Name:  Eric Humphries

Diving Since:  2004

Qualified to Teach:  beginners to pro

Favorite Dive Location:  Eric says, “That is very difficult to answer.  Different locations have different aspects that are stand out.  I love so many.  I’ll answer with the most memorable location, and that was Thailand.  The diving was awesome, but the different culture experienced there adds so much to the adventure.”

Most Memorable Dive:  “Swimming with whale sharks and giant manta rays in Isla Holbox, Mexico”

Bio:  “I have loved water my entire life.  My parents had a property with a small stream (more like a creek) that I was playing in shortly after I learned to walk.  I took swimming lessons at the local YMCA before I was in school.  At a local pool, the life guards who did not know me yet would freak when I got on the diving board.  They did not think such a small child should be going off the big board, but the other life guards on duty would calm them down.  This would happen every time until they all knew me.  Fast forward a number of years, I did a discover dive.  This is where you just try out diving in a pool just to experience SCUBA… Awesome!!  I always wanted to dive, but that experience lived up to the high expectations I had for diving.  However, I did not take diving lessons until years later (I regret waiting so long).  I took the first open water training in 2004.  I dove, but I did not take the advanced for a couple years after that (if I had to do it again, I would not wait to take more training). I gradually advanced through the different levels until I reached the highest for a non-professional diver.  Finally I became a professional.  I was a divemaster for years, and then progressed further.  Although I appreciate my ‘regular’ profession and career, I have a true passion for being a dive instructor and helping people discover the world and life underwater.”

General Thoughts on Diving:  “With diving instruction, the number one priority is safety.  However the second priority, above others, is to have fun!”