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John Erb - Divecon
How long have you been diving?
I learned to dive in 2004 with Midwest Aquatics at Table Rock Lake. I've enjoyed it ever since.
What type of diving activities do you enjoy?
I enjoy underwater photography. It's always a thrill to capture that "perfect" picture, or some unique shot. I also enjoy night diving; it requires a little more effort and preparation, but the reward is seeing the underwater nightlife.
Where have you been diving?
I've done quite a few trips to Table Rock Lake. I've dove the aquarium at Epcot in Disney World, and the springs of Crystal River, Florida. I've also done some diving in Belize, including the Blue Hole.
What was the most challenging skill for
you to complete during your open water training?
Mask removal and replacement. Flooding and clearing my mask wasn't too bad, it was just having to take the mask off and replace it that caused me great consternation.
Why did you become a dive instructor?
My primary reason was to become a better diver. I can clearly remember when I finished my open water certification, the instructor said to me: "You're now a certified diver, you and your buddy can now dive on your own." I thought to myself: "You've got to be kidding, all I've done is follow the instructor around and completed a few skills." I immediately signed up for the advanced open water class. I am glad I pursued additional training; it has made me a better diver, it's given me more confidence, and it's allowed me to help others.
What is the most rewarding part of your
job?
As a DiveCon, I can conduct Try Scuba classes, Scuba Skills Update, as well as assist Instructors. I always feel rewarded when a student tells me that he/she isn't sure they can make it to the bottom of the pool, then after about an hour of instruction, they don't want to come up because they're having so much fun.
How do you stay current with the changes
in diver education?
Whenever I can, I assist the instructors in teaching Open Water classes and Stress & Rescue. I read the Dive Training Magazine, as well as some books on diving. I especially recommend the book The Certified Diver's Handbook by Clay Coleman for all new divers. If you're into the physiology of diving, the book Diving Science, Essential Physiology and Medicine for Divers by Strauss and Aksenov is quite good.
What courses are you certified to teach?
A a Dive Contol Specialist (DiveCon) I am certified to act as an Assistant Instructor for various classes. I can teach Snorkeling, Try Scuba, Scuba Skills Update. I am also a Scuba Rangers Instructor. |
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