No filter. No script. Just real talk.Kenny Dyal and Myles Schwartz dive deep into the most controversial topics in the scuba diving world — from toxic competition between dive pros to the industry’s struggle to attract more women and young divers. And finally, the real reason is we all love scuba diving so much.

In this episode, two dive hosts face off on:🌊 Why the scuba industry can be its own worst enemy🤿 How to get more people excited about diving⚓ The truth about dive gear (specifically, if it’s really a good idea to wear a dive knife on EVERY dive) — and what actually matters underwater🐠 What scuba diving is really about at its core

Listen to the Free Descent Podcast:

https://open.spotify.com/show/1xsMzx1ya9qZBJO2ZL7PWi?si=7f916b989bc449a7

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/free-descent/id1677073474

Kenny Dyal is the host of The Scuba Diving Podcast:

TikTok:⁠ https://www.tiktok.com/@kenny_dyal⁠

Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/sweetwater_scuba⁠

Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/realkennydyal⁠

LinkedIn:⁠ www.linkedin.com/in/kennydyal⁠

Twitter:⁠ https://twitter.com/RealKennyDyal⁠

www.sweetwaterscuba.com

Scuba Diving creates such an ecosystem of social activities that it is almost impossible not to be exposed to a different lifestyle and group of people.

It is so life changing that it has launched many careers, is a gateway to many other careers, and I’ve personally witnessed FOUR pairs of divers who got married after initially meeting on a dive.

It’s a cheat code to meet people, especially people who would have no chance of ever crossing paths… but for diving.

Finally, unlike school sports, scuba diving lasts a lifetime. It doesn’t end wit the season, or when school ends. This makes it a perfect investment in family for the long haul (and is often one of the only excuses for some to travel or meet up).

I spoke for an hour at Aggieland Scuba, during their Dive Expo last year while the festivities were going on. The topic was “community” created through diving.

In this video I explain how scuba diving changed my life, launched my career, and how I’ve watched it change other people’s lives.

This magic happens through the endless number of moving parts that lead up to and surround the actual dive. I compare the dive itself to a firework show, and the activities leading up to the big event are what fuels such a powerful community element that isn’t possible any other way.

Kenny Dyal is the host of The Scuba Diving Podcast:

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kenny_dyal

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetwater_scuba

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realkennydyal

X: https://twitter.com/RealKennyDyal

www.sweetwaterscuba.com

I had way too much fun asking these renowned professional divers their opinions on some of those hot-button scuba diving topics.

Everyone was such a sport about this and went for it, even when they knew these were controversial in some circles. It’s also funny how different some of these opinions can vary from one diver to the next.

This took place at the 2025 Scuba Show in Long Beach, CA out on the showroom floor.

The Questions:

• Is it OK to pee in your wetsuit?

• What is the scariest animal for a scuba diver to encounter underwater? Triggerfish has been removed as an option since it is obvious

• What was the most beneficial scuba course taken, after completing their Open Water scuba certification?

• Should Scuba Certification have some kind of expiration date?

• Jacket style BC, Back Inflate BC, or Backplate and Wing?

• How do you keep your dive mask from fogging up?

• What one thing should be in every scuba diver’s save-a-dive kit?

• Do divers prefer clear mask skirts or opaque (black or solid color)?

Guests answering these questions include:

• Sarah Miller (Azul Unlimited)

• Steve Jamroz of Divers Alert Network / D.A.N.

• Dan Orr, Hall of Famer and renowned legend in diving.

• Greg Holt, host of Scuba Radio

• Myles Schwartz, host of Free Descent Podcast

• Jared Berg, owner and founder of NEX Underwater Products

• Alexis Jabbour, founder and CEO of Buddy App and Book with Buddy

• Brian Benton, owner of Dive Oahu

• Ed Rasmussen, NAVY SEAL and Scubapro rep

• Morgan Oughton and RJ, founders of Spacefish Army

• Therese Napier of Amoray Dive Resort in Key Largo, FL

• Jason Leggatt, CEO of Shearwater Research.

• Cliff Richardson, who was Director of NAUI, but is not the CEO of Divers Alert Network (DAN)

• And Red Sullivan, who wanted to be there but couldn’t make it.

Special thanks to everyone who answered these questions, and the staff and crew of Scuba Show for your continued support!

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Kenny Dyal is the host of The Scuba Diving Podcast:

www.sweetwaterscuba.com