In this inspiring episode of the Deadfoot Diver Podcast, Curt the Deadfoot Diver interviews Dave Lawrence and his son Dave Jr. from the Scuba Gym in Orlando, Florida. They discuss how Dave Jr.'s recovery from a life-threatening brain tumor and subsequent paralysis led to the founding of the Scuba Gym. The Scuba Gym specializes in using scuba diving as a therapeutic tool to help individuals with various disabilities, including paralysis, cognitive issues, and autism. Learn about the challenges and triumphs of their journey, how scuba therapy has helped Dave Jr. regain mobility, and the broader impact of their innovative approach. Don't miss this remarkable story of resilience, innovation, and hope.

📢 Check out these great resources:

🔗 My Channel: https:/youtube.com/@deadfootdiver

🔗 Support Me : https://buymeacoffee.com/deadfootdiver

The Scuba Gym Orlando : https://www.thescubagym.com

Scuba Gym Australia : https://thescubagym.com.au/

Diveheart: https://diveheart.org

Other Ways to Listen to The DeadfootDiver

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6jxmKX2ubO2CtBxL02qZP6?si=VXJZ2sG9QluZcE1BtwOq5w

PodBean: https://open.spotify.com/show/6jxmKX2ubO2CtBxL02qZP6?si=VXJZ2sG9QluZcE1BtwOq5w

Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/552a8ddd-0601-46b7-8904-d2c8b35fff25/deadfoot-diver-podcast

Iheart Radio https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1323-deadfoot-diver-podcast-269284925/

Player FM: https://player.fm/series/deadfoot-diver-podcast

Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/deadfoot-diver-podcast-6014538

00:00 Introduction to the Deadfoot Diver Podcast

00:13 Meet Dave Lawrence and Dave Jr.

02:03 David's Life-Threatening Brain Tumor

02:54 The Road to Recovery

05:20 Starting the Scuba Gym

06:10 David Jr.'s Remarkable Progress

07:42 Challenges and Triumphs in Scuba Therapy

11:09 Adaptive Scuba Programs and Techniques

15:35 Full Face Masks: Pros and Cons

20:54 Open Water Diving for Special Needs

21:58 David Jr.'s Journey with Scuba Therapy

27:24 Understanding Nerve Functions in Motion

27:55 Journey as a SCUBA Instructor

28:42 Technical Diving and Memory Challenges

30:33 Laughter and Sarcasm: Coping Mechanisms

32:33 Expanding SCUBA Gyms

32:59 Overcoming Industry Skepticism

33:59 Adaptive Diving Programs

39:21 The Importance of Passion in SCUBA Instruction

45:49 Reviving Instructor Certifications

49:04 Final Thoughts and Farewell

In this episode of the Deadfoot Diver Podcast, host Curt interviews Lamar Hires, head of DiveRite and a pioneer in the diving industry. They discuss Lamar's journey in diving since 1979, his contributions to technical and cave diving equipment, and innovations like the backplate and wing, sidemount configurations, and rebreathers. The conversation also covers advancements in safety, the acceptance of Nitrox, and Lamar's personal diving experiences. The episode provides historical insights and highlights ongoing innovations in technical diving

📢 Check out these great resources:

🔗 My Channel: https:/youtube.com/@deadfootdiver

🔗 Support Me : https://buymeacoffee.com/deadfootdiver

The Scuba Gym Orlando : https://www.thescubagym.com

Scuba Gym Australia : https://thescubagym.com.au/

Diveheart: https://diveheart.org

Other Ways to Listen to The DeadfootDiver

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6jxmKX2ubO2CtBxL02qZP6?si=VXJZ2sG9QluZcE1BtwOq5w

PodBean: https://open.spotify.com/show/6jxmKX2ubO2CtBxL02qZP6?si=VXJZ2sG9QluZcE1BtwOq5w

Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/552a8ddd-0601-46b7-8904-d2c8b35fff25/deadfoot-diver-podcast

Iheart Radio https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1323-deadfoot-diver-podcast-269284925/

Player FM: https://player.fm/series/deadfoot-diver-podcast

Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/deadfoot-diver-podcast-6014538

💬 Let us know your thoughts in the comments, and don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more diving stories and interviews with legends of the underwater world, and remember Grab an Adventure and Live!

00:00 Introduction to the Deadfoot Diver Podcast

00:43 Lamar Hires' Journey into Diving

03:59 The Evolution of Cave Diving Gear

06:50 Standardizing Diving Equipment

09:01 The Rise of Sidemount Diving

14:00 Personal Experiences with Sidemount Diving

17:31 Old Gear and New Challenges

19:34 The Optima ReBreather Development

22:19 Advancements in Technical Diving

26:00 The Rise of Nitrox Dive Computers

27:55 Ensuring Safety with the Optima Rebreather

30:33 Exploring the Benefits of Chest Mount Rebreathers

35:53 New Innovations in Diving Equipment

39:56 Cave Exploration and Diving Experiences

44:41 Choosing Between Open Circuit and Rebreather Diving

47:54 Conclusion and Future Plans

In this episode of the Deadfoot Diver Podcast, Curt, the Deadfoot Diver, welcomes Steve Davis, owner of sidemountpros.com and host of the Speaking Sidemount podcast. Together, they discuss Steve's journey into diving, starting from childhood influences to his extensive experience in sidemount and cave diving. Steve shares his insights on the advantages of sidemount diving, especially for divers with disabilities, and describes his experiences as the marine engineer of the HMNZS Canterbury, now an artificial reef. They also delve into technical aspects, such as equipment setup, and various training courses offered by Steve. Tune in for a deep dive into the technicalities and personal stories linked to sidemount diving.

📢 Check out these great resources:

Steve Davis: sidemountpros.com

🔗 My Channel: Deadfoot Diver Youtube 🔗 Support Me : https://buymeacoffee.com/deadfootdiver The Scuba Gym Orlando : https://www.thescubagym.com Scuba Gym Australia : https://thescubagym.com.au/ Diveheart: https://diveheart.org Other Ways to Listen to The DeadfootDiver Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6jxmKX2ubO2CtBxL02qZP6?si=VXJZ2sG9QluZcE1BtwOq5w PodBean: https://open.spotify.com/show/6jxmKX2ubO2CtBxL02qZP6?si=VXJZ2sG9QluZcE1BtwOq5w Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/552a8ddd-0601-46b7-8904-d2c8b35fff25/deadfoot-diver-podcast Iheart Radio https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1323-deadfoot-diver-podcast-269284925/ Player FM: https://player.fm/series/deadfoot-diver-podcast Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/deadfoot-diver-podcast-6014538

💬 Let us know your thoughts in the comments, and don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more diving stories and interviews with legends of the underwater world, and remember Grab an Adventure and Live!