The Wicked TeamRick has plenty of experience diving in Thailand. For the last few years he has been managing a dive shop in Khao Lak with his fiancee Fanette. They bring a wealth of experience, wisdom and insight to the Wicked Team. After the stress and worries of running a shop Rick is looking forward to teaching your course or being a guide on your trips with us! If you have any mechanical questions….he is your guy!
QUALIFICATIONS:
none 😉
Where are you from?
Hawaii, USA
What languages do you speak?
English, American, Australiol, Canadish, New Zealandiq.
How long have you been diving?
Since the millennium – certified 2nd of Jan 00. Was hungover on the 1st.
What got you started?
I had no interest in diving, my friends were doing their Open Water course while we were on vacation and I didn’t want to be bored while they were in class. I fell in love with it and I’ve been diving hardcore since then and not a single one of my friends has been back in the water once. Lazy bums.
Why the Similan Islands and Khao Lak? What brought you here?
I love Thailand (been here 6 years now) and the Similans is the BEST diving in the country, so where else would I be?
What’s your favourite dive site in the Similans? Why?
Koh Bon. Its a shallow ridge so you can get real long dives, plenty of small stuff to find, and of course MANTAS! Nothing in the world like diving with a Manta Ray. If you’re with a small group you can really feel a connection with those animals.
Favourite fish?
Scribbled Filefish. Just because its funny lookin’.
Favourite music at the moment?
Pheonix, Thievery Corporation, and anything chill/lounge-like. If you’re reading this and coming to Wicked, please bring me cool new music. I’ve had the same stuff on my iPod since like ’83 and really need something new.
Hammock or Lounge Chair? Why?
My dream is to have a living room with only hammocks. I once spent 6 straight hours in a hammock, I had people buy me drinks all day and only slowed down so I wouldn’t have to get out to pee. I traveled with a hammock for 2 years. I have slept in my hammock in 3 different airports. Can you do this with a lounge chair? No. Hammock or Lounge Chair?? Silly question. Next!
Most memorable dive trip?
Galapagos, 2006. More hammerhead sharks than you could shake a stick at. Not that I endorse shaking sticks at any marine life.
Other interests, activities, hobbies or addictions?
I’m addicted to anything with wheels and an engine. I have a hard time saying no to just about any dare. I forget to turn off the bathroom light 17 times or more per day. I brag about my serious exercise regimen which I stick to faithfully for about 4 or 5 weeks of the year. And I refuse to spend more than $3 on a pair of sunglasses because I’m going to lose them next week. If that’s not enough, learn more about me than anyone could possibly want to know at www.travelhead.com.
