Great experience all round. Effective and efficient communication from the off, with a hassle free and processing of payment and start up with the PADI eLearning. From an equipment perspective the gear was of excellent quality and all aspects were explained thoroughly, and clearly meticulously maintained. All tanks displayed credentials of passed inspections, and Matt was clear with what to do with the equipment to keep it functioning at a high level (also why this would be important). From a teaching perspective Matt was calm and clear with his instructions prior to entering the water, whilst in the water on the surface, and when beneath the surface. Instructions were relayed several times including individual checks with each diver before starting the skill. Matt also chunked of the material effectively in such a way that allowed all divers to develop the confidence from learning each skill prior to moving onto the next skill. When a diver struggled with a skill Matt allowed the diver to struggle with the skill briefly before showing what the diver was doing incorrectly that was hindering them. Matt the demonstrated the skill again, and had the diver reattempt the skill. Matt did not move past skills that divers failed to master. While diving it abundantly clear that Matt is not only a highly effective diving teacher, but also diving enthusiast (with a keen eye for safety). The joy he exhibits on dives is infectious and makes the learning, and diving experience something I am eager to...
Read moreI hold a Master Scuba Diver rating and I've been diving sidemount around the world since 2013. As a family man, safety is paramount. I dive with fully redundant kit (two of everything).
In May, 2022 I visited Oahu island in the great state of Hawaii for the first time.
After striking out with two dive shops that represent some of the worst practices in the diving industry, I found Matt who owns Kraken and a IDC instructor named Rick who exceeded all my expectations for safety and professionalism.
I felt so comfortable with Rick, I asked him to train my 11 year old son, who not only holds an open water certification now, but also has his first real dive logged: 60 minutes of bottom time. That's just incredible and any diver will understand 60 minutes is a massive first dive. Many divers never get to the point where they can enjoy such bottom times on a dive.
In addition, when my plan to dive with the Hammer Head sharks had to be abandoned due to weather, Rick certified me on DPVs instead. Rick has the latest DPV tech I've never even heard of, and now I can fly at 10 knots under water using the Tusa model he certified me on.
These divers are absolutely the best of the best in Oahu. You can't find better - even Navy Seals could learn a few things from these pros. My son and I cannot wait to get back in the water with Matt and Rick.
Do yourself a favor and check these guys out if you want to dive Oahu. You won't be...
Read moreSearching for a great dive instructor in Honolulu? Look no further because Kraken Marine Divers is the best there is on the entire island!
My last dive was over 1.5 years ago so I always like to do a little "refresher dive" before I do much diving again.
Matt brings an exceptional amount of experience, calmness, patience and most importantly he has an infectious enthusiasm that makes you feel at ease right away and enjoy every single dive.
For the same reason it was a no brainer for us to make our other dives on the island with him as our guide. He knows the most beautiful dive sites and adapts the dive to your experience as a diver. This too he quickly and accurately recognizes after one dive. His dives may vary from night diving, shipwrecks to reef diving everything is possible.
During your dives you can admire the most diverse fish, turtles, eels, rays and octopuses. In one word fan-freakin'-tastic!
In addition, Matt captures all the highlights on photo and film so memories for life. Matt thanks a million for the very best diving experience(s) I have had in my life!...
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