Yes, this is our very final episode. We are sorry to see it go. We had an amazing time discussing scuba topics and meeting new people. More is explained in the episode.
In this episode, Jay and Sarah explore the topic of parenting and diving with their guest, Laura Pohjanen, from Dark Side Divers. The discussion covers considerations when balancing diving and parenting, the unique experience of being a diver and a mom, the physical and mental challenges, and the importance of support from partners and the diving community. They also touch on introducing children to swimming and water sports, language barriers in parenting, and the societal expectations around parenthood.
If you enjoyed this episode and want to be a part of this growing community, you can join us in a couple of ways:
Laura
DarkSide Divers on Instagram
The Dive Table
The Dive Table Facebook Group
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Gardner Underwater
https://gardnerunderwater.com/
Sarah Miller
Fish Dive Surf, Inc.
Greg Hamman, owner of Gayscuba.com, discusses his experience as a queer person in the diving industry and the importance of creating safe spaces for LGBTQ+ divers. He highlights the role of LGBTQ+ scuba clubs in providing support and resources for divers and the progress that has been made in some destinations. Greg also addresses the challenges of homophobia and discrimination that still exist in the industry and the need for allies to speak up and take a stand. He emphasizes the importance of situational awareness and listening to the concerns of marginalized divers to ensure their safety and comfort. Greg also discuss the challenges that still exist in the industry and the importance of individual conversations and relationships in promoting understanding and acceptance.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
03:02 Challenges Faced by LGBTQ+ Divers
07:54 The Role of Allies in Creating Safe Spaces
13:04 Progress and Challenges in the Diving Industry
22:51 Situational Awareness and Diver Safety
28:13 Introduction and the Equality of Diving
32:58 The Importance of a Welcoming Environment for Divers
39:07 Welcoming LGBTQ+ Divers in Destinations
44:16 Creating a Safe Learning Environment for Divers
48:57 Challenges and the Role of Allies in the Diving Community
53:19 Looking Towards the Future and Advocating for Change
If you enjoyed this episode and want to be a part of this growing community, you can join us in a couple of ways:
Greg Hamman
https://www.gayscuba.com/
The Dive Table
The Dive Table Facebook Group
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@thedivetable
Gardner Underwater
https://gardnerunderwater.com/
Sarah Miller
Fish Dive Surf, Inc.
Note: I apologize for the technical difficulty that Jay's microphone was experiencing. It is rectified at the 18:50 minute mark.
In this conversation, Jay, Sarah, and Ara discuss the lack of diversity in the scuba diving industry and the impact it has on different communities. They explore the experiences of being a person of color in the diving world, the stereotypes and discrimination faced by divers from different backgrounds, and the role of marketing and representation in perpetuating these biases.
They also touch on the financial barriers that prevent many individuals from marginalized communities from accessing diving opportunities. The conversation covers topics such as the lack of access to diving for Filipinos due to financial constraints, the importance of localizing diving and making it accessible to all, the need for awareness and empathy when traveling to different cultures, the presence of casual racism in the diving community, and the importance of being an ally and speaking up against racism. The conversation also highlights the significance of supporting businesses that treat their employees well and have fair practices.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
08:16 Race and Identity in Scuba Diving
15:12 Stereotypes and Discrimination in the Diving Community
25:37 Financial Barriers to Diving Opportunities
30:45 Promoting Inclusivity in the Dive Industry
30:55 Lack of Access to Diving for Filipinos
35:02 Cultural Awareness and Empathy
38:12 Addressing Casual Racism in the Diving Community
41:38 Being an Ally and Speaking Up
56:34 Supporting Businesses with Fair Practices
01:00:26 Join the Diver Bliss Community and Dive in the Philippines
If you enjoyed this episode and want to be a part of this growing community, you can join us in a couple of ways:
Ara
@diverbliss
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The Dive Table Facebook Group
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Gardner Underwater
https://gardnerunderwater.com/
Sarah Miller
Fish Dive Surf, Inc.
Being an independent scuba instructor involves managing various aspects of running a small business, serving students, and handling logistics. This includes finding students, defining the target audience, and understanding their needs. It also involves managing the logistics of teaching classes, such as gas fills, dive sites, rentals, and pool access. Building a support system is crucial, including service, retail sales, and knowledge resources. The closure of local dive shops can present challenges, requiring improvisation and finding alternative solutions. Jay shares his experience and invites other independent instructors to share their stories and insights.
The Scripps Pier underwater camera was donated by DeepSea Power & Light and proved HD live streaming video from ~4m (13ft) water depth.
The Scripps Pier Underwater Camera
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Sarah Miller
Fish Dive Surf, Inc.
We here at the dive table are excited to announce our new diversity in diving series.
If you've been involved with the scuba diving community in any capacity, you have probably noticed a lack of diversity. Although this is changing as younger people get into the sport with the help of social media, the general diving population consists of white, middle -aged, straight men. And while we love all the people who keep this sport alive, here at the dive table, we want everyone to feel represented in the sport. So we're creating this series to talk about the different challenges people face.
Our purpose is to raise our collective consciousness around diversity and diving and be a part of the continuing evolution of the sport we are all so passionate about. We recognize fully that this topic may be controversial for some. We hope that you'll stick around and learn with us on this journey as we step into other people's shoes. These conversations are important to have out loud and in the open so we can grow together.
Throughout the rest of this season, we will be sprinkling in episodes from this series, including the topics of culture, race, sexual identity, and gender. Be sure to subscribe to get the latest episode and join the conversation in our Facebook group. That's Facebook.com forward slash groups forward slash the dive table.
If you enjoyed this episode and want to be a part of this growing community, you can join us in a couple of ways:
The Dive Table
The Dive Table Facebook Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/thedivetable
@thedivetable
Gardner Underwater
https://gardnerunderwater.com/
Sarah Miller
Fish Dive Surf, Inc.
Sharks have a bad reputation, mostly due to sensationalism and fear, however, they are important for the environment and play a vital role as apex predators.
Shark attacks are rare, with the odds of being bitten or killed by a shark being extremely low and in fact, you're more likely to be struck by lightning. We think it goes without saying, but Humans are the biggest threat to sharks through overfishing, fear-based killings, by-catch and of course being only partially used for shark fin soup.
Sensationalized media, like Shark Week, perpetuates negative stereotypes about sharks, but social media influencers and conservationists are working hard to show the real side of sharks and their importance to the ecosystem.
In this conversation, Sarah and Jay discuss common myths and misconceptions about sharks. They debunk the idea that all sharks are big and have sharp teeth, emphasizing the diversity of shark species and their different tooth structures. They also address the misconception that sharks are man-eaters, highlighting that most sharks eat fish or invertebrates.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction: Sharks and Shark Week
01:00 Sharks' Bad Reputation
03:24 The Rarity of Shark Attacks
06:07 Sharks' Behavior and Misunderstandings
11:03 Human Threats to Sharks
12:23 Sensationalism in Media: The Case of Shark Week
14:37 Changing the Narrative: Showing the Real Side of Sharks
23:11 Introduction and Talking to Kids about Sharks
24:36 Myth #1: All Sharks are Big with Sharp Teeth
25:53 Different Teeth Structures and Shark Diversity
27:22 Myth #2: Sharks are Man-Eaters
28:42 Myth #3: Sharks are Not Important
29:48 Myth #4: Can Anything Hurt a Shark?
31:21 Myth #5: Sharks Attack People Often
33:00 Challenging Sensationalism and Advocating for the Truth
35:19 The Low Rate of Shark Attacks
37:41 Divers as Advocates for Sharks
40:32 Get Involved in Shark Conservation
42:02 Closing Remarks and Call to Action
If you enjoyed this episode and want to be a part of this growing community, you can join us in a couple of ways:
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Gardner Underwater
https://gardnerunderwater.com/
Sarah Miller
Fish Dive Surf, Inc.
In this episode, Jay and Sarah discuss the top 10 student myths for scuba divers. They address misconceptions such as the belief that paying for certification guarantees expertise, the idea that scuba diving is challenging, scary, and always expensive, and the notion that instructors should always be trusted without question. They also touch on the importance of choosing the right instructor and questioning your dive buddy if necessary. They also cover the importance of experience, the need for communication, the value of ongoing training and refreshers, and the fallacy of relying solely on equipment. They emphasize the importance of being open-minded, adaptable, and constantly learning in order to become better divers.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
01:28 Myth 1: Certification Does Not Equal Expertise
07:18 Myth 3: Blind Trust in Instructors
31:29 Myth 5: Never Question Your Dive Buddy
33:20 Debunking Scuba Diving Myths: Instructor Worship
38:27 The Myth of 'I Don't Need More Training'
45:20 The Fallacy of Relying on Equipment
48:45 The Flexibility of Diving Techniques
55:19 The Journey to Mastery in Scuba Diving
If you enjoyed this episode and want to be a part of this growing community, you can join us in a couple of ways:
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The Dive Table Facebook Group
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Gardner Underwater
https://gardnerunderwater.com/
Sarah Miller
Fish Dive Surf, Inc.
In this episode, Sarah shares her experience diving in Komodo and other places in Indonesia. She discusses the challenges of traveling to Indonesia, the strong currents in Komodo, and the different dive sites in the area. Diving in Komodo is not just for advanced divers and she highlights the beauty and diversity of the marine life. She also talks about the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone and learning from new experiences. She shares her personal journey and the connections she made during her trip.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Return to Indonesia
01:08 Diving in Indonesia: Challenges and Jet Lag
03:55 Freediving and Different Dive Sites in Komodo
07:47 Batu Balong: A World-Renowned Dive Site
09:40 Manta Point: Drift Diving and Manta Ray Encounters
10:39 Komodo: The Best Place for Dive Master Certification
13:29 Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone and Learning as a Diver
16:19 Diver Safety: Underwater and on the Boat
23:01 Personal Journey and Connections Made
25:18 Conclusion and Call to Connect
If you enjoyed this episode and want to be a part of this growing community, you can join us in a couple of ways:
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The Dive Table Facebook Group
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Gardner Underwater
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Sarah Miller
Fish Dive Surf, Inc.
While on a dive expedition with Azul Unlimited, Sarah took the time to ask her fellow divers how they felt about the environment, marine life and the conditions that they encountered.
In this episode, Jay and Sarah discuss how to choose a dive operator or dive instructor. They emphasize the importance of considering factors such as eco-conservation efforts, integration with the local community, and safety protocols. They also highlight the need to research and gather information from word of mouth, social media, and review platforms like TripAdvisor. The conversation touches on the challenges of greenwashing and the importance of supporting operators that align with your values.
They conclude by emphasizing the power of consumer choices in shaping the diving industry.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Initial Impressions
00:53 Importance of Eco-Conservation and Local Community Integration
07:09 Beware of Greenwashing
10:35 Educating Yourself and Making Informed Choices
13:10 Word of Mouth and Online Research
23:27 Considering Safety and Personal Values
24:55 The Power of Consumer Choices
25:00 Choosing Dive Operators: Understanding Your Values
26:02 Asking Open-Ended Questions: Ensuring Alignment with Your Goals
27:01 Choosing Instructors: Considering Learning Style and Experience
28:29 Diving the Way You Want: Selecting Instructors with Desired Skills
31:05 Teaching Style Matters: Finding Effective Communicators
35:37 Knowing Your Preferences: What Works Best for You as a Student
If you enjoyed this episode and want to be a part of this growing community, you can join us in a couple of ways:
Dive Ninja Expeditions
https://www.diveninjaexpeditions.com/
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The Dive Table Facebook Group
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@thedivetable
Gardner Underwater
https://gardnerunderwater.com/
Sarah Miller
Fish Dive Surf, Inc.
In this conversation, Jay and Sarah discuss boat etiquette for divers. They cover topics such as being a minimalist and bringing only necessary gear, being tidy and compact to save space on the boat, being prepared by calling ahead and knowing the boat's facilities, taking seasickness medication, keeping dry areas dry, and the importance of communication with the boat crew and fellow divers.
They emphasize the need for divers to be respectful, follow the rules, and set a good example for others. In this conversation. Also, the importance of tipping the boat crew and considerations for boat diving. They cover topics such as communication with the crew, being mindful of the boat layout, avoiding judgmental behavior, and tipping the crew. They also emphasize the importance of being prepared, knowing the location of safety equipment, and being aware of the downline and upline during dives. The conversation provides valuable insights for both experienced and novice boat divers.
The bottom line is making sure you're being respectful of the crew that are working hard to make sure you have a fun and safe dive!
Takeaways:
Be a minimalist and bring only necessary gear to save space on the boat.
Be tidy and compact to keep your gear organized and prevent accidents.
Call ahead and be prepared by knowing the boat's facilities and requirements.
Take seasickness medication and keep dry areas dry to ensure a comfortable dive.
Communicate with the boat crew and fellow divers, follow the rules, and set a good example for others. Effective communication with the crew is crucial for a smooth boat diving experience.
Being aware of the boat layout and positioning oneself in a considerate manner helps maintain a safe and organized environment.
Avoid being judgmental or critical of other divers' gear or diving techniques.
Tipping the crew is a common practice and shows appreciation for their hard work.
Knowing the location of safety equipment and being mindful of the downline and upline during dives enhances safety.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
00:26 The Importance of Boat Etiquette
06:27 Tidiness and Compactness
12:16 Preparation is Key
13:21 Conquering Seasickness
22:25 Mastering Communication with the Crew
24:12 The Joy of Boat Diving
26:06 Avoiding Judgmental Behavior: Don't Be a Boat Karen
29:18 Don't Be a Back Deck Driver
36:07 Navigating the Boat Layout: Tips and Considerations
39:12 Tipping the Crew: Showing Appreciation
42:59 Safety First: Knowing the Location of Safety Equipment
44:36 Conclusion
If you enjoyed this episode and want to be a part of this growing community, you can join us in a couple of ways:
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The Dive Table Facebook Group
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Sarah Miller
Fish Dive Surf, Inc.
While in Marianna, Fl., Jay turns on his recorder and gives us a glimpse into a day while cave diving the system there. The arrival, the unloading, the 18 cups of coffee, the pre-check and equipment match and the debrief afterwards are all captured in this short Surface Interval.
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Sarah Miller
Fish Dive Surf, Inc.
In this conversation, Jay and Sarah discuss the importance of being prepared for emergencies in diving. They talk about the significance of rescue training and the goal of being able to help others in distress. They also discuss the timing of taking a rescue course and the importance of having experience and comfort in your own diving skills before pursuing rescue training. They emphasize the need for situational awareness and the ability to recognize when something is not right. They also discuss the importance of having access to oxygen and a well-stocked first aid kit. In this conversation, Sarah and Jay discuss the importance of safety equipment and preparedness in scuba diving. They cover topics such as first aid kits, oxygen administration, rescue techniques, and the role of insurance in diving accidents. They also emphasize the need for proper training and staying up to date with skills. The conversation highlights the importance of having a plan, knowing the location of local hospitals and hyperbaric chambers, and having emergency contact numbers readily available. They also discuss the significance of understanding the limitations of one's training and equipment, as well as the importance of finding a doctor who understands diving-related issues.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
00:17 The Importance of Being Prepared for Emergencies in Diving
05:15 The Timing of Taking a Rescue Course
07:28 The Role of Situational Awareness in Diving
10:17 Recognizing the Escalation of Emergencies
15:10 The Key Takeaway: Adequate Care Provided is Better than Perfect Care Withheld
21:50 The Significance of Oxygen in Diving
23:49 The Importance of First Aid Kits in Diving
31:00 The Importance of First Aid Kits in Scuba Diving
33:07 Safety Equipment: SMB, Mirror, Whistle
35:00 The Role of Insurance in Diving Accidents
37:19 Rescue Techniques and Equipment: SMB, Spinner
39:29 Emergency Preparedness: Knowing the Location of Hospitals and Hyperbaric Chambers
41:08 Understanding the Limitations of Training and Equipment
43:46 The Importance of Finding a Doctor Who Understands Diving-Related Issues
If you enjoyed this episode and want to be a part of this growing community, you can join us in a couple of ways:
The Dive Table
The Dive Table Facebook Group
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@thedivetable
Gardner Underwater
https://gardnerunderwater.com/
Sarah Miller
Fish Dive Surf, Inc.
A personal message to Jay & Sarah
In today's short Surface Interval episode, Jay and Sarah share a few minutes of their day as they enjoyed a shore dive at La Jolla Shores in San Diego, CA.
Recorded after their meet and greet at La Jolla Shores, they were able to enjoy a shallow dive together off the coast and experience what that location has to offer. According to Sarah, it has improved greatly from her last visit so if you have the chance to go "play" with some sea lions, that's the location to do it.
Shout out to Exos Dive in San Marcos, CA for keeping Jay aired up.
https://exosdive.com/
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Sarah Miller
Fish Dive Surf, Inc.
In this conversation, Jay and Sarah discuss the topic of diving from vehicles. Sarah shares a funny story about her van breaking down on the freeway and the importance of being prepared for breakdowns. They discuss the essential items to have in your vehicle, such as jumper cables, fix-a-flat, fire extinguisher, tow cables, and water. Jay and Sarah operate different vehicles and they discuss the benefits of an open bed truck for diving versus the need for privacy, like a van that Sarah drives. They talk about the challenges of transporting tanks and securing gear in their vans and trucks. Jay shares his method of using pool noodles to secure tanks in his truck bed, while Sarah uses her wetsuit to wedge tanks in her van. They also discuss the importance of securing gear to prevent damage and theft.
Overall, they provide insights and tips on how to safely transport and store diving equipment in vehicles.
If you enjoyed this episode and want to be a part of this growing community, you can join us in a couple of ways:
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The Dive Table Facebook Group
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@thedivetable
Gardner Underwater
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Sarah Miller
Fish Dive Surf, Inc.
In this episode, Jay and Sarah discuss the importance of nutrition and hydration in diving. They share their personal experiences of not properly fueling their bodies before dives and the negative effects it had on their performance and well-being. They emphasize the need for a well-rounded diet with complex proteins, fats, and carbs, and the importance of staying away from processed foods. They also discuss the role of hydration and electrolytes in preventing cramps and maintaining energy levels.
Overall, they highlight the interconnectedness of nutrition, hydration, and diving performance. It emphasizes the need for balance and understanding one's body. Jay and Sarah share their personal experiences and strategies for fueling their bodies before and during dives. They discuss the role of food as medicine and the cultural and emotional aspects of eating. The conversation also touches on the importance of being prepared for worst-case scenarios and making judgment calls based on the conditions and individual capabilities.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Diving Experience
07:50 Fueling Your Body for Dives
14:53 Timing of Nutrition and Hydration
33:24 Listening to Your Body: The Key to Optimal Diving
If you enjoyed this episode and want to be a part of this growing community, you can join us in a couple of ways:
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@thedivetable
Gardner Underwater
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Sarah Miller
Fish Dive Surf, Inc.
In this conversation, Jay and Sarah discuss their experiences about cave diving. They discuss their different preferences and experiences. Sarah shares her motivation for revisiting cave diving and her desire to understand and explore it more. She also discusses the challenges and stress she faced during her recent cave dives and the importance of self-awareness and setting oneself up for success. She reflects on her fear and plans to further explore and dissect her own fears in an upcoming YouTube video on Azul Unlimited.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Under Construction
01:11 Cave Diving: Different Experiences and Preferences
04:05 The Fascination of Cave Diving
07:02 Facing Challenges and Recuperating
10:08 The Unforgiving Nature of Cave Diving
22:19 The Importance of Self-Awareness and Mindset
27:59 The Role of Trust and Teamwork in Cave Diving
30:02 The Mental Game in Challenging Environments
30:52 The Importance of Mental Training in Diving
31:40 Exploring Fear in Diving
32:35 Different Perspectives on Diving Experiences
33:35 The Importance of Building a Foundation in Cave Diving
34:30 The Learning Process in Diving
35:16 The Role of the Brain in Diving
36:15 The Power of the Brain's Processor
37:05 The Challenges of Dry Suit Diving
37:29 The Importance of Being Switched On in Diving
39:38 Progressing Along the Plateau
41:29 The Humbling Experience of Diving
43:23 Overcoming Navigation Challenges
46:01 The Danger of Diving Accidents
48:53 The Importance of Being a Thinking Diver
51:19 The Role of the Brain in Diving Accidents
53:15 Mitigating the Risks in Cave Diving
55:52 Understanding Human Factors in Diving Accidents
58:40 Closing Remarks
If you enjoyed this episode and want to be a part of this growing community, you can join us in a couple of ways:
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The Dive Table Facebook Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/thedivetable
@thedivetable
Gardner Underwater
https://gardnerunderwater.com/
Sarah Miller
Fish Dive Surf, Inc.
The conversation revolves around the topic of diving with new people and the challenges and considerations that come with it. Both Jay and Sarah share their experiences and perspectives on the matter. They discuss the importance of building a team and finding compatible dive buddies. They also talk about the need to keep dives simple and gear minimal when diving with new people. Communication and understanding each other's experiences and comfort levels are key to ensuring a safe and enjoyable dive.
They emphasize the need for open and honest conversations about fears, anxieties, and expectations before the dive. They also highlight the importance of observing the whole diver and being mentally prepared for the dive. Slowing down, being present, and taking the time to check in with oneself and the team are crucial for a safe and enjoyable dive. They also stress the significance of debriefing after the dive and building relationships outside of diving.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Personal Experiences
02:03 Diving with New People
03:04 Different Perspectives as Instructors
04:01 Challenges of Building a Dive Team
06:22 Finding Dive Buddies
09:08 Upcoming Meetup in San Diego
10:08 Benefits and Challenges of Diving with New People
13:27 Using Online Platforms to Find Dive Buddies
22:19 Observing and Communicating with New Divers
23:16 Supporting New Divers and Managing Expectations
24:28 Building Trust and Communication
27:26 Taking Time and Being Mindful
29:15 Observing the Whole Diver
30:40 Slowing Down and Being Present
36:32 The Importance of Debriefing
43:29 Building Relationships Outside of Diving
If you enjoyed this episode and want to be a part of this growing community, you can join us in a couple of ways:
Subscribe to the podcast so you get notified when new episodes drop;
Leave a rating wherever you listen to your podcasts
Send the link to the show, ‘divetable.com,’ to a dive buddy, your dive team, or your last scuba instructor.
Share your thoughts with us by leaving us a voicemail here on our website or say,’Howdy!’
The Dive Table
https://www.thedivetable.com/
Gardner Underwater
https://gardnerunderwater.com/
Sarah Miller
www.azulunlimited.com
Fish Dive Surf, Inc.
https://fishdivesurf.com/
