The Dive Table

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/ 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 https://www.thedivetable.com/ The Dive Table Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/thedivetable Instagram @thedivetable Gardner Underwater https://gardnerunderwater.com/ Sarah Miller www.azulunlimited.com Fish Dive Surf, Inc. https://fishdivesurf.com/

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: The Dive Table https://www.thedivetable.com/ The Dive Table Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/thedivetable Instagram @thedivetable Gardner Underwater https://gardnerunderwater.com/ Sarah Miller www.azulunlimited.com Fish Dive Surf, Inc. https://fishdivesurf.com/

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: The Dive Table https://www.thedivetable.com/ The Dive Table Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/thedivetable Instagram @thedivetable Gardner Underwater https://gardnerunderwater.com/ Sarah Miller www.azulunlimited.com Fish Dive Surf, Inc. https://fishdivesurf.com/

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: The Dive Table https://www.thedivetable.com/ The Dive Table Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/thedivetable Instagram @thedivetable Gardner Underwater https://gardnerunderwater.com/ Sarah Miller www.azulunlimited.com Fish Dive Surf, Inc. https://fishdivesurf.com/

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/

In this episode, Jay and Sarah discuss getting back into diving after a surface interval. They cover topics such as preparing and servicing gear, buying gear and prioritizing purchases, time vs. number of dives for gear servicing, buying secondhand gear, and preparing yourself as a diver. This conversation discusses the importance of refreshing diving skills and the timing of skill refreshment. It also explores the concept of recall and mental preparation, including the use of visualization and YouTube as tools. They emphasize the significance of communication and support in diving, while cautioning against judgment and ego. Additionally, Jay and Sarah announce a dive meetup as a means of community building. 00:00 Introduction and Surface Intervals 01:27 Preparing and Servicing Gear 07:30 Time vs. Number of Dives for Gear Servicing 15:40 Buying Secondhand Gear 23:33 Importance of Refreshing Diving Skills 24:24 Timing of Skill Refreshment 25:22 Recall and Mental Preparation 26:28 Building a Second Brain 27:56 Mental Load of Diving 28:32 Visualization and YouTube as Tools 31:34 Communication and Support in Diving 33:31 Avoiding Judgment and Ego in Diving 37:23 Community Building and Dive Meetup Announcement 44:08 Keeping Dives Simple and Building Confidence 47:46 The Joy 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: The Dive Table https://www.thedivetable.com/ Gardner Underwater https://gardnerunderwater.com/ Sarah Miller www.azulunlimited.com Fish Dive Surf, Inc. https://fishdivesurf.com/

Meet Jay and Sarah, the hosts of The Dive Table on April 7th, at La Jolla Shores in San Diego! Bring your gear and go diving with your favorite scuba podcast hosts.

Sarah grew up in California with a legitimate fear of sharks, but still found the ocean "pretty cool." A snorkeling swim in Hawaii started her interest but she wasn't hooked until a trip to Kotak, Thailand.

In this episode, Jay and Sarah discuss their journeys into tech and cave diving. They share their experiences and the challenges they faced along the way. They also discuss the different mindsets and motivations behind tech diving, including the appeal of exploring unique environments and the importance of humility in the diving community. They emphasize the need for continuous learning and skill development in order to safely enjoy the benefits of tech diving. They explore the importance of considering future paths and not rushing into teaching or new diving styles. They emphasize the need to slow down and take time to learn and develop different skills. They also highlight the mental game of technical diving and the importance of critical thinking and decision-making. The conversation delves into the choice between side-mount and back-mount configurations and the advantages and disadvantages of each. They stress the importance of progressive training and choosing the right tool for the dive and the conversation concludes with a discussion on the passion and philosophy of technical diving. We hope you enjoy our latest episode! If you enjoyed this episode and want to be a part of this growing community, you can join us in a couple of ways: 1. Subscribe to the podcast so you get notified when new episodes drop; 2. Leave a rating wherever you listen to your podcasts; 3. Send the link to the show; thedivetable.com to a dive buddy, your dive team, or your last scuba instructor. 4. 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/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Dad Jokes 02:40 Background on Tech Diving 06:09 Sarah's Journey into Tech Diving 10:28 Jay's Journey into Tech Diving 15:00 The Appeal of Cave Diving 21:07 The Mindset of Cave Diving 24:32 The Humility of Tech Diving 28:48 Refreshing Tech Diving Skills 35:37 The Ego in Tech Diving 44:23 Considering Future Paths 46:59 The Importance of Slowing Down 50:57 The Mental Game of Technical Diving 53:20 Critical Thinking and Decision Making 55:12 Choosing Between Sidemount and Backmount 01:00:07 Progressive Training and Building Skills 01:04:45 Considering Individual Limitations 01:07:19 Advantages and Disadvantages of Different Configurations 01:14:22 The Goal of Redundancy 01:17:31 Taking the Right Tool for the Dive 01:21:48 The Passion and Philosophy of Technical Diving

Sarah sits down with long time friend and PADI Instructor (currently not teaching), Camila Quiñones to talk about their scuba diving experiences together in Mexico.

In this episode, Jay and Sarah discuss their journeys into professional level courses. Jay shares his journey to becoming a professional instructor, including the challenges he faced and the support of his spouse. They also discuss gender representation in UTD and the importance of reading the room as an instructor. In this part of the conversation, Jay and Sarah discuss the importance of experience and understanding in scuba diving. They also talk about the value of slowing down and being patient in the learning process. Sarah shares her recommendations for choosing a dive master course and highlights the challenges and rewards of teaching scuba diving. They also touch on the topic of imposter syndrome and building self-esteem in the industry. Jay and Sarah discuss the importance of trust and apprenticeship in dive training and the qualities of a good role model in the diving industry and the importance of professionalism. They emphasize the need for continual learning and growth as a dive professional and the value of exploring different opportunities. They also share their experiences of being professionals and the challenges and rewards that come with it. They highlight the importance of teaching as a calling and finding your own path in the industry. Finally, they encourage divers to take breaks when needed and to embrace diving as a hobby, whether or not they choose to become professionals. Takeaways 1. Rain can have a significant impact on diving, and it is important to wait for the recommended time after a rain event before getting back in the water. 2. Becoming a professional instructor requires dedication, perseverance, and a passion for teaching. 3. Having a supportive spouse can make a big difference in pursuing a career in diving. 4. Gender representation in the diving industry should be a focus, and efforts should be made to encourage more women to become instructors. 5. Reading the room and understanding the dynamics of a group is an important skill for instructors. Experience and understanding are crucial in scuba diving. 6. Taking the time to slow down and be patient in the learning process is important. 7. When choosing a dive master course, consider factors such as the culture of the team, the location, and the number of dives included. 8. Teaching scuba diving can be challenging but also rewarding. 9. Imposter syndrome is common in the industry, especially for women, and building self-esteem is important. 10. Trust and apprenticeship play a significant role in dive training. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Small Talk 01:46 Desire to Go Diving 03:12 Impact of Rain on Diving 07:12 Transition to Professional Level Courses 08:14 Jay's Journey to Becoming a Pro 14:44 Supportive Spouse 19:35 Evaluation and Challenges 27:22 Gender Representation in UTD 36:36 Further Instructor Training 38:29 Reading the Room 39:56 The Importance of Experience and Understanding 46:13 The Value of Slowing Down and Being Patient 55:47 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Dive Master Course 01:01:09 The Challenges and Rewards of Teaching Scuba Diving 01:14:59 Dealing with Imposter Syndrome and Building Self-Esteem 01:23:08 The Importance of Trust and Apprenticeship in Dive Training 01:23:44 Becoming a Role Model 01:24:27 The Importance of Professionalism 01:25:27 Continual Learning and Growth 01:26:23 Exploring Different Opportunities 01:27:23 The Experience of Being a Professional 01:28:19 Teaching as a Calling 01:29:28 Finding Your Path and Taking Breaks 01:30:52 Assisting Others on Their Journey 01:31:20 Embracing Diving as a Hobby 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; thedivetable.com to a dive buddy, your dive team, or your last scuba instructor. Share your thoughts...

Sarah sits down with PADI Course Director, Aitor Diaz to discuss how they met, how they started a dive shop in Komodo and what they did after COVID said, "Nah," to that business venture.

Welcome to Season 3 of The Dive Table Podcast, introducing Sarah Miller from Azul Unlimited! As per tradition, the inaugural episode of each season brings up the question, 'Is Scuba Diving Still Special, and Why?' In this episode, Jay and Sarah reflect on the past year and how diving has brought them closer to their communities. They also explore the sense of connection and awe that diving provides, as well as the importance of preserving the underwater world. The conversation highlights the team and community aspect of diving, as well as the continuous learning process involved in the sport. Overall, diving is seen as a way to connect with nature, build relationships, and experience the wild. They highlight the importance of engaging in conversations, learning from others, and being open to different perspectives. They also explore the evolution of diving philosophy and the diversity of training and belief systems in the diving community. The conversation emphasizes the need for inclusivity and the importance of diversifying the scuba diving community. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Excitement for the New Season 03:11 Is Scuba Diving Special? Reflection on the Past Year 16:50 The Importance of Community in Diving 23:43 Diving as a Connection and Catalyst for Building Community 27:02 The Team and Community Aspect of Diving 29:15 Diving as a Connection to the Wild and Clarity of Mind 35:27 Personal Experiences of Awe-Inspiring Dives 41:10 The Unearthed Wagon Wheel and the King Tides 43:26 Geeking Out on Diving Gear and the Never-Ending Learning Process 44:52 The Value of Learning and Community 46:17 Different Approaches and Opinions in Diving 47:44 The Evolution of Diving Philosophy 48:34 The Meaning of 'Stroke' in Diving 50:48 Understanding Different Training and Belief Systems 52:40 Embracing Different Perspectives in Diving 55:37 The Importance of Effective Communication Underwater 57:53 Diversifying the Scuba Diving Community 01:00:07 Expanding the Narrative of Scuba Diving 01:04:05 The Journey of Self-Discovery in Scuba Diving 01:07:05 The Passion and Purpose of the Podcast 01:10:00 Engaging with the Dive Table Community 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 TableSay Howdy!Gardner UnderwaterFish Dive Surf, Inc.,

After taking their Essentials of Recreational Diving course (UTD), "Hosts" Steven and Paul sit down with their "Guest," instructor Jay, to discuss what they thought about the class as well as how Jay performed as an instructor.

This episode is a crossover episode of the UTD Scuba Diving Podcast. We are sharing their podcast because they are officially announcing that Jay Gardner is their new Director of Development. Jay has been doing his best to keep it under wraps and he's finally allowed to discuss his new position and what it means to the agency that he has been training with almost from the beginning of his scuba journey. Enjoy!

This year, Jay is joined for The Reef of Horrors, Vol. 2 by friend of the show, Jack Der. Jack is a CA native and regular dive buddy with Jay. While they don't share any common scary stories, they do have a few that will make you think twice about eating certain foods before diving or before diving when you know specific creatures are nearby.

Jay sits down with the Training Director of United Team Diving (UTD) Ben Bos to discuss the designing of scuba training for adults and designing a scuba training curriculum that revolves around what divers really need and not what they think they need. Ben has been a professional diver for 24 years and self-admittedly in a previous life was in marketing and sold everything from, "sofas, stereos, cars, copy machines, coffee and paper and everything in between...everything except houses and boats." Ben was only 12 years old when he started diving and more than 30 years later, diving is a way of life. He has worked all over the world as a scuba diver including running a dive center for over 12 years. He is currently the Training Director for one of the world's most progressive Scuba Organizations, ‘United Team Diving, ‘(UTD). Ben has not only made diving his passion, but also his living and has contributed to some of the industry's most groundbreaking innovations. The re-development and evolution of Ratio Deco into Ratio Deco 3.0 as well as the DIR compatible side mount configurations are but two examples. ​ Ben is happiest when he is exploring unknown places deep in a Chinese jungle, abandoned mines or inside old shipwrecks. The thrill of teaching both novice and experienced divers is what drives him to never stop learning and expanding his own knowledge. UTD - United Team Diving www.utdscubadiving.com The Dive Table https://www.thedivetable.com/ Fish Dive Surf, Inc. https://fishdivesurf.com/ Gardner Underwater https://gardnerunderwater.com/ If you enjoyed this episode and want to be a part of this growing community, you can join us in a couple of ways:

Gareth Lock sits down with Jay to discuss all things, 'Human Factors.' Gareth Lock is a retired senior officer in the RAF, having spent 25 years flying Hercules transport aircraft, involved in flight trials and R&D, and a Systems Engineer/Requirements Manager. He left the RAF in 2015 setting up the Human Diver to bring human factors knowledge and practice from aviation, oil & gas, healthcare and academia into the sports, military, scientific and commercial diving domains. He has since taught more than 500 people face-to-face, 2000 people online, published a book, and produced a documentary, all about applying human factors, non-technical skills and a Just Culture to diving. He provides HF advice to the British Diving Safety Group and co-chairs the Natural History Dive Safety group which advises on diving safety to the UK media sector. In terms of diving, he was trained primarily through GUE up to Tech 2, CCR 1, and was the head of QC for the organisation for a number of years. Gareth Lock https://www.thehumandiver.com/ The Dive Table https://www.thedivetable.com/ Fish Dive Surf, Inc. https://fishdivesurf.com/ Gardner Underwater https://gardnerunderwater.com/ If you enjoyed this episode and want to be a part of this growing community, you can join us in a couple of ways:

Jay sits down again with Kevin "Heat" Wood to discuss their personal journey's in becoming UTD instructors. Kevin was born in Olney, MD and graduated from Virginia Tech with an engineering degree. He is currently a B-52 pilot trainer for the Air Force Reserves as well as a UTD Instructor. "The ability to slip into an unknown and hostile environment filled with strange creatures and to come back safely requires discipline and hard work while also incorporating math, science, and technology... you're basically a low budget astronaut." - Kevin "Heat" Wood The Dive Table www.thedivetable.com Fish Dive Surf, Inc. www.fishdivesurf.com Gardner Underwater www.gardnerunderwater.com If you enjoyed this episode and want to be a part of this growing community, you can join us in a couple of ways:

Jay sits down with UTD Instructor and B52 pilot trainer, Kevin Wood, to discuss the similarities and differences when it comes to training these two fields. Is training the same no matter the realm? Do only the specifics change? The Dive Table www.thedivetable.com Fish Dive Surf, Inc. www.fishdivesurf.com Gardner Underwater www.gardnerunderwater.com If you enjoyed this episode and want to be a part of this growing community, you can join us in a couple of ways: www.fishdivesurf.com