Episode 17: The Evolution of Technical Diving with Michael Menduno

In this episode of The Dead Foot Diver Podcast, host Curt, the deadfoot diver, sits down with Michael Menduno, a legendary figure in the diving industry who coined the term 'technical diving.' Michael shares his journey from being inspired by Jacque Cousteau to becoming a seminal figure in the tech diving community. They discuss the history and evolution of technical diving, the challenges and advancements in rebreather technology, and the significant role of safety in this niche sport. They also touch upon the controversial adoption of Nitrox in the early '90s and the importance of adaptive diving. Tune in to hear fascinating stories, expert insights, and learn why technical diving continues to push the boundaries of underwater exploration.

 

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00:00 Introduction to The Dead Foot Diver Podcast

00:17 Meet Michael Menduno: The Pioneer of Technical Diving

01:28 Michael's Early Diving Journey

03:03 The Birth of Technical Diving

03:19 The Cordell Expeditions and Early Decompression Dives

05:46 The Rise of Aquacorps and Technical Diving Revolution

13:21 Controversies and Acceptance of Nitrox

25:25 Rebreathers: Evolution and Safety

35:31 The Early Days of Mixed Gas Diving

36:07 Rebreather Technology and Its Challenges

36:21 Personal Experiences with Rebreathers

37:13 The Cost of Deep Diving

40:40 Helium Usage in Diving

42:44 Advice for Aspiring Technical Divers

44:24 Choosing the Right Technical Diving Instructor

45:36 The Continuum of Diving

47:21 Shark Bite Incident in The Bahamas

52:00 InDepth Magazine: Aquacorps 2.0

56:41 Upcoming Features in InDepth Magazine

01:05:40 Hyperbaric Chambers and Diving Safety

01:09:49 Conclusion and Final Thoughts