The Scuba Diving Podcast

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 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOXdy8FV2pRRGfChsvO0f-A https://www.facebook.com/haleymermaidofficial https://www.etsy.com/shop/MadeByAMer — 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 X: https://twitter.com/RealKennyDyal www.sweetwaterscuba.com

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 for updates on the next Dive Expo!Also a big thanks to the incredibly kind staff, including co-owners Nathan Blanchard, Jennifer Opiela-Miksch, as well as Megan Blanchard who helped orchestrate my trip out.And finally a big thank you to Becca Ziegler, who was helping keep the cameras rolling, keeping me organized, sane, and hydrated!*I will update that info here when the 2025 event date and location are announced.To contact Aggieland Scuba:2151 Harvey Mitchell ParkwaySuite #109College StationTexas 77840https://www.aggielandscuba.com/https://www.tiktok.com/@aggielandscubahttps://www.instagram.com/aggielandscubahttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsnaxodLj7dbpYhJfQQReqwhttps://www.facebook.com/aggielandscuba—Kenny Dyal is the host of The Scuba Diving Podcast:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kenny_dyalInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetwater_scubaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/realkennydyalLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kennydyalX: https://twitter.com/RealKennyDyalwww.sweetwaterscuba.com

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 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 X: https://twitter.com/RealKennyDyal www.sweetwaterscuba.com

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 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kennydyal X: https://twitter.com/RealKennyDyal www.sweetwaterscuba.com

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 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 X: https://twitter.com/RealKennyDyal www.sweetwaterscuba.com

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 boat come and go twice a day, and third time when they had a sunset cruise or even a night dive.  You can find him on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/captg.rio From my previous interview with Amoray Dive Resort, they sent me a code to put in the description for a discount when staying with them. I’ve copy/pasted it here into this description as well:) Rate code: sweetwater10 Booking link: https://hotels.cloudbeds.com/reservation/o1m6rL#promo=sweetwater10 104250 Overseas Highway Key Largo, FL 33037 Reservations: 800-426-6729 Phone: 305-451-3595 amoraydive@amoray.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amoraydiveresort/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amoraydiveresort – 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 X: https://twitter.com/RealKennyDyal www.sweetwaterscuba.com

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, FL 33037 Reservations: 800-426-6729 Phone: 305-451-3595 amoraydive@amoray.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amoraydiveresort/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amoraydiveresort – 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 X: https://twitter.com/RealKennyDyal www.sweetwaterscuba.com

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 Jackman (to name a few). If Shaq needs someone in the water for the next Shark Week, he calls Liz Parkinson. If there was ever a true Jedi Knight of the underwater world, you have found her. We were both at the literal very end of the DEMA show but managed to link up and talk for a few minutes about how she does what she does. - Liz Parkinson IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4433884/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lizparkinson1/ PADI Profile: https://blog.padi.com/living-large-with-padi-pro-liz-parkinson/ — 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

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: www.linkedin.com/in/kennydyal Twitter: https://twitter.com/RealKennyDyal www.sweetwaterscuba.com

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: +1-919-684-2948 Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. ET Phone: Option 4 Online: Ask a Medic Divers Alert Network customer service: +1-919-684-2948 Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. ET — 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

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 certifications and professional status (with all agencies like PADI, NAUI, SSI, SDI, CMAS, and more). So you can connect on so many other levels as well. Professional Divers, Operators, Facilities, Resorts, or Dive Shops: Get Buddy for Business (including the Booking Platform) https://buddyforbusiness.com – 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 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kennydyal Twitter: https://twitter.com/RealKennyDyal www.sweetwaterscuba.com

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 Recreational Diving and the Tec Diver crowd. Chris is a breath of fresh air, and is leading the way toward a more symbiotic world of diving. Find Chris Foisey as The Modern Diver on your favorite platforms: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwl5K524RhkyyRh-HRNOhEg Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modern_diver_channel/?hl=en Main Website: https://www.moderndiverchannel.com/ — 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

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 has everything else in a dive log divers need to get the most out of this lifestyle: Social media links, tipping functions, galleries, filters, and even validation of your dives, including a place to verify your certifications and professional status (with all agencies like PADI, NAUI, SSI, SDI, CMAS, and more). Go check out the App and don’t forget to add me as a Buddy! Professional Divers, Operators, Facilities, Resorts, or Dive Shops: Get Buddy for Business (including the Booking Platform) https://buddyforbusiness.com – 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 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kennydyal Twitter: https://twitter.com/RealKennyDyal www.sweetwaterscuba.com

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: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@scubaellie IG: https://www.instagram.com/scubaellie/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@scubaellie Girls that Scuba Podcast- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3V4xukj4zRBu2cwkDipzlo?si=311597e7d56a4927 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/girls-talk-scuba/id1678990880 — 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

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: https://www.instagram.com/ecrazz/ — 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

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 at the DEMA convention center in New Orleans, hosted by the scuba legend Tec Clark. Friends were made, good times were had, and the whole Sweetwater crew hopes to follow up again for more of Stephan and DeeperBlue! DeeperBlue has an app, a podcast, news articles, forums, and an absolutely stellar social media presence. If there is something happening in the world of diving, Deeper Blue is a part of it.  Main website: https://www.deeperblue.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deeperbluedotcom Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deeperbluegram Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/deeperbluevideo DeeperBlue App- Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/deeperblue-com/id894987002 Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mobiloud.android.deeperblue&pcampaignid=web_share — 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

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 only learned how to do magic, but performed so well she literally broke the world record for most magic tricks performed underwater (38 tricks in 3 minutes)! As if that wasn’t impressive enough, shes only 13 years old! See the offical Guinness World record page here: https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/commercial/2023/11/young-scuba-diver-plunges-head-first-into-new-magic-hobby-to-break-underwater-rec-761221  Chef Anton’s Scuba Magician website: https://scubamagician.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scubamagician/ Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/@scubamagician3354 ChefAnton@ScubaMagician.com See the Guinness world record holder Avery Fisher’s underwater magic video: https://youtu.be/54jUjRVIZhg?si=uEnmaM85DqJM6cwR — 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

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 Marine Sciences, and a Scuba Instructor with over 16 years of diving. I got to hang out with Alannah at The 2023 DEMA show in New Orleans, where she not only represented Coral Vita, but put on a show with fellow Mermaids bringing an incredibly fun vibe to the festivities. BIG THANK YOU: All underwater footage, facility footage and drone footage of Coral Restoration and Bahamas footage courtesy of Coral Vita. Alannah’s contact info: IG: https://www.instagram.com/alannahvellacott/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alannahvellacott Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alannahvellacott Coral Vita Website: https://www.coralvita.co/ Alannah Vellacott Personal Website: https://www.alannahvellacott.com/ — 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

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 customers’ and his own pace, and isn't afraid to take whatever time is needed. Don answers questions ranging from swim tests, teaching scuba on the knees, backplate and wing, and peeing in the wetsuit. He also drops his opinion on why scuba diving has been so male dominated (although changing for the better), and of course just about anything else you’d wanna know. At 77 years old at the time of this interview, he finally tells us exactly what he’s looking forward to the most (and it’s worth the wait). Don is a people person, and just flat out a fun human being to be around. He was one of the first-ever interviews on this show, so I HAD to pay my respects and see what he’s been up to for the last 2.5 years. Just before filming, we had an unexpected move to the ocean beachfront. So apologies for the wind noise…I got rid of some of it, but hopefully doesn’t detract too much! Don can be contacted at https://www.instagram.com/bouerdon/ Or https://www.facebook.com/don.bouer — 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

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 scuba divers. 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. 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. 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). If you’d like to contribute, submit your own story, or maybe even write for Buddy, go directly to their website, or click here: https://divewithbuddy.com/discoverstories Professional Divers, Operators, Facilities, Resorts, or Dive Shops: Get Buddy for Business https://buddyforbusiness.com – 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 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kennydyal Twitter: https://twitter.com/RealKennyDyal www.sweetwaterscuba.com