When I first arrived at Abyss I was convinced I was just going to do my Divemaster; I’m only on a gap year and didn’t see that being an instructor would interest me, and if I’m being honest I didn’t think I’d be able to get there. I absolutely loved the Divemaster programme, part of which is assisting on Open Water courses and seeing how it is taught. It was at this point I think I realised I’d much rather be teaching than assisting and after some gentle persuasion, I would have missed it for the world!

Doing the Instructor Development Course was one of the best things I’ve ever done. The days are long and it can be quite tough, but Carl has a way of teaching that can make even potentially dull classroom days fun- you can hear that laugh from a mile off! There was a certain pool skill which I hate and was worried about having to perform to demonstration quality; Carl picked up on this taught me a new way of performing it and after that, I was able to do it the perfect first time!

I was nervous before I started that I wouldn’t be confident enough to teach, but after getting through the IDC and the exam itself I felt surer of myself than I could have expected.  I’m currently being coached through teaching my first 25 certifications so that I achieve Master Scuba Diver Trainer and am loving it! I’m having the opportunity to see how the courses are run here before getting let loose and I think that’s definitely making me a better instructor. I’ve never met someone that hasn’t enjoyed their time at Abyss, that hasn’t loved doing the IDC and haven’t got on with Carl… So what’s stopping you?