Catalina Scuba Luv Staff page. Catalina Island California

Bob Kennedy – “BK" or "B-Kizzel”

Hometown – South Pasadena, CA

Certifications

PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer
SSI Crossover Trainer
DSAT Tec Deep Instructor
EFR Instructor
TDI Master Instructor
22 PADI Specialty Instructor Ratings
Certified EMT
100 Ton USCG Captain's License
Father of Four (ALL GIRLS)
Did we mention he's the mayor?!

Favorite Dive Site – Farnsworth Banks, Ship Rock or Bob's Mountain.

Quote – “You know what really burns my bum?...”

Bob has been enjoying the island since he was born. As a child BK frequently visited the island to enjoy a day of sailing. He started diving in 1971 and became instantly hooked. After marrying his college sweetheart, Tina (a.k.a. Mrs. Mayor), he came to the island to make his way. In 1984 he and Tina started the Catalina Diving Resort out of one of the hotels on the island. Since that time the pair ditched the hotel industry and totally submerged themselves in SCUBA. Now Bob is happiest with a rebreather on his back and a camera in his hands.

Why Scuba Luv?

"I love being able to share my experience on the water and my passion for the ocean with our friends and guests. I also love the challenge of keeping everyone safe on a daily basis."

Bob's Scuba Gear:

BCD – Scubapro Classic
Reg – Atomic Titanium
Mask – Scubapro Frameless
Wetsuit – Oneill Avalon
Fins – Scubapro Twin Jets
Computer – Uwatec (Recreation) VR3 (Technical)

Tina Kennedy: “TK" or "Mrs. Mayor”

Hometown – Banning, Ca

Scuba Certifications

Rescue Diver for Life or ... the 10-year Divemaster program

Favorite Dive Site – Blue Car Wreck or Red Rock Quarry

Quote –“Everything is hilarious.” Or “It will all work out.”

Living on the island for more than 25 years, Tina spends her time raising kids – raising adults and keeping everything afloat and the chaos semi-orderly. Mother of four girls and six professional divers she spends the off season teaching pre-school because she just can’t get enough. Understandingly she loves diving for its serene peacefulness. She loves spending time looking for the little things; brittle star fish, giant kelp fish and nudibranches.

Why Scuba Luv?

"We have the best people for co-workers. I love being surrounded by multi-talented people who “luv” what they do."

Tina’s Scuba Gear:

BCD – Scubapro Classic
Reg – Atomic
Mask – Omer
Wetsuit – Henderson Gold Core
Fins – Atomic Split
Computer – Uwatec Smart Com

Nicolette "Nickey" Kennedy

aka: Bubba

Avalon, CA

Jr. openwater diver (training for advance)

Favorite Dive Sites: Red Rock Quarry, Indian Rock, Garibaldi

Quote:"Yeah man!"

Nicolette has attended all of Avalon Schools. The youngest of Kennedy girls is very adventurous. Loves to go to the beach, and play sports.

Why CSL? IT is a family working environment

Dive gear?

Wetsuit-Deep Sea, my size!
Mask-OMNI jr.
Scubapro bc

Andy Castiglone

"Snuba Andy"

San Diego, CA

Rescue Diver

Fav. Dive SIte:Descanso Beach

Grew up San Diego, played basketball and volleyball in high school. Attended Univ of AZ and graduated with a BS in Regional Development, with a minor in Spanish. Wants to travel to Costa Rica and speak the language.

Why CSL? Catalina is a beautiful place with friends and family I love.

Gear: CSL rentals rock!!!

Tim Mitchell: “Kiwi" or "SCUBA JERK”

Hometown - New Plymouth, New Zealand

Scuba Certifications

PADI IDC Staff Instructor
DSAT Tec Deep/Trimix Instructor
EFR Instructor
TDI Rebreather
17 PADI Specialty Instructor Ratings

Favorite Dive Site – Farnsworth Bank or Little Farnsworth

Quote: “I think I'll go diving for a change.”

Born and raised in New Zealand, Tim moved to the USA and Catalina Island in September 2000. He began working as a Divemaster and later became an instructor. Since that time he harnesses his creativity as a musician, photographer and videographer. Checkout his online portfolio at www.ExperienceThisProductions.com

Why Scuba Luv?

"To work at Scuba Luv is to become a member of an extended Kennedy family, this is useful when my own family is 7500 miles away. I love the fun work environment, and my enjoyable and fun workmates."

Tim’s Scuba Gear:

BCD – DiveRite Harness
Reg – Scuba Pro S550/ Sherwood Brut
Mask – Deep Sea Omni
Wetsuit – O’neill J-Type
Fins – Scubapro Twin Jet
Computer – Suunto D9

Arnesto (Teto) Hernandez - “Cheeks”

Hometown – Avalon, California

Scuba Certifications:

SSI Open Water
PADI Nitrox
TDI Advanced Gas Blender
100-Ton USCG Captain's License
Professional Flirt

Favorite Dive Site – Little Farnsworth

Quote: “That’s a negative Ghostrider.”

Born and raised on the island, Teto graduated from Avalon High School in 2006. He’s been working for the Luv since August of 2003, getting certified in 2005, and his 100-ton captain’s license in 2008. Now you can find Teto hassling divers and dive staff alike in the shop and on the boat.

Why Scuba Luv?

"Scuba Luv is awesome. It’s like a love shack here. Great people work here and its like one giant family. Best of all, it’s on 24/7."

Teto’s Scuba Gear:

BCD – Dacor Enduro
Reg – Atomic M1
Mask – Omer Bandido
Wetsuit – O’neill Sector 5
Fins – Atomic Split
Computer – Suunto D3

Devin Thompson: “Freakishly Strong" or "Divemistress”

Hometown – El Paso, Texas or Kailua-Kona, HI (depends on my mood)

Certifications:

PADI Divemaster
EFR Instructor
TDI Gas Blender
100-Ton USCG Captain’s License

Favorite Dive Site – Whichever one we’re at today.

Quote“Can you chill out? We live on an island.” Or “No, seriously, I am freakishly, ridiculously strong. ”

Born in El Paso, Texas, Devin moved to Kailua-Kona, Hawaii while in high school and began her diving career as well as her real life. While working at Jack’s Diving Locker on the Big Island, Devin met and befriended the oldest Kennedy daughter Shelley. After Devin’s college graduation from Chapman University in 2007, she spent two-weeks couch surfing and looking for employment. Deciding to take a quick break, she came to the island for a couple days of diving and fun and never left.

Why Scuba Luv?

"Hawaii is great, but never in my life have I felt more at home and at peace, than when I am in Catalina. The diving is breath taking, and the overall abundance of marine life is beyond comprehension. Nothing about Scuba Luv feels like a job. I have the unique privilege of waking up every morning to do exactly what I love to do with some of my best friends. It sounds cliché, but thanks to Scuba Luv I don’t think I’ve ever really worked a day in my life."

Devin’s Gear:

BCD – Scuba Pro Lady Hawk
Reg – Scuba Pro S550/ Mk 17
Mask – Tusa Liberator
Wetsuit – O’neill Sector 7
Fins – Mares Volo Race
Computer – Suunto Mosquito

Bryan Cox – “Bry Bry" or "Br - YON”

Hometown – Phoenix, Arizona

Scuba Certifications:

PADI Master Scuba Diver Instructor
6 PADI Specialty Instructor Ratings

Favorite Dive Site – Farnsworth Bank or Sea Fan Grotto

Quote – “Good times, good times.” Or “It’s Bryan with a Y.”

Born in Prescott Valley, AZ, Bryan began to pursue a career as a teacher with diving as a seasonal occupation. In 2006 Bryan started at Scuba Luv and after one season he has never looked back.

Why Scuba Luv?

"The family-like work environment is awesome. Plus, Catalina is a great place to live and an even better place to dive. My life feels like an endless vacation."

Bryan’s Scuba Gear:

BCD – Seaquest Latitude
Reg – Atomic ST1/ ABS Octo
Mask – Oceanic Shadow
Wetsuit – O’neill J-Type
Fins – Atomic Split Fins
Computer – Suunto Cobra 2

Paul Thetreau – “Rambo”

Hometown – Marinette, Wisconsin

Scuba Certifications:

PADI Mast Scuba Diver Instructor
DSAT Tec Deep Instructor
EFR Instructor
5 PADI Specialty Instructor Ratings

Favorite Dive Site – Wreck of the Valiant

Quote: “Are we in California?”

A former marine, Paul got certified in 1979 and took the jump to professional certification in 1999. Since then he has become our resident go-to guy. A man of many names you may hear locals refer to him as “Diver Paul,” “Lifeguard Paul,” “Rambo” or Nickey Kennedy’s favorite “Rainbow.”

Why Scuba Luv?

"This shop has the best owners with the best looking daughters in town. The youngest, Nickey, has the most attitude of any teenager. Also this is the best place to get SCUBA gear and there are super diving conditions. Need I say more!?"