Even instructors can learn a thing or two! I was fortunate enough to join two fellow instructors in taking the Adaptive Techniques Specialty Instructor Course at Pura Vida Divers in Florida.

This was a whirlwind trip—I flew in Friday night and left Monday morning—but I’m so glad I had the opportunity to learn from the incredible Jillian, the Course Director at Pura Vida Divers.

Weather

Hot. Sunny. Did I mention it was hot?! Florida’s warm climate was a welcome change, but it definitely took some getting used to. I dove at the Blue Heron Bridge dive site, which is known for its rich marine life and vibrant coral formations. I opted for a Waterlust sunsuit, which felt a bit light for the warm water compared to the chilly depths of Maryland I’m used to!

Lodging

A huge thank you to my instructor buddy, Bonnie, for letting me stay with her during the training. Her hospitality made the quick trip so much easier and more enjoyable. Staying with a friend also gave me a chance to catch up and share our experiences over some great home-cooked meals.

The Training

Dry Training

We kicked off our course at the dive shop, where we reviewed our presentations and course materials. For my presentation, I chose to focus on Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI). This topic is close to my heart, as I’ve worked with several Soldiers who sustained TBIs during my time in the military. I covered several key points about TBIs, including their impact on cognition and learning, and discussed strategies for instructing divers with this condition.

What I truly enjoyed about this portion of the course was learning from my fellow instructors about various disabilities and how individuals can still learn and thrive while diving. Hearing their personal stories and approaches was incredibly inspiring. It reinforced my belief that diving is not just a sport but a pathway to healing and personal growth for many individuals.

Pool Training

After our classroom sessions, we transitioned to a local pool for the confined water portion of the training. Here, we practiced valuable skills for helping divers become great buddies and for teaching individuals with disabilities how to scuba dive.

We learned various techniques for assisting a diver in and out of a wetsuit, including how to properly communicate and gauge comfort levels. The assist chair at the pool was a game changer; it’s designed to make entry and exit from the water easier for those with mobility challenges. We practiced how to use it effectively, ensuring that every diver felt secure and supported.

One of the most impactful lessons was how to adapt confined water skills to cater to each person's unique abilities. This included modifying traditional skills like buoyancy control and mask clearing to meet individual needs. It was rewarding to see how small adjustments could make a significant difference in a diver’s confidence and experience.

Overall, this experience not only enhanced my teaching skills but also deepened my appreciation for the inclusive nature of scuba diving. The camaraderie among instructors and the shared commitment to making diving accessible for everyone was truly uplifting. I left the course feeling inspired and equipped with new tools to help others experience the joys of diving!

Me experiencing diving without use of my legs.
All photos taken by the incredible Jillian Blakkan-Strauss

Blue Heron Bridge

I finally had the chance to dive at Blue Heron Bridge! The dive site did not disappoint. The water was so blue, warm, and we saw SO much wildlife! We focused on the Open Water skills here and enjoyed continuing our learning and skill development!

Completing the Open Water Dive portions of the course at Blue Heron Bridge
All photos taken by the incredible Jillian Blakkan-Strauss

This course was so rewarding. Being able to teach disabled Veterans, in particular, is a passion of mine. I feel better prepared to provide excellent training to everyone, diving really is such an inclusive activity!

Adventure is out there!