I asked Ted Anger, the 2009 Go PRO Challenge Professional Rating Contest Winner for the PADI Americas and Canada Region, to blog about his background, what inspired him to Go PRO, his favorite dive spots and buddies, and what being the 2009 contest winner means to him. Here’s what Ted had to say in his own words. – Jo Walters, Marketing Consultant, PADI Americas

I'm from central Alberta, Canada. I grew up in Calgary and spent the better part of the last 15 years in Red Deer. I learned how to dive in Calgary through Aqua Sport Scuba Center, back in 1994. My instructors, Tracey MacLeod-Dodge and Peter Dodge, inspired me to further my diving experiences by taking my Advanced Diver, as well as my Rescue Diver. I originally started to take the Divemaster course in the summer of `95, however didn't finish due to other commitments, one of which included my first "tropical" holiday to the Florida Keys for some salt water scuba diving experience.

By the year 2000, I had an established business and a successful career as a Real Estate Appraiser, so I was able to increase my holiday time, travel a bit more, and of course dive a lot more often. In October 2008, I had decided that I was going to step away from my partnership with the firm, pack my bags and head south to pursue my true passion, scuba diving. As I had first learned about Roatan, Honduras, (in the mid 90's when I started diving and was reading all the dive magazines) and I thought that it was time to explore it. I had never been there, but I always wanted to go there, so I booked my flight and here I am. I started my Divemaster program with West End Divers, and obtained valuable knowledge through the owners (John, Gary and Jim), the boat captains (Samuel, Jose and Juan), the instructors (Christi, Cass, Laura and Shona), and of course their long term Divemaster, Mickey. I was able to extend my program and have unforgettable experiences, both in and out of the water, which I believe will help me go further with my new career.

While working and helping out around the shop, I got excited about taking the next step in my scuba diving career; becoming an Open Water Scuba Instructor. I did some research, found my choice of dive shop and Course Director, and then made the decision to move forward. I started taking my Instructor Development Course (IDC) at Barefoot Divers in Roatan, with Peter Wilcox and Doug Hayes, where I learned so much more than I ever thought was possible. With their shared knowledge and personal experience within the dive industry, I learned what it takes to become a quality instructor. After successfully completing the IDC and Instructor Examination (IE), I had the opportunity to remain at Barefoot Divers and become one of the staff. Watching and listening to Doug and Peter's stories about their dive careers inspired me want to take the next step forward in my professional training; I'm now working on my Master Scuba Diver Trainer (MSDT) rating. After that, I’m planning to pursue my IDC Staff Instructor rating. Who knows, maybe I'll reach Course Director one day. (Move over, Peter, you've planted that seed and I may be on my way!)

As far as a favorite dive buddy, dive spot, and specialty course, I don't have just one favorite. I enjoy being in the water, doesn't matter if it's in four feet of water teaching a DSD, or 100 feet teaching Deep Diver specialty, it's all good just to share the experience with either a novice diver or the longtime weathered diver. It's an enjoyable experience being on Roatan, the dive sites are so close to shore and offer such diversity and great scenery for all levels of divers. I don't foresee myself leaving this beautiful location in the near future, however you never know what the future holds. AM to 4 PM, but you'll usually find us there around 7 AM starting our day and most times we're there until 5 or 6 PM finishing up our day, talking about that day’s dives with instructors and guests before packing it up for the night.

I am honored to be named the winner of the 2009 Go Pro Challenge Professional Rating contest, and it's exciting to be recognized for the hard work and passion I've put into the sport. This prestigious moment at the beginning of my new career is going to be tough to beat and I know I’ll never forget it. The DOXA watch is a daily reminder of how fortunate I am to be the 2009 contest winner, and I will wear it with pride. I understand that the watch can be submerged to 1,000 meters; I wish I could go down to that far to check it out! I think maybe TEC Deep is on my horizon! (Readers, Ted is joking. Please note that in the Tec Deep Diver course (Tec 50) your maximum allowable depth is somewhat shallower than 1000 meters – Jo)

I'd like to thank all the people who helped me become the diver, instructor, and mentor that I am today. I could never have done it without you. And thank you PADI. – Ted Anger, OWSI.