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/  

How to overcome diving anxiety

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/

Best Of Marsa Alam, Red Sea

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/  

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/ 

WSGT Gratitude Writing Contest Winners

 I recently received an Honourable Mention in the We Said Go Travel Gratitude writing contest. I am delighted with this result and you can read the full article about my time in Kuala Lumpur at the link below:The sky was filled with crimson paper lanterns, swaying in the hot, sticky breeze of Kuala Lumpur. Beads of sweat formed on occasional tourists passing by in their khaki shorts as Malaysians and Chinese people, as old as the earth, hunkered by their stalls. I admired the golden writing on those lanterns high above me; we had arrived in Chinatown.My senses were overwhelmed as I weaved through the crowds, hemmed in between tall buildings that surrounding the main concourse. The city smog from Indonesia’s palm oil plantation burning was thick above us and set to linger at this time of year. It was a sad reminder of the many ways in which destroying the environment also destroys our health. I was, as were no doubt many others, thankful for the ready availability of surgical masks to breathe more easily. I ducked under multi-coloured umbrellas; more reminiscent of popular European beach destinations than the grubby and pungent alleyways of the city.https://wesaidgotravel.com/contests/kuala-lumpurs-son/