Kurt Kucera

Scuba Diver, Car Enthusiast, Outdoorsman

3 Animals to be Aware of When Diving

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Scuba diving is a wonderful way to evade the hustle and bustle of daily life. There is something about being underwater and surrounded by sea life that helps divers find their center and experience a sense of tranquility that helps their souls heal.

While there are many benefits connected to diving, experienced divers know that there is also an element of risk. Experienced divers know that while many of the animals that call the ocean home are beautiful, many are also deadly. A single bite or sting from one of these ocean creatures can put a diver’s life in danger.

Stonefish

Many people don’t realize that the stonefish is one of the most deadly animals a diver could encounter. The good news is that stonefish aren’t aggressive. They don’t even pursue the reef fish they consume.

The problem with stonefish is that they are camouflage masters. They blend in so perfectly with the seabed and are so still, both fish and human divers often mistake them for a simple rock. If the diver inadvertently steps on the stonefish, the fish’s needle-sharp spine instantly injects a highly toxic venom into the diver. The diver will immediately experience extreme pain. The venom presents two dangers. The first is that it’s strong enough to potentially kill the diver. The second is that the diver may be in so much pain, they’re unable to swim to the surface and get help. With treatment, it can take 24-48 hours to recover from an encounter with a stonefish.

While the stonefish is native to the Pacific and the Indian Ocean, it has been found in the Caribbean and popular Florida dive sites.

Moray Eels

Moray eels are dangerous, though not quite as deadly as some people assume. Moray eels aren’t aggressive and will usually ignore divers. Most moray eel attacks are the result of divers inserting their hands into holes and crevices that the eels are using as dens.

Lionfish

Lionfish are gorgeous, but divers should give them a wide berth. The very spines that inspired their names are potentially deadly to divers. The spines are full of venom which can cause extreme pain if it enters the diver’s bloodstream. While it’s unlikely that the venom will kill a diver, the pain they experience could make it difficult for them to reach the surface. The venom is a protein-based neuromuscular toxin that inhibits the body’s nerves, brain, and muscle’s ability to communicate.

These are just three of the animals divers should be cautious of while they explore reefs and shipwrecks.

Diving in Croatia

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For all of those who have never tried scuba diving before, but always wanted to, Croatia is the place to go. With dozens of crystal clear springs, there are fish so colorful they don’t seem real. Sealife in this country is plentiful and you will be amazed at what lives in the water just beneath your feet. Diving in Croatia can be done by all levels of divers with one of the best spots being Trogir’s Castle on the island of Krk.

Top Reasons to Scuba Dive in Croatia

The Water is Pristine and Clear

Croatia’s waters are famously blue. Its lakes and rivers glisten and so do its seas. There are lots of fish and coral reefs in Croatia. And the best part? The fish don’t seem to mind visitors.

Various Islands to Visit

Visitors can explore the beautiful islands of Krk and Hvar, which are two of the most notable. Meanwhile, other islands can be found on the Croatian coast such as Culinary Island and Cres. These islands are a great way to begin your scuba diving experience.

Relatively Cheap Diving Courses

While the prices of courses may fluctuate, Croatia is not too expensive when it comes to scuba diving courses for beginners. In fact, there are numerous ways to find the money you need to pay for your classes and gear.

Warm Sea Temperatures

If you want to dive in a warm climate, then Croatia is the place for you. The sea temperature ranges from the high 60s to the low 70s in Fahrenheit, perfect for new divers and veterans alike.

Unique River Diving

Not only can you dive in pretty lakes and seas, but Croatia also has many rivers for divers to explore. The most popular river dive site is the River Plitvice, which is a series of lakes that flow into one another. Unlike many places where there is a strong current, the Plitvice’s water is slow-moving.

Exceptional Underwater Scenery

The scenery beneath the surface of the water has to be seen to be believed. The visibility here is great which means that you can explore the depths of the sea with both a camera and your eyes. The underwater scenery in Croatia can be said to be among the most beautiful in the world.

Safe Diving Environment

Croatia has one of the lowest drowning rates in Europe, so it is a safe place to learn how to dive. With good training, you are less likely to be hurt by accidents on the water or while diving.

Potential Careers for Scuba Diving Enthusiasts

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Scuba diving is a passion for many people all over the world. It is loved for a variety of different reasons. Whether it be the adventure or the peace a person can achieve by being alone under the water, it can be unbelievably fulfilling.
Some folks wish they could find a way to scuba more often, and even turn it into a career. While it may not be readily apparent to everyone, there are several career paths that a person could take if they wanted to make scuba their profession. Here are just a few careers that scuba enthusiasts may want to explore.

Protecting and Serving

One career that scuba divers may want to explore is the position of public safety diver. Law enforcement needs scuba divers to assist with getting evidence from bodies of water. It is a great way to assist with investigations and serve the public. This position would require a Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) certification.

Entering the Field of Science

If an aspect of scuba diving that appeals to an individual is the exploration piece, they may want to consider a job in marine biology or scientific diving. These fields allow scuba divers to get into the water to find out more about the underwater world around them. It can also lead to some neat discoveries and experiences.

A Part-Time Gig

Some folks want to do more scuba diving in their spare time. If that is the case, one profession that some part-time scuba enthusiasts take is that of a Golf Ball Diver at a golf course. Someone needs to fetch the golf balls out of the bodies of water. It is a nice way for a person to strap on their scuba gear and earn a little extra cash.

Teaching Scuba Diving

For those who have a passion for scuba diving and want to share their love, becoming a dive instructor might be a good position. Dive instructors are hired by many different types of organizations, and people can get the benefit of traveling while they do their job.

Explore the Possibilities

People who love to scuba dive, and are interested in pursuing it as a living, should not assume that it is impossible. There are many careers that a person can explore if they are motivated. Those who want to make scuba diving their profession should figure out how they want to do it, and explore the steps needed to reach their goal.

The Best Holiday Gifts for Scuba Divers

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The holidays are around the corner. Therefore, people need to start preparing gifts for scuba diving enthusiasts on their gift list. The gift a person will give to a scuba diver friend will depend on their budget.

Choosing the best holiday gift for scuba divers can be challenging, especially for people who aren’t enthusiastic about scuba diving. Moreover, they are many gifts for scuba divers. Therefore choosing the best one can be confusing. People can find these gifts at local dive shops or online. Here are the best holiday gifts for scuba divers.

Ocean-Themed Jewelry

Scuba divers love the ocean. They enjoy scuba diving and taking photos or videos of marine life. Ocean-themed jewelry such as earrings, bracelets, and necklaces reminds them of ocean life.

If a scuba diver prefers to wear a wet suit instead of a suit, handmade bracelet cuffs with marine life designs can be a good holiday gift for them. Masks, diving helmet cufflinks, and snorkels are also great holiday gifts for a scuba diver.

T-Shirts or Hats

Scuba divers don’t always spend all their time underwater. When they are not Scuba diving, they are probably basking on the beach. Hats help protect their head from sunlight rays, which can be harmful. When people buy PADI gear hats, they somehow help keep plastic out of the ocean. It is because they use recycled plastic to make hats.

A t-shirt is yet another gift a scuba diver would love to receive. Before buying a t-shirt, it is advisable to ask the scuba diver which dive shop they prefer. The t-shirt can have phrases such as “I work well under pressure.”

Books about Sea Creatures and Scuba Diving

Before sending a holiday gift to a scuba diving enthusiast, the sender should consider the diver’s interests. If they enjoy reading books about sea creatures and scuba diving, then such books are the best holiday gifts.

For instance, National Geographic books inspire individuals to love and protect the underwater world. Books about scuba diving can also help them become better scuba divers and safe places to do it.

Scuba Diving Gadgets and Accessories

Thanks to technology, there are several gadgets that individuals can give to scuba divers. It includes a dive torch, GPS devices, underwater cameras, etc.

The above are some holiday gifts for scuba divers. The gifts should be unique and fit their budget range.

Best Diving Spots In Hawaii

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If you have a passion for scuba diving, look no further than the Big Island of Hawaii. The island has plenty of stellar diving spots that anyone would love, and has had the admiration of scuba diver’s around the world. Check out these great diving spots for the next time you plan to go to Hawaii!

Golden Arches

If you’re looking for a great photo opportunity, be sure to check out Golden Arches. This diving spot is known for the colorful fish who live on the reef, moray eels, whitetip reef sharks and like many other Hawaiian diving sites, you may see a group of spinner dolphins!

Naia

Speaking of dolphins, be sure to check out Naia the next time you want to go diving in Hawaii! Naia means Dolphin in Hawaii, it’s likely you’ll run into a few when you take your dive. What you’re even more likely to see are rare fish like stonefish and frogfish who live at this spectacular dive site.

Au Au Crater

If you’re looking for something a little more interesting, check out Au Au Crater. If you hadn’t guessed it by the name, Au Au Crater is a submerged volcano crater that is one of the best when it comes to showing off the unique underwater topography of the various Hawaiian islands. Be wary though, as you’re likely to spot larger ocean dwellers such as white tip and hammerhead sharks.