I have been feeling a lot of emotions since I PASSED the final section of the instructor’s exam on Tuesday morning, and they were all so good. I can’t tell you how much I have smiled and how well I have slept since I got my certification on Wednesday: I am a PADI instructor!
Continue reading “A PADI Instructor”Category: Utila
Almost An Instructor
So I should be an instructor by now. The Instructor’s Exam was just under two weeks ago. What happened?! I didn’t pass all of it. I failed a section. It was challenging. I will try again.
Taking the Instructor’s Exam
The PADI instructor’s exam, or IE, for short, takes place over 2 days. On Monday night, we all – all the candidates – gathered together and met the examiner and received our assignments. The IE is divided into multiple sections:
Continue reading “Almost An Instructor”PADI Instructor Course in Utila
This morning, I am sitting in my little Utila apartment eating papaya, drinking a freshly brewed Honduran coffee, and studying physics. The other day I got a text message from a friend back home asking about my vacation. Yes, I am eating fresh exotic fruits and the weather is hot and sunny, but it’s not a vacation. First, I completed my Divemaster training and now I’m taking a PADI Instructor Course in Utila, Honduras.
Day Trip to Roatan
On Saturday, I took a trip “off island” for the day. After 5 weeks on the tiny isle of Utila, working hard to complete my DM training, a day trip to Roatan sounded like a fun change of scenery.
GROUP OUTING TO ROATAN
This was not a solo trip. Instead, UDC arranged it and a bunch of instructors and DMTs took the early morning boat from Utila to Roatan. We did 2 dives and spent a few hours walking around another island with cars and lots of shops! A big change of pace for me to go to the big island, and a nice escape from the studying.
GOOD TO GET AWAY
It’s amazing how exciting it was just to be somewhere else. I love Utila and it’s laid back atmosphere, but it was still fun to go somewhere with a gelato place. And to dive new dive sites. Day trips are a great escape!
DIVING IN ROATAN
The dives were great. From my limited experience and what I have heard from other divers, the diving in Roatan is better than Utila. Apparently the marine park has been protected for a longer time, and I could see the difference in the coral health and especially the size of the marine creatures.
For our dives, we visited a wreck and a site with cool swim throughs, and saw some much larger grouper than we see on Utila. A nice eagle ray and a swimming turtle completed the fun morning of diving.
Divemaster Course Complete!
I am now a divemaster! It took 4 & 1/2 weeks of hard work – and a lot of fun – and I am done. Check it off my list: Divemaster course complete!
4 weeks of work
During the last 4+ weeks, I spent a lot of time in classrooms learning dive theory, and a lot of time in the water practicing skills. I also assisted on classes and went diving.
It helped a TON that our instructors were amazingly patient, supportive and fun. I needed some extra help on skills like tying knots and the breath holding snorkel and Nico and Sabi were so supportive. I owe it to them for being able to say Divemaster course complete!