In this exciting episode of the Deadfoot Diver Podcast, host Curt the Deadfoot Diver welcomes legendary diver Peter Mesley, owner of Lust 4 Rust. They discuss Peter's illustrious diving career, starting from learning scuba diving in the late 1980s, transitioning to tech diving, and eventually becoming a rebreather instructor. Peter shares captivating stories about his experiences diving in Truk Lagoon, Lake Wanaka, and Bikini Atoll. The conversation also covers gear evolution, diving education, and Peter's passion for both wreck diving and big animal encounters. Curt and Peter's interaction is filled with fun anecdotes and mutual admiration, making this episode a must-watch for diving enthusiasts and adventurers alike. Join us for this fascinating dive into the underwater world and stay tuned for more incredible stories and insights.

📢 Check out these great resources:

Peter Mesley : petemesley.com

🔗 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

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

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

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00:00 Introduction to the Deadfoot Diver Podcast

01:01 Peter Meley's Diving Journey

02:13 Early Technical Diving Adventures

04:46 Building a Diving Career in New Zealand

14:36 The Birth of Lust for Rust

18:58 Truk Lagoon Expeditions

26:21 Bikini Atoll and Other Exotic Dives

32:29 Diving in the Great Lakes

41:53 The Origin of Deadfoot Diver

43:11 Exciting New Merch and Dive Gear Adjustments

44:49 Diving Challenges and Funny Moments

46:36 Helicopter Recovery Mission in Lake Wanaka

55:45 Diving Adventures and Big Animal Encounters

01:05:50 Inspiring Stories of Adaptive Diving

01:10:54 The Joy of Diving and Building a Community

01:24:31 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans

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