Dive safety is a topic close to my heart and, whilst accidents can and do happen, there is still plenty divers can do to lower the risk of an accident occurring. Check out my top tips for safe dives with our new regional site: The Scuba News Australia.http://au.thescubanews.com/2016/11/22/top-tips-for-safe-dives/
Ouch! I think that was the least offensive word I shouted when I sneezed, herniated a disc in my back and then began a very long road to recovery that included staring at the ceiling for weeks on end. Back injuries can be devastating and isolating, especially because of the limits they place on exercise and hobbies such as scuba diving.But there are ways to adjust and one thing I have learnt is that simple kit alterations, choosing dive sites and water entry types carefully can lead to a pain-free dive and a good dose of happy hormones to aid healing.I also find having a husband who is willing to carry my kit a great help!http://nz.thescubanews.com/2016/11/18/diving-with-chronic-back-pain/
I love being in the ocean but I am absolutely NOT a natural scuba diver. Actually let's be really honest, I had a very tough time learning to scuba dive because putting my face underwater without a mask sometimes resulted in panic attacks. Having overcome that anxiety with a lot of work, persistence and some awesome techniques, I like to share my experiences and knowledge with others who find diving wonderful but also a little bit anxiety-inducing.Here are my top tips for coping with anxiety, which can be applied to just about any situation in life: http://nz.thescubanews.com/2016/11/18/overcoming-diving-anxiety/
Being English and having learnt to dive in a very cold quarry, the Red Sea has always been one of my top destinations for a dive holiday that includes sunshine and warmth! It is accessible, affordable and frankly stunning. Yet when I lived in South Africa and met tourists from around the world, I realised just how many people are unaware of the Red Sea and all it has to offer.After writing this article about Marsa Alam for The Scuba News this week, all I want to do is hop on a plane and explore these epic dive sites. Pass me the suncream please...http://eg.thescubanews.com/2016/11/18/best-of-marsa-alam-red-sea/
It has been an emotional and difficult time in New Zealand since the earthquakes on Monday, with thousands of people stranded and the tragic loss of two lives. My thoughts are with those families that are suffering right now as we experience aftershocks and emergency assistance is provided.It was my first earthquake experience, it was pretty damn scary, and whilst the occasional aftershock rolls in at my home, I have been taking time to familiarise myself with the most important two things each of us in New Zealand right now can do - be PREPARED for aftershocks and ACCEPT however we feel at any given moment.There is no right or wrong way to feel during a natural disaster and it's important people feel able to reach out for support when they need it.Advice on how to reach loved ones from within NZ and overseas can be found here: https://www.redcross.org.nz/stories/new-zealand/red-cross-responding-after-earthquakes/Advice on preparing an emergency kit and grab bag can be found here: http://getthru.govt.nz/how-to-get-ready/Updates on aftershocks, scenarios and probabilities can be found here: https://www.geonet.org.nz/Kia kaha everyone and look after each other.
I have been offline recently and for a very good reason...I have been busy in the north of New Zealand marrying my Man of the Sea! On 18th October 2016, Nicholas and I officially tied the knot. After a week of celebrations including our first scuba dive as husband and dive, we then moved into our home at the other end of New Zealand's North Island. Did I mention we left our respective jobs the week before our wedding as well? It has been a busy and exciting time for us and we don't do things by halves in this family.I am really looking forward to sharing our photographs and stories from the wedding week (especially Nicholas's stunning dive photography) but first there is unpacking to do. I will leave you with this blog from The Scuba News in the meantime:http://www.thescubanews.com/2016/10/18/a-wedding-in-the-scuba-news-family/Mrs Curzon x
Every diver has a favourite critter or ocean giant they like to find during their travels and dives. Sharks, nudibranchs, whales and dolphins are often listed as popular but what about seahorses?Learn more about these fascinating creatures and the well-named Large-Bellied seahorses of New Zealand in my latest article for The Scuba News NewZealand. http://nz.thescubanews.com/2016/10/17/my-favourite-critter-seahorses Large-bellied seahorse (Hippocampus abdominalis). Image courtesy of Te Ara. Photographer: Melanie Lovell-Smith.
Are you looking for a different marine wildlife experience for non-scuba days? How about exploring New Zealand’s populations of seals and sea-lions? With opportunities to view both topside and underwater, spending time with these animals is a great day out for all the family and offers a fascinating introduction into their lives.My article for The Scuba New New Zealand is continued here: http://nz.thescubanews.com/2016/09/18/exploring-seal-and-sea-lion-populations-in-new-zealand/
As the global population increases and world travel becomes more accessible for many people, it is increasingly difficult to find dive sites that offer spectacular marine life and minimal tourism. Many areas of world class diving are overrun in peak season with boats and large dive groups, which is a far cry from the serenity and peace of scuba diving that most of us seek. There are however some lesser-known diving locations to explore, if you are prepared to go off the beaten track and begin a travel adventure both topside and underwater.My article for The Scuba New New Zealand about diving Cambodia is continued here: http://nz.thescubanews.com/2016/09/18/cambodia-a-diving-hidden-gem/
'Is it possible to have a severe case of the blues when scuba diving? It is if you’re surrounded by blue sharks in the crystal-clear, deep-blue waters of the Agulhas Current off South Africa.'Snorkeling with blue sharks is something I recommend to divers and swimmers of all abilities, as it is a great introduction to the world of sharks. In my latest article for The Scuba News New Zealand, I take a look at what's on offer in South Africa:http://nz.thescubanews.com/2016/08/29/snorkeling-with-blue-and-mako-sharks-in-south-africa/
