Last weekend I had an Open Water class at Catalina Island. 4 brand new divers and 1 refresher. Saturday went well, but Sunday, which was to be their final certification dives, turned to sea conditions that were not diveable for OW students. I had to tell them they would not get certified this trip. I felt so bad for them. It turns out not only were the sea conditions not diveable but all the boats to and from the island were all cancelled. Not only could they not dive, but they were stuck on the island.
The head instructor for the shop I work with was also on the island with an AOW student. We decided to make the best of it and all go out to lunch together. We shared some margaritas, some food and a great time. We made plans to all have dinner together, see a movie on the island and hang out. We had a great time and I am happy to call each one a new friend.
We ended up being stuck on Catalina until the next morning when weather permitted the boats to run. It also allowed us to dive! These new friends become certified OW divers!
Once back on the mainland, the lead instructor and I were invited out to lunch with 2 of the divers our new friends.
I was thinking about the above as was packing for a trip to Cozumel with a family I met while the son was in a AOW class I was teaching. This will be the third MX trip they have invited me to join them on. They have become more then dive buddies, they are great friends who I enjoy spending time with.
The lead instructor who I was on Catalina with is coming to my home tonight with her husband to rock out a little with Rock Band tonight. I have been to their home many times and am even on their Christmas Card List! Again, more great friends.
I have met so many great people diving and especially teaching diving. I have also made some very good friends. Students, other instructors, beach diving scooter freaks, bug hunters, techies and rec-ies. I am truly richer for the friends I would have never met if not for diving and teaching.
I still dont make enough teaching to quit my day job, but some riches are better then money.
The head instructor for the shop I work with was also on the island with an AOW student. We decided to make the best of it and all go out to lunch together. We shared some margaritas, some food and a great time. We made plans to all have dinner together, see a movie on the island and hang out. We had a great time and I am happy to call each one a new friend.
We ended up being stuck on Catalina until the next morning when weather permitted the boats to run. It also allowed us to dive! These new friends become certified OW divers!
Once back on the mainland, the lead instructor and I were invited out to lunch with 2 of the divers our new friends.
I was thinking about the above as was packing for a trip to Cozumel with a family I met while the son was in a AOW class I was teaching. This will be the third MX trip they have invited me to join them on. They have become more then dive buddies, they are great friends who I enjoy spending time with.
The lead instructor who I was on Catalina with is coming to my home tonight with her husband to rock out a little with Rock Band tonight. I have been to their home many times and am even on their Christmas Card List! Again, more great friends.
I have met so many great people diving and especially teaching diving. I have also made some very good friends. Students, other instructors, beach diving scooter freaks, bug hunters, techies and rec-ies. I am truly richer for the friends I would have never met if not for diving and teaching.
I still dont make enough teaching to quit my day job, but some riches are better then money.