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Tarrant Dunford

@the_surface_interval

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followers

794

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I've lived and worked as a diver in VA, TX, FL, US Virgin Islands, Truk Lagoon, and Bikini Atoll. Diving for half my life, and I ain't stopping now.

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Topside support is key to a safe dive #vintagedivegear taken in NOAA Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary by @the_surface_interval

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a month ago

They work for Octo keepers, too 🤿💈💦 #scubadiving #scubalife #snorkel #diving #sweetwaterscuba taken in Amoray Dive Center by @the_surface_interval

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3 months ago

This doesn’t matter as much in calm water, but it can be a game changer in rough water (& stronger currents) 🛥️🙌💦 #scubadivinglife #scubadiver #diveboat #divemaster #sweetwaterscuba taken in Amoray Dive Center by @the_surface_interval

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4 months ago

As a scuba diver, are you drawn to shipwrecks? If so, what is it about them? What’s your favorite section to dive through? 🚢🤿✨ #scubadiving #shipwreck #wreckdiving #divetravel #sweetwaterscuba taken in Amoray Dive Center by @the_surface_interval

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4 months ago

Never do a dive you aren’t comfortable doing. But by that same token, if you can alleviate a discomfort that allows you to then do the dive comfortably, I believe that’s a good thing 🤿👌💦 #scubadiving #seasick #divesafety #diveboat #sweetwaterscuba taken in Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center by @the_surface_interval

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4 months ago

It’s OK to put it on whatever side you prefer, as long as you and your buddy are comfortable & understand how it should work 🎯
Common misconception: While most scenarios would dictate escorting a low or out-of-air diver straight up to the surface, that’s not always possible or the safest route. For example:
-Getting to mooring line on shipwrecks / current.
-Overhead areas.
-Dangerous boat traffic above.
-Swimming just below surface in rough seas to exit if air supply permits.
& many more.
And finally, the long hose / Hogarthian setup is a great alternative to standard configurations (and a requirement for many technical certifications).
🤿🛟💦 #scuba #scubainstructor #techdiving #sweetwaterscuba taken in Phil Foster Park at Blue Heron Bridge by @the_surface_interval

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4 months ago

Do you believe it? Whether it’s true or not, it’s a good reminder to occasionally question or re-evaluate the “why” behind common practices.
Also, most agencies do not even have a real requirement for an Octo position.
For example, most divers are only ever taught to go straight up with their buddy, face-to-face, in an out-of-air emergency. 🚨 This assumes an immediate ascent, which isn’t always the safest choice (or even possible).
While this is certainly ideal in many situations, there are plenty of scenarios where a side-by-side swim is needed or preferred.
🛟
Just to name a few:
Mooring ball on a shipwreck (esp in strong current) where boat is tied to.
Overhead environments to find a safe ascent point.
Avoid boat traffic areas before ascent.
Comfort in kicking vs kicking each other.
Swimming through currents or to get out of one.
Stay out of rough surface conditions while getting closer to boat or exit point.
And many others.

But the real question remains… is this origin story really true? 😂🤷‍♂️🤿

#scubadiving #rescuediver #scubainstructor #scubamemes #sweetwaterscuba taken in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Florida by @the_surface_interval

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5 months ago

What are the MOST important things to you when gauging the competency of a scuba diver? (Without going on an actual dive with them) 🤿✅👌 #scubadiving #scubainstructor #techdiving #divemaster #sweetwaterscuba taken in Amoray Dive Center by @the_surface_interval

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6 months ago

We need to be asking our Dive Buddy how they FEEL before their dive. Being in the right headspace is just as important as dive planning, equipment, & everything else. 🤿🫶🛟 #scubadivers #divebuddy #divetravel #mentalhealth #divesafety #sweetwaterscuba taken in Riviera Beach Marina Village by @the_surface_interval

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2 years ago

If you want to TEACH ppl how to become certified Scuba Divers, you’ve gotta put the time in to learn to read behaviors, identify panic, & troubleshoot. Should instructors be required to put more calendar time in (beyond just the minimum dives / hours currently needed)? 🤷‍♂️🤿👌 #scubalife #divemaster #scubainstructor #scubainstructorlife #divetravel #sweetwaterscuba taken in Amoray Dive Resort by @the_surface_interval

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2 years ago

More and more dive instructors are opposing the idea of going “straight to Advanced” immediately after completing their Open Water scuba course. Is it good to keep the supervised learning going with a professional? Or is this is simply “too much too fast”?.
👉Is 6 dives straight outta the beginner scuba course really “Advanced”? -or is there a better middle ground? 🤷‍♂️🤿💦 #scubadiving #scubadiver #scubainstructor #advancedopenwater #padi #sweetwaterscuba taken in West Bay Roatan Honduras by @the_surface_interval

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2 years ago

Getting a job in Scuba Diving is less about dive skills & more about people skills (if you want to succeed) ✅🤿👌 #scubadiver #scubadivinglife #divemaster #scubainstructor #careerchange #sweetwaterscuba taken in Key Largo, Florida by @the_surface_interval

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2 years ago