes place on the beaches of Oahu, Hawaii, with Guest Alexis Jabbour. She’s the mastermind behind the Buddy App, now over 2.5 years in the making! With the Summer 2023 launch happening as we speak, Buddy is making waves throughout the industry as a disruptive platform that’s quickly changing the landscape for divers, freedivers, and snorkelers.

In fact, I have a feeling the world of diving is going to look very different 1-2 years from now, with the rapid adoption of the Buddy platform.

The Buddy Dive Log app has the best of all the agencies like PADI, SSI, NAUI, and goes well beyond the capabilities of Manufacturer apps like Garmin, Suunto, Apple Watch and many others. This one combines all the features into one, without those barriers that divide the already small industry even smaller. Connecting buddies of ALL agencies is the skeleton key of all future growth in this watery world.

Further, Alexis talks about the search features coming down the pipe that will allow meetups and other ways to connect that we’ve been desperately needing for too long.

It’s clean, works smoothly, easy to use, and is easily the most comprehensive diver app YET. It got me excited enough to continue interviewing and discussing this incredible new tool.

Not to worry, it’s even set up for those that aren’t certified yet, so literally anyone can download this app (and of course, it’s free).

BONUS: There’s a program to help you make more money by getting people to sign up! Become a “Buddy Pro” and start growing your following NOW:

Professional Divers, Operators, Facilities, Resorts, or Dive Shops: Get Buddy for Business

–

Download Buddy App for iOS

Download Buddy App for Android

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

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kennydyal

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RealKennyDyal

www.sweetwaterscuba.com

S3:E05 | The best Dive Log app for 2023 will get you logging your dives again! Buddy has every feature a scuba diver or freediver will need (and especially, WANT) Jul 05, 2023

Show notes

I had to go all the way to Hawaii to find the best scuba diving app on the market today! I walked the cities and beaches interviewing the founder of the all-new Buddy Dive Log App. In this interview we discussed the Dive Log interface and what makes it so special. This particular interview takes place on the beaches of Oahu, just North of Electric Beach, with Guest Alexis Jabbour. She’s the mastermind behind the Buddy App, now over 2.5 years in the making! With the Summer 2023 launch happening as we speak, Buddy is making waves throughout the industry as a disruptive platform. It's quickly changing the landscape for divers, freedivers, snorkelers, (and eventually) Mermaids! The Buddy Dive Log app has the best of all the agencies like PADI, SSI, NAUI, and goes well beyond the capabilities of manufacturer apps like Garmin, Suunto, Apple Watch and many others. Buddy combines all the features into one, without those segment barriers that divide our already small industry even smaller. And arguably one of the most important features of all, the Share Builder allows divers to customize, then post to social media directly from the app, toggling what (and what not) to display. Further, it allows you to connect your money accounts for tipping and bookings, verifies your certifications or professional memberships (regardless of agency), lets you share your gear, and of course has all the other fun dive log stuff (literally everything) including a photo filter for underwater adjustments. It has the ability to “friend” and chat with other divers directly on the platform, and helps you find divers in a specific area that match your skill level. It’s clean, works smoothly, it's easy to use, and looks to be the most comprehensive diver app YET. It got me excited enough to continue interviewing and discussing this incredible new tool (and yup, I use it now!). Not to worry, it’s even set up for those that aren’t certified yet, so literally anyone can download this app. It's also important to note this app is free in its full form, so no pesky click bait ads. Get it here: www.divewithbuddy.com

Professional Divers, Operators, Facilities, Resorts, or Dive Shops: Get Buddy for Business

–

Download Buddy App for iOS

Download Buddy App for Android

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

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kennydyal

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RealKennyDyal

www.sweetwaterscuba.com

S3:E04 | Teaching scuba certification skills from a neutrally buoyant position in the pool is a hotly debated training method in the world of SCUBA diving. Jul 04, 2023

Show notes

Kenny and Mike break down a highly contentious subject within the dive training community: Should students be taught all the required scuba skills only AFTER gaining the ability to hover in a neutrally buoyant position?

Many supporters have been quoted saying they’ll “die on this hill”. But since this is NOT the widely accepted industry standard, at least for the WRSTC or most major training agencies (like PADI, NAUI, SDI, SSI and others)... should it be the norm, or is it simply overkill? Is it realistic in every single scenario with every single student, and is it even practical for group classes within a typical budget of an Open Water certification course? There is no doubt an issue with poor neutral buoyancy training, as most working divemasters and instructors will vehemently profess, but is this the solution or is there another angle?

This topic can be seen stirring pretty strong opinions in any given scuba forum or comment thread, so we decided to discuss it point blank.

–

Regular Guest Michael Kest is a jury trial attorney for civil litigation, and an experienced scuba instructor. He’s worked many dive shops, charter boats, and has taught independently in locations ranging from Florida to Hawaii. Mike has also been a Divemaster for Epcot’s Dive Quest program at Disney for over 15 years, leading tens of thousands of Guests in the Seas aquarium on a weekly basis. He played football for FSU, he’s a father of three, a husband, a coach, and regularly dives in South Florida for fun on his spare time.

Find Kenny Dyal on the Buddy App for iOS

Find Kenny Dyal on the Buddy App for Android

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: www.linkedin.com/in/kennydyal

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RealKennyDyal

www.sweetwaterscuba.com

S3:E03 | John Garza is known in the underwater photography world AND the shark diving world as a pioneer. He connects people with the beauty (& necessity) of sharks, and all the ocean’s beings. Jun 21, 2023

Show notes

John Garza leads shark excursions, captains a luxury catamaran, teaches and takes stunning underwater photography of sharks, whales, you name it… all in the name of learning mutual respect, conservation, and how to have fun doing it. He does not, however, wear a cape.

John is a busy, hard-working professional based in South Florida and the Caribbean. He runs an alternative-style charter for those seeking a different kind of experience, where luxury meets authenticity and learning.

Formerly sailing the Purely Blue Charters, John and his partner-in-crime Hannah Patten (along with the rest of the crew) sail the all-new My Hülya catamaran, launching soon (at the time of this publishing). In fact, Hannah even has her own sustainable swimsuit line that often overlaps the very same lifestyle, where they can regularly be seen working together on related projects.

Follow John Garza’s incredible underwater photography:

https://www.instagram.com/johngarzaphoto/

Follow their My Hülya Catamaran page as it gets ready for launch!:

https://www.instagram.com/my.hulya/

—

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: www.linkedin.com/in/kennydyal

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RealKennyDyal

www.sweetwaterscuba.com

S3:E02 | Seasoned Scuba Gear Technician talks dive equipment, taking care of it, & work bench horror stories. He ROASTS gear manufacturers, maintenance practices, & lists some colorful pet peeves. Jun 07, 2023

Show notes

Red Sullivan owns a scuba gear servicing company, which also conducts commercial dive salvage operations It's called Bluewater Diving and is based in Daytona Beach, FL.

While working on gear, Red listens on his massive radio tower for calls from sunken boats, airplanes and cars that found themselves on the bottom of a local pond or waterway. Red spends the bulk of his time at the work bench, servicing scuba regulators and equipment from all over the world. He services gear for dive shops and other facilities, and has been for over 30 years. In that time, he's seen some wild stuff.

Not only does he talk about the freaky things he's found in divers' regulators, but also how to take care of gear, what matters the most when buying, and whether or not you should really spend money on regulators.

This interview also contains the infamous "puke" story from those with acid reflux that "vurp" into their regulators, the lizard egg story, spiders in regulators, and of course his pet peeves.

It's finally here and I hope you enjoy this interview!

Red is the owner of Bluewater Diving in Daytona Beach, FL

https://www.bluewaterdiving.com

red@bluewaterdiving.com

+1 (386) 299-8671

—

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: www.linkedin.com/in/kennydyal

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RealKennyDyal

www.sweetwaterscuba.com

S3:E1 | The Buddy App is launched! And it's QUICKLY changing the way people go scuba diving. The ecosystem, logging & sharing elements are going to be disruptive for the industry, in a very good way. Jun 02, 2023

Show notes

Alexis Jabbour is the mastermind behind the Buddy App, now 2.5 years in the making! With the June 2023 launch happening as we speak, Buddy is perhaps the most important step forward the dive industry will see in a generation.

Creating a platform that FINALLY gets divers from all walks of life into a single place is injecting a new level of fun, but importantly… CONNECTION!

It helps industry leaders make more money, makes it easier to market themselves, and helps everyday divers connect with other divers easier than anything that’s ever been made.

This helps any scuba instructor, dive shop, charter or facility using ANY agency ( PADI, NAUI, SSI, SDI, BSAC, CMAS, etc). It allows Divemasters and Instructors to “Verify” dives, making it easier than ever to keep people up to date, legit, and more actively engaged with the community.

Further, it allows you to connect your money accounts for tipping and bookings, verifies your certifications or professional memberships, lets you share your gear, and of course has all the other fun dive log stuff (literally everything) including a photo filter for underwater adjustments. It has the ability to “friend” and chat with other divers directly on the platform, and helps you find divers in a specific area that match your skill level.

It’s clean, works smoothly, easy to use, and looks to be the most comprehensive diver app YET. It got me excited enough to continue interviewing and discussing this incredible new tool.

Not to worry, it’s setup for Freedivers, Snorkelers, for those that aren’t certified yet, and on the horizon: The Mermaid community!

BONUS: There’s a program to help you make more money by getting people to sign up! Become a “Buddy Pro” and start growing your following NOW:

Professional Divers, Operators, Facilities, Resorts, or Dive Shops: Get Buddy for Business

–

Download Buddy App for iOS

Download Buddy App for Android

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

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kennydyal

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RealKennyDyal

www.sweetwaterscuba.com

S2:E27 | Cheap Scuba Classes are KILLING the Scuba Diving Industry, hurting students the most. The "Loss leader" or "Build a Following" model used by Dive Shops & Scuba Instructors simply doesn't work May 19, 2023

Show notes

Undervaluing the enormous amount of time, experience, equipment, prep, and patience it takes to teach scuba courses is killing the dive industry, and the customers and recreational divers out there get hit the hardest.

Mike and Kenny get to the very core of the dive industry’s lack of growth, when compared with similar industries. Further, this same root cause is why so few people keep diving after they get scuba certified.

This cycle creates burnout on the Instructors and Divemasters, and sets up students to fail at their ultimate original goal: Confidence to be a scuba diver (aka the lifestyle). While many may still "catch the bug" in a basic discounted course, most either have to find additional training/guidance or simply never go diving again. This is mainly due to rushed courses, and lack of personal attention.

The “2 year burnout cycle" of the scuba instructor is caused by not charging what they’re worth, getting overworked with too many students, dive shops not not having the time to form lasting bonds, and ultimately not nurturing divers into this incredible world.

Increased value increases value… for EVERYONE.

—

Michael Kest is a jury trial attorney with his own practice. He’s an active dive instructor with experience that ranges from working dive boats in South Florida and Hawaii, water safety at Sea World and Disney's Dive Quest, working for dive shops and teaching classes all over the world. He coaches kids sports on his spare time, and is a father of three.

—

Kenny Dyal is the host of The Scuba Diving Podcast:

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kenny_dyal

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetwater_scuba

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kennydyal

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RealKennyDyal

www.sweetwaterscuba.com

S2:E26 | Spacefish Army founder Morgan Oughton went from an office job in NYC to literally changing the way scuba divers look above & below the water. May 10, 2023

Show notes

Morgan Oughton quit her job in NYC, and became a Divemaster and Instructor for the Aggressor Fleet, one of the busiest & most famous diving liveaboard charters in the world. "Mo" fell in love with diving, and during journey found a way to fuse her passion of diving, outer space, artwork and design into something useful for all of us: Spacefish Army. Diving needed to break free of the same-old "bland and boring", and Morgan literally made that happen. Not only did she inject life into scuba diving wear, she brought practicality to it. She knows what it takes to work as a dive professional in the most demanding setting (liveaboard dive charters!) From sneaky pockets to sunblocky, eco-friendly pieces, Mo and her wildly friendly team have you COVERED, head to toe.

Website: https://spacefisharmy.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spacefisharmy/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spacefisharmy

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@spacefisharmy

—

Kenny Dyal is the host of The Scuba Diving Podcast:

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kenny_dyal

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetwater_scuba

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kennydyal

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RealKennyDyal

www.sweetwaterscuba.com