Kristin US Dive Story
Kristin’s personal account, first published in October 2021.
Gear on, air on, buddy check, fins, mask, regulator, giant stride, splash into the water… The checklist when you start your dive and your next adventure. The underwater world is so magical, and it is one of my biggest passions. It is my calm space and my happy place: floating along with the currents, watching the life on the reef, and swimming with some amazing creatures you would never see on land. Everyone has a different reason for learning to dive: to overcome a fear, explore a new world, travel and make friends. Mine is a combination of my love for the water, wanting to challenge myself, and wanting to experience as much of the underwater world as possible.
It all started in middle school when I went to a marine science camp in California. I fell in love with the ocean and the creatures within it. I had always been a water baby, always swimming in the pool and the lake, but the ocean was so much more. I decided I wanted to learn everything I could about it, so when it came time for college, that was what I wanted to study. I ended up graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Marine Science with a minor in Biology from Coastal Carolina University. Ultimately, that is what got me started with diving.
I was first certified in the summer of 2007 in a quarry. I had told myself that if I wanted to study marine life, I should learn how to be in its environment. Learning to dive was a challenge, but so much fun. After I graduated, I became a show diver at the local aquarium, where we did three to five dives a day. It quickly became a passion for me. Being underwater and interacting with the animals and guests was my favourite thing. A few years later, I decided to continue my dive education and went through my advanced and rescue training. Shortly after that, I relocated back to Las Vegas, my original home, and became a biologist at an aquarium there. I started looking up the requirements for running dive operations in aquariums and decided it was best for me to start my professional dive training. I went on to do my Divemaster and shortly afterwards received my instructor certification. That has opened so many opportunities for me, and I currently hold three different occupations that all involve diving.
The first occupation is still at the aquarium. I am currently the Dive Safety Officer at the Silverton Aquarium in Las Vegas. I am in charge of dive operations, our mermaid performers and safety divers, as well as gear maintenance. The second is my own business, LV Dive Adventures, in which I teach scuba and run dive trips around the world. Teaching is so rewarding. When you see someone’s face light up the first time they breathe underwater, there is nothing quite like it. The third is working with our local police department as a member of its Search and Rescue dive team. I can help the community, challenge myself and teach the newer officers how to dive recreationally, as well as in some pretty tough conditions.
Diving can open so many doors and opportunities. You will travel to exotic places, meet new friends who quickly become like family, or challenge yourself and overcome a fear. It might not always be easy. There might be a skill you can’t quite master, but the dive community is very friendly, and there will always be someone to help you through. When I began diving, I thought a basic certification would be enough for me, but as my love for it grew, so did I. I now teach in some pretty rough conditions, including Search and Rescue and public safety diving, but also travel to so many beautiful places. The best part is that I get to do it with some pretty amazing people… divers.
A reply from Dive UK Hurghada
A truly inspirational story from Kristin in the US. We have not had the pleasure of diving together yet, but I’m sure we will soon. If you want to become a diver, we would love to help you explore the underwater world. For details about PADI courses, the PADI Open Water Course or a Try Scuba Experience, please get in touch with Dive UK Hurghada.
