In this episode of Speaking Sidemount, brought to you by XDEEP, host Steve Davis welcomes Xavi P. Tapia, a cave diver and instructor from Ecuador, who shares his journey through the world of diving. From his beginnings in the Galapagos Islands to establishing his dive center, "The Art of Diving" in the Dominican Republic.

Xavi discusses the philosophy behind The Art of Diving and the importance of mentorship and continuous learning in the diving community. The conversation also addresses the challenges of adapting to various diving conditions, particularly cold-water diving, and the importance of safety and proper training in the sport. Xavi shares his insights on the importance of learning in diving, the beauty and challenges of diving in the Dominican Republic, and the ongoing conservation efforts to protect the underwater environment.

He emphasizes the need for divers to adopt a student mindset, the unique diving experiences available in the Dominican Republic, and the significance of maintaining safe diving practices and preserving the natural beauty of the caves.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

07:19 Diving Journey and Experiences

12:34 Transition to Cave Diving and Instruction

16:24 The Art of Diving and Personal Growth

18:29 Diving as a Science and Practice

20:22 Collaboration and Community in Diving

22:57 Future Aspirations and Safety in Diving

29:19 Practice & Building your Skills

30:59 Navigating Cold Water Challenges

34:59 The Art of Diving: Training and Philosophy

38:44 XDEEP Exploration Support Program

40:15 Learning from Diverse Instructors

48:01 Exploring the Dominican Republic's Diving Paradise

52:55 Cave Diving Challenges and Experiences

01:05:38 Conservation Efforts in the Dominican Republic

01:10:09 Reinforcing Cave Diving Safety

01:15:25 Traveling to the Dominican Republic for Diving