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

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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