Last weekend at Lake Phoenix was a reminder of why I love teaching. The water was unbelievably warm—78 degrees right down to the thermocline at 35 feet. The kind of water that makes you forget it’s fall, and just invites you to stay in until your fingers wrinkle like raisins. Perfect conditions for teaching, learning, and proving something I’ve believed for years: scuba is for everyone.
One of my students came to me with a challenge. He’s dealt with a bad back for years. Carrying heavy tanks, hauling gear across uneven ground, or stepping off a platform with 50+ pounds on his shoulders just wasn’t in the cards. For a lot of people, that might sound like the end of the story. For DWF, it’s where the story gets interesting.
Instead of giant strides, we used buoyant entries—backward and side rolls that let him slip into the water safely and comfortably. Instead of carrying his own gear, we made sure everything was shuttled to the water’s edge so he didn’t risk injury before even taking a breath. Yes, it took a little extra logistics. But here’s the truth: there was absolutely zero reason he couldn’t dive. And at the end of the weekend, there he was—ringing the bell, smiling from ear to ear, and officially joining the scuba tribe. 🛎️🐠
I’ve seen this story play out so many times. Over the years, I’ve taught students with knees rebuilt by surgeons, shoulders that ache like rusty hinges, backs that scream after 10 minutes in a desk chair. But you know what? Once they get into the water, those aches and pains fade away. Buoyancy does the heavy lifting. The pressure is off—literally. And in that weightless world, people find not just freedom, but joy.
That’s what makes scuba unique. It doesn’t matter if you’re young and spry or if you’ve been through life’s ringer. With the right adaptations, with the right support, diving becomes possible. And more than that—it becomes transformational.
As a PADI Instructor, I have the flexibility to make those adaptations while still staying true to standards. That’s why I also teach the PADI Adaptive Support Diver and PADI Adaptive Techniques Specialty courses. These programs empower divers and instructors to think creatively, support safely, and make the underwater world accessible to more people than ever before. Because diving isn’t about exclusion—it’s about exploration.
And I’ll be honest: moments like these are the absolute highlight being DWF. Watching someone who thought scuba wasn’t possible for them hit the water, take that first breath, and realize “I can do this”? That’s pure magic. That’s why I love this stuff.
So here’s my invitation: if you’ve ever thought scuba was out of reach—because of age, injury, or physical limitations—come talk to me. And if you’re already a diver or pro who wants to expand your skills, come take one of my adaptive courses. Let’s build a dive tribe that truly includes everyone.
