Life in ADA, as a Scuba Instructor

I love what I do, being in ADA has changed me for the better.
I would love for anyone else, to join us, be part of the team, let it transform you, like I have.

About 7 years ago I picked up diving. It was the kiss of true love as soon as my lips touched the mouthpiece.
Sort of.

I was one of those annoying students, the ones that reek of smoke and look like they just stumbled out of a club. No comprehension of the course I was undertaking, not any respect for the sea, yet.

I had a wicked hangover. Wanted to sleep my Sunday morning in, instead, I was groggily swimming 200m for the first time in a long time. Fortunately for me, my natural abilities to hover and follow instructions killed any urges the DMs/Instructors had to quietly drown or, turn me away.

A week later, my first dive, it was, just …WOW. I was astounded. Nonplussed. Absolutely dumbfounded to find that such a vast amount of life, and such a bewilderingly alien place existed. Yes, you dive with a buddy, but you are also, so alone with your own perceptions and thoughts. A dive was 40 minutes of myself in nature. From then on, I could not get enough of the aquatic experience, I was bitten. It was a passion.

I would like to say that I became an instructor, to share my passion blah blah blah.. But actually, I was ‘coerced’ into doing my IDC. I was scared and unwilling to take on the responsibility of teaching people, but nudged and prodded into the role. And boy, it changed me. My students, my classes, putting myself out there to do this thing I was uncomfortable with, changed me for the better. I had to adapt, learn and change things as I went along.

I am more outspoken, assertive, patient, observant of others and way better in group control, thanks to becoming a scuba instructor. And yeah, I love the underwater world and educating people on how to care for it.

3 things that are Important to accept, and I feel, are essential to being a good instructor (and person for that matter) are;

1. You are not always right.

2. You must be open minded enough to listen, really understand someone else’s perspective.

3. You must have a willingness and desire to change for the better.

Let that guide you, and you will always be a learning, flexible person and not let your ego get in way, and make you negative or embittered.

Anyway, forgive my ramble, and just take this!
Becoming an Instructor, taking a chance on being happy with a team of people that love what they do and do what they love, has been one of the best decisions of my life.
Anyone with an equal zest and/or positive or philosophical outlook to life, would be greatly welcomed.

Be well, fellow earthlings.