Love of Diving—The largest percentage of those who become PADI
Instructors say that they did so simply because they love diving. PADI Instructors
are people who get turned on to diving and want to keep actively involved in it.
“I like to dive—it’s just exciting for me and it’s something I have had a desire
to do since I was a kid. I retire in two weeks and I’m going to Roatan to celebrate
that. My plan is to take my diving on to the professional level now that one career
is over. It’s something I have a real passion for.”
“Hmmm, tough question: Telemarketing, or teaching diving? The answer was easy for
me. The truth is, I dive every single chance I get. I pretty much do whatever it
takes to get me underwater as often as I can. Becoming an instructor has been another
extension of diving. I still go on dive explorations with dive friends, but I’m
finding that now that I can teach, I’m getting more dive friends. More people are
interested in taking this or that course from me, and now I have no lack of reasons
to get out there and get wet. In fact, my pool of dive buddies is exponentially
growing.”
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Opportunity to Teach—PADI Instructors cite their number two reason
for becoming a dive instructor is because diving inspires them so much that they
can’t wait to pass it on. Realizing that diving changed their lives for the better,
PADI Instructors relive this transformation process through their students every
time they teach.
Lifestyle—People who become instructors generally prefer active,
healthy lifestyles. In addition to diving, most also swim, run, bicycle, ski, or
participate in fitness programs.
“I started diving when I was 18. It was such thrill that I got involved with my
dive club’s activities and went on every dive I could. I started hanging out with
the instructors and realized that some of the activities I had been involved in
weren’t nearly as healthy, and certainly weren’t as exciting. I got hooked, became
an instructor, got a job at a resort in Mexico and now I’m running the dive training
part of the resort. I’m in my 30s and I know that I will be diving the rest of my
life. It’s a passion; its part of who I am.”
Self Improvement—Many PADI Instructors rate self improvement
high on the list of reasons for becoming an instructor.
“Getting the green light from my PADI Instructor Examiner at the final evaluation
was one of the proudest moments of my life. For me, becoming an instructor was a
personal challenge. I wanted to know that I could do it, and now that I have, I’m
realizing a new element to diving—it’s not just a sport anymore. I delight in being
a teacher, a mentor, and spreading the word of ocean conservation. It’s made me
a better person.”
Enjoy Outdoor Activities—The PADI Instructor demographic shows
that people who teach diving also love other water-related activities (swimming,
waterskiing, sailing, boating) and anything that gets them to the great outdoors.
“I’m a news reporter. I get out a lot to cover stories, but I spend much of my time
behind a keyboard, on the phone and researching. I took diving as a pastime, but
I never realized what a difference it makes to be out there on a regular basis teaching
scuba. I’m still doing the news part -time, but I live for teaching scuba—taking
people on dive holidays. The trips I plan take us to some of the best dive sites
the world has to offer, and those places usually offer other great options like
rainforest hiking, kayaking or sail boarding. I’m in my element.”