Diving with chronic back pain

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/  

A Wedding in The Scuba News Family

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

My Favourite Critter – Seahorses

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. 

Exploring seal and sea-lion populations in New Zealand

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/

Cambodia: A diving hidden gem

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/  

Snorkeling with Blue and Mako Sharks in South Africa

'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/

Shark Diving for Novices

There are many types of dive at the top of peoples’ bucket lists and diving with sharks is surely one of them. There is something incredibly life-affirming about spending time in the water with these apex predators and many divers long to experience shark diving at least once in their lifetime. There are shark trips suitable for both novice and experienced divers and what starts out as a one off event can soon become a lifetime pursuit as the diversity of sharks and dives available becomes apparent. Enjoy my top ten considerations for safe and enjoyable diving with sharks here:http://nz.thescubanews.com/2016/07/18/shark-diving-for-novices/ 

Wanted: Scuba Diver Contributors

I have recently been appointed as the Managing Editor of a new online scuba diving magazine, The Scuba News New Zealand. I am thrilled to be joining the team and launching this regional edition of The Scuba News.Do you have any press releases, offers, articles or blog posts from your dive business or club that you would like me to publish at The Scuba News?Or perhaps you know a keen diver/marine conservationist in New Zealand who would like to become a contributor?This is completely free of charge and every article will be added with links back to your own website.The Scuba News is also seeking contributors outside of New Zealand for editions in the UK, Egypt, Canada and the US. Get in touch if you would like to be a part of this awesome online space for divers around the globe.Happy diving all!KathrynKathryn@thescubanews.comThe Scuba News New Zealand