I returned to Orlando in June and started to get ready for the Fall Semester at Eckerd College. First I had to find an apartment in the Tampa/St. Petersburg area. Once that was accomplished, I needed to find a job. After some searching, I began work at Diver’s Supply in Tampa. So far, I’m very happy at my new Scuba store. My role is much different then at ScubaCat, though. Diver’s Supply is more retail and service oriented whereas ScubaCat was all about Dive Trips and Classes. It’s interesting to work the other side of the Scuba Industry. I still teach occasionally, and hope to teach more once I attend Eckerd. I learn more each day about Scuba equipment and tank maintenance.
So what’s next? More education. I’m looking to start more courses in the Technical side of Scuba, with the ultimate goal being re-breather diving. It’s still a long ways off, but hopefully I’ll get there eventually. I’ll take my decompression diving classes here in Florida, and then perhaps Trimix during a trip to Thailand. Or vice-versa… who knows!
I’ve taken way too much video footage throughout my time underwater. Many times there’s just not enough to justify a video for a particular location. So here’s a bunch of random clips I’ve thrown together. Featured in this vid is a turtle in the Similan Islands, some nice cavern footage in Koh Ha, the King Cruiser Wreck, and Phi Phi Island.
Allow me to explain the lack of updates on this site. Earlier this month I returned to America leaving my life in Thailand behind. I journeyed to Thailand to become a Scuba professional, and I accomplished that goal. It was an amazing experience, and not just because of the diving. The people I met along the way is what has made it a truly special period of my life.
So why did I leave? Once I finished my Instructor Examination I had a decision to make. Should I continue my career now, or continue my education? You see, I was accepted into several universities back in America for the Fall 2010 semester. With all my heart I wanted to stay on that side of the world and work. I would be content to stay there and live permanently. I still believe I may do this in the future. For now, however, I have decided to return to Florida and attend Eckerd College. In Fall 2010 I will enter Eckerd as a Junior in pursuit of my Bachelor’s Degree in Marine Science. I believe this is the most logical decision. If I do not enjoy my time back in school, I can always leave.
I plan to keep this blog going. I still have several videos of Thailand that are in the works. Also, I hope to post about part time Scuba work around Florida and my experiences in Eckerd College. Hopefully I can combine Scuba Diving with studies.
I had the chance to dive a remote cave near Phi Phi island. It was the most unique dive I’ve ever taken. I was able to bring my camera and record some of the action. Some of the video may appear blurry, but that is due to the transition from salt to fresh water. This phenomenon makes the water appear like wrinkled glass. The last parts of the video are taken in a separate cavern not far from the first cave. Enjoy.
After my IE, I was able to take some time off and join the M/V Scuba Adventure‘s last liveaboard of the season. We went to Hin Daeng, Koh Ha, and Phi Phi. Alot of the staff from ScubaCat was able to come and it was an all around great trip. I also got to see my first Whale Shark while diving. It was really amazing, and I was able to shoot some video of this enormous animal. Hope you enjoy!
After all the training I had in the IDC, the Instructor Examination was a breeze. I am now a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor! What next? I’m not sure really. I’ll either find some work as an instructor/DM abroad, or return to Florida to finish my Bachelor’s. We’ll see! I just finished a 3 night liveaboard to Hin Daeng and saw my first Whale Shark.. pictures and videos to come.
I finished my Instructor Development Course (IDC) with Christophe Pace at Scuba Cat Diving on Thursday. It was 12 days of non stop training consisting of classroom, lectures, confined water skills/presentations, and open water presentations. We also took countless practice exams in preparation for the Instructor Examination (IE). I definitely felt prepared and confident going in to the IE the next day. The first day consisted of an orientation and then we dove right in to the exams. First was the 60 question dive theory exam, and second was the PADI standards exam which is 50 questions. We had 3 hours to complete both and I was done in less then 1. Those practice exams really paid off!
Today we had our confined water presentations and skill circuits in the morning. We had to demonstrate skills with mock students and identify problems. Next was a demonstration of more skills to instructor quality. This session was also a breeze. In the afternoon we moved to the classroom to give more presentations to mock students in a teaching environment. So far so good! Tomorrow is the open water skills presentation and it’s the last day. If all goes well, I’ll be an instructor!
We took a fun dive last week to Shark Point off the M/V ScubaFun. It was a great dive with lots of fish out and literally no current whatsoever. I was able to take my camera with me and shoot some videos. My White Balance was off for some of the shots, but I’m really pleased with the HD capabilities of the Lumix. Editing AVCHD videos was a challenge at first, but Corel VideoStudio Pro X3 solved that. Here’s my latest concoction: (Make sure it’s set to 720p HD in the bottom right)
Well, after six weeks of non stop training, I am now a PADI DiveMaster. We finished up last weekend with a final skills assessment in the pool. After 20 passed skills, myself and 3 others became the latest DM’s. I have to say that I really enjoyed the whole experience. Assisting instructors in a variety of courses was invaluable. It let me know what to expect when I become an instructor. I’ve now started my Instructor Development Course at ScubaCat with Course Director Christophe Pace. I was able to assist him during my DM course and am excited to learn from him during the IDC. If all goes well, I’ll be an instructor before May. Updates to come!
Well I was out on the M/V ScubaCat in the Similan Islands for some guide practice and thought it would be a great opportunity to break in my new camera. I packed up the camera, housing, extra O-rings…. and somehow left the battery charging in my room. Crap. Anyways, it was still a good trip and we all had a laugh.
A couple days later, I did get to take my camera down to Shark Point, which is one of my favorite day trip sites out of Phuket. Here’s some of my first photos with the Panasonic Lumix DS3. Still working on the whole White Balance thing, but I’m quite pleased. I especially like the HD video which is what I used mostly. I’ll edit something together and post it shortly.
