I became a recreational instructor after 8 years as an active recreational diver. At the time, freediving was what I did for myself. I became a freediving instructor because I saw a lot of recreational and technical divers and instructors who floundered about when snorkeling and freediving wasn't even in their skill sets. I figured I could help them swim better, surface dive, and move underwater well. I became a tech diver against my will, but eventually fell in love with it - especially cave diving. I started teaching tech when I realized that many technical divers and instructors were still floundering about in their doubles. I figured I could help with control, trim, buoyancy and propulsion. I became a cave instructor because I realized that many cave divers wanted to be the next explorer and I wanted to help students realize that they could enjoy recreational cave diving and turn swimming into an art form without needing a scooter.
I guess I'm just your basic swimming instructor since taking American Red Cross Advanced Lifesaving/WSI as a college freshman. Over the years, the type of swimming I've been teaching has just become a little more involved. But, I love the art of swimming above and below the water, the fun of competition, the ability to use swimming skills to save lives, relax beneath the surface, go for an easy recreational, technical or cave dive, hunt for food, hunt for treasure, or go explore. Teaching all the things I love to do is my way of giving back to the sport and honoring the legacy of those who were willing to teach and mentor me.
