In 1984 I was invited to go to Hawaii with my family. It was the first tropical trip I had ever taken and since I didn't know when I would be able to go again I wanted to get the most out of it. I rushed out and signed up of an open water class and was certified soon after. In Hawaii the local dive shop put me in touch with a millionaire who had a boat but no dive buddy. We dove every day and he took me to all his favorite sites where we spear fished, collected shells, looked at sunken Military vehicles and just had a great time.
After returning from Hawaii I dove the Pacific Northwest fairly heavy for a number of years, but as time went on I only dove tropical. I've dove Jamaica, The US Virgin Islands, The British Virgin Islands, Mexico, Fiji, Cook Islands, Panama, Hawaii, and a variety of not tropical sites. Tropical diving has always been my favorite, but I missed getting in the water between tropical dives. Few of us are fortunate to dive as much as they want in tropical areas! I decided to get back into diving locally and started taking classes at Pacific Watersports, which eventually lead to becoming a Dive Master. I enjoyed helping with students but felt limited in that role so I decided become an Instructor. I was certified as an Instructor in 1999 and added specialties that I enjoyed. I really enjoy teaching and like to make the classes fun. My favorite class/event is the Mt Hood Lost Lake Altitude dive in September of each year. The water is so clear and I love the potluck dinner topped off with a crawdad feast.
Hope you can join us sometime.
Tim.
