Dive Instructors

When and where did you first learn to scuba dive?

As one of my electives my junior year in college, I took scuba diving. A year later I went on my first ocean dive in Cozumel and have been hooked ever since!

What is your favorite thing about teaching diving?

Passing on the excitement of scuba to someone else is my favorite part of teaching. It brings joy to me and to my students.

When and where did you first learn to scuba dive?

I began my scuba training in 2002 in New Jersey, diving off the Jersey shore, at Dutch Springs quarry in Eastern Pennsylvania, in the Delaware River and at Lake George in Upstate New York. All great training experiences, although I definitely prefer warm, clear water!

What is your favorite underwater memory?

My favorite underwater memory is really all the diving I’ve done with my sons. We all went through certification and advanced training together and it was wonderful watching them progress and gain confidence in their skills. Perhaps the best of the memories is renting a Jeep in Bonaire, picking among the numerous shore dives, and planning/diving together.

What is your favorite underwater memory?

My favorite underwater memory was the first time I found myself surrounded by sharks. It was 2009 and we were the only liveaboard at Roca Partida in the Revillagigedo Islands off of Mexico’s Baja California coast. We were on our safety stop and all of a sudden a group of 500 silky sharks came out of the blue and surrounded us in peaceful serenity! I started screaming in joy, so much so my dive buddy had to make sure all was well. The ocean does and always will continue to surprise me at every turn.

What is your favorite thing about teaching diving?

The best part of teaching scuba and/or freediving is seeing the happy faces of my students after accomplishment of their first open water dive. Passing on the joy, the love, and the appreciation for the oceans is my passion and is why I have dedicated my life and career to these amazing sports and to the ocean!

When and where did you first learn to scuba dive?

My diving career started in 2000, when I was trained by the City of Denver to be a Public Safety Diver. It was only after diving in all the places you would never want to go, that I decided to discover the joys of diving for fun and I have never looked back!

What is your favorite underwater memory?

Diving in the Revillagigedo Islands (Socorro Islands) for the first time was life changing. I was surrounded by so many different species of sharks and Giant Mantas on every dive, that I fell in love with the ocean and diving!

What is your favorite dive destination and why?

South Pacific – for the explosion of colorful life underwater and exotic islands and people above.

What is your favorite thing about teaching diving?

I love to see the wondrous faces when a student overcomes a challenge or sees extraordinary beauty underwater for the first time on scuba!

When and where did you first learn to scuba dive?

I tried diving for the first time in Acapulco, Mexico in 1977 and decided to get certified when I was in college in Kansas in 1983. The next year I became an assistant instructor at CSU and have continued to teach ever since!

What is your favorite underwater memory?

Diving the Blue Hole in Belize. I saw stalactites and stalagmites in the middle of the ocean as I was surrounded by seven Hammerhead sharks!

What is your favorite thing about teaching diving?

My favorite part of teaching SCUBA is proving it is possible for everyone, especially when you have a personal doubt. Watching the realization in the diver’s eyes is the best reward.

What is your favorite dive destination and why?

The Solomon Islands haves every aspect of the adventure: Travel, History, unique marine life, local culture, and wonderful people.

When and where did you first learn to scuba dive?

I first learned that diving was an option in 2005. I received my open water diver certification in 2005 from Denver Divers. As I gained experience, I realized that I wanted to help others enjoy the experience as well and received my AI certification in 2017.

What is your favorite part about teaching scuba diving?

Sharing the joy of diving with others. Helping them to see the fantastic animals and plants that cannot be experienced on land!

What is your favorite thing about teaching diving?

I enjoy having the opportunity to work with a diverse group of students who are excited to learn about and experience a new part of their world. I re-live my own personal experience with each class.

What is your favorite dive destination and why?

Lembeh Strait in North Sulawesi, Indonesia is biologically and culturally fascinating!

What is your favorite underwater memory?

I really enjoy swim-throughs. It doesn’t matter where I am diving, if there is one, I am usually going through it. Taking my time, I love observing the different formations and colors of the rock and coral. And you cannot forget the marine life that calls it home.

What is your favorite thing about teaching diving?

It is truly rewarding watching students overcome any initial fear they may come in with and become confident divers. Watching students become comfortable in their skills, water, and environment is pretty awesome to see.

What is your favorite underwater memory?

Being with friends when special things happen, like encountering dolphins, octopus, or the other sea life you only get to see on rare occasions.

What is your favorite dive destination and why?

As soon I think one place is a “favorite”, I have a great day at another. I don’t have a favorite, but I’m continuing the search.

What is your favorite underwater memory?

Every dive with my family is the best and builds lifetime memories!

What is your favorite dive destination and why?

Galapagos Islands! The diverse and unique sea life that can be encountered!