About Cuda

A bit feral, but fine otherwise!

Raised in the heart of the Adirondacks, Nick "Cuda" Kolor now lives in Key Largo, Florida where he teaches current and aspiring divers to navigate the aquatic realm.

As a husband, military veteran, altruistic kidney donor, and failing comedian, he does his best to keep each day interesting.

In terms of training, the Barracuda Dundee philosophy is fairly simple - Strive for Excellence. This comes in the form of extended theory and practical training, as well as a series of "extras" included at no extra cost, such as photography sessions and student diver medical insurance.

Worth noting is that no great instructor is self-made. The quality of training provided by Barracuda Dundee Diving is credited entirely to the incredible array of mentors who've chosen to impart their knowledge.

Keep scrolling for a list of ways we do things differently, as well as the collection of experienced mentors who've contributed to Cuda's training.

Student Medical Accident Coverage

Rather than relying solely on professional liability insurance to protect the instructor from lawsuits, Cuda also signs every student up for their own dive medical insurance at no additional cost.

Photography Sessions

Available (at no extra cost) to all students and diving clients is a casual photography session, shot with a SONY a6400 camera x 85mm lens and minor edits made using Adobe Lightroom.

Properly Compensated Staff

Among the best-compensated dive instructors and guides in the Florida Keys are Cuda's "helping hands." This ensures the highest quality service and removes any pressure for gratuity.

Affiliations and Partnerships

Cuda is partnered with seven different dive operators in the Florida Keys to ensure that each client's needs are met to the greatest extent possible, often times changing boats daily.

Professional Certification Standards

Not only are the highest of personal professional standards maintained, but professional-level diving students are also required to attain an almost unheard-of level of proficiency.

2:1 Ratio Cap for Instruction

To ensure that students are given the fullest of attention during instruction, a maximum ratio of 2 students to 1 professional is maintained for all levels of instruction.

All Teachings Derived From the Very Best

Every piece of knowledge imparted and every technique implemented comes from one of many world-class mentors, as described below. No great instructor is self made.

Zero Commission on Equipment Sales

Cuda has arranged discounts for his students with several gear retailers, and refuses commission on these sales. This ensures that equipment recommendations are never financially motivated.