Congratulations to Lance Carsno, Brian Akers, Emma Bauer and myself for successfully completing the Padi IE this weekend. We are all now new OWSI instructors and look forward to a busy summer teaching people the sport we all enjoy so much. I also wanted to thank Rob Aschermann, Alan Smith, and Jay Jeter at Scubaland (www.scubaland.com) for all of their work in the IDC getting us ready. We spent alot of hours with them, particularly with Rob, over the last 6 weeks to prepare. I know I speak for all of us - we’re really glad IT’S OVER!
On a personal note, I wanted to say thank you to Nick Simons, instructor extraordinaire. To think that just a 2 short years ago I just went in to learn to dive for a family vacation and now I’m going to be teaching others. He represents the type of instructor I hope to emulate - one who’s enthusiasm for diving is contagious. He makes diving FUN! He’s spent the last 2 years teaching me, mentoring me, and at times challenging me. There is no doubt that a major reason I’ve moved along as fast as I have is due to the friendship and relationship we’ve had since that 1st OW class. - Nick, my friend - you’re the man!
