Why is scuba diving forgotten about as a sport?

According to good ‘ole Google sport is defined as an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another for entertainment. When most people think of sport they relate to AFL, NRL, Netball or other Olympic Sports however realistically scuba diving is by far more physically exhausting then many other ‘sports’ such as Chess.

Diving Cook Island

Leopard Shark

A short 20 minute boat ride out of the Tweed River, 600m offshore opposite Fingal Head in Northern New South Wales, you’ll find Cook Island Marine Park. One of the Gold Coast’s best kept secrets, and a diving and snorkelling haven.

Dive the USS Emmons, Japan

Cannons on the USS Emmons

The USS Emmons was an American Destroyer ship serving in WWII, destroyed in 1945 by  Kamikaze in Okinawa, Japan. Discovered in 2001, the site is now very popular amongst experienced divers.

Settled at depths between 30-45m+ most divers can only dive on air, limiting bottom time but it is an incredible dive, definitely one of my favourite wrecks! (Japanese law prevents changing blends lower then 32%O2 other then the military)

Diving The Kerama Islands, Japan

When I first thought about living in Japan for a few months my initial reaction was no way, where am i going to dive?! But very quickly i came to realise what the southern islands of Japan really have to offer.

Japan is made up of more then 6,800 islands so it undoubtedly has some amazing beaches and incredible dive sites.

Diving the World War II Wrecks in Coron, The Philippines

 

It was only until i got to Coron that i realised the significant history of The Philippines and the war between the Japanese and the Americans. In September of 1944 the American’s sunk the Japanese supply fleet in Coron Bay. These were the wrecks i knew i wanted to dive. Arriving by bunga boat from El Nido after 9 hours i was pleasantly welcomed by Ricardo from Seadive Resort who talked us into staying there for the next few days. 

Live-aboard diving at Tubbataha Atoll

One of the worlds hidden secrets, this World Heritage Listed National Park situated a 15 hour boat ride from Puerto Princesa is an atoll haven. With two main atolls stretching over 90,000hectares, the dive sites are unbelievably untouched and pristine.

Mabul Island; a macro life wonder

Mabul sunset

The Island

Close you eyes and imagine an island with floating hotels and fishing village, perched on crystal clear waters surrounded by palm trees. Well thats Mabul. The serene beauty with dive sites on the door step is an ideal destination for those willing to spend some time exploring underwater and chilling out in hammocks above. 

Sipadan – a divers dream

 

Hundreds of turtles in the area

One of the top dive sites in the world in Sabah, Malaysia. We did 6 dives on Sipadan including Barracuda point, south tip, hanging garden and turtle cave. All were incredible. Unfortunately we didn’t spot hammerheads but the diversity and abundance of coral and marine life with plentiful grey and white tip reef sharks and turtles made it live up to its name.

To Liveaboard or Day-trip?

Sea Bees Excalibur II

I’m currently planning my next diving adventure and stumbled across a question many people would struggle with when planning a dive trip; to go on a liveaboard or do multiple day-trips?

Diving Ko Lanta

Thailand is well known for its scuba diving hot spots. Ko Lanta in the South Andaman offers some terrific diving from this island oasis. In actual fact; its where i did my open water course many years ago!

Which Dive Gear to Buy First?

Once you become certified it is very tempting to purchase your own gear, but it can add up to be very expensive. The more experienced you get the more you will find out what features you like more and what you need/are looking for, for your own personal equipment. When first starting off i can recommend a few basic items.

Similan National Park

Similan National Park

Over 70 kilometers off the west coast of Thailand lies a hidden wonder. The Similan National Park and Richelieu Rock; one of the most famous dive areas in South East Asia. The Similan archipelago is made up of 9 islands with an additional 3 to the north and further is the Surin Islands. Lying in the east Andaman in the Indian Ocean all the islands are different are have slightly different topography from granite boulders, volcanic rock and sandy bays. But it is what lies beneath the surface that attracts thousands of people from all over the world.

A few ways to earn some bucks underwater!

Do you love the ocean? Can you imagine it being your office? There are many jobs that allow you to work underwater; recreational and commercial however, some more dangerous then others. The list is very long and most jobs are some you would never think of, here are a few to get you thinking of the endless possibilities!

Phi Phi Island

Phi Phi Island the land of sheer cliffs, crystal clear waters, white hot sand and … tourists.

Reality behind 10 myths of diving!

Myths vs the reality of scuba diving.

Inside a dive instructors dive bag!

Green Bay – Cyprus

My dive bag weighs a total of around 15 kgs; this does make it a little harder to travel with but as a dive professional there are a few extras i carry compared to your average recreational dive; but even when traveling it is always more comfortable to own your own gear so it is worth the extra haul! Here is an overview of whats in my dive bag. 

How to fit a mask 101

I know from experience, it’s no fun diving with a mask that either constantly floods or fogs. No two faces are the same so it is important to get some help when searching for a mask. A few pointers i can give include;

Tips on choosing a BCD!

Mares Kalia & Scubapro MK16

When you look around the dive deck, you will see there are many different brands offering different types of BCD’s but they all do the same basic thing underwater, control your buoyancy. Ultimately the difference between BCD’s are the main features you are personally looking for and comfort.

Diving off Koh Phuket

Anemone Reef

Working for a dive company based in Chalong Phuket, i built a good idea about diving in this area. Our boat visits sites between Phi Phi Island and Racha Noi. Some of these sites are suitable to beginner dives; some are great for certified divers, all in all, they are fantastic dive sites you should definitely visit!

Choosing a dive shop in Phuket

There are over 100 dive shops on Phuket and the surrounding islands, so i know its hard to decide which one to go with. There are a few things you should consider when deciding which is right for you.