Training philosophy:

Training with Todd means that you will learn to become a real diver, not just someone certified to go use scuba gear. From beginner through continuing education courses, your training will provide real value that makes good divers better and safer divers.  For Todd, the NAUI Loved One Philosophy means he trains his students to exceed standards both in diving skills and knowledge; to create the competent, confident, skilled, and safe diver we would want our loved ones to become and to dive with.

       "I teach my students to be competent, confident, smart, and safe divers, with all the skills they need to perform safe and enjoyable dives under conditions similar to their training environment.  I provide them with more knowledge and teach more skills than are required because I believe this is vital to their safety.  By teaching under NAUI guidelines, I have the freedom to teach to a higher standard that benefits students.

 

Students come from an endless array of backgrounds, possess differing skills, limitations, and fears.  I approach diver training with empathy and put students at ease from the very beginning; letting them know that learning a new skill, a vast body of information, and doing something that carries risks, makes everyone feel uncomfortable and apprehensive at a minimum, and overwhelmed and anxious at worst.  Adult learners are generally not accustomed to learning new skills that they have no experience with, so I tell them to have fun with the awkwardness of mastering a skill that will be truly life changing for them.

 

It is my opinion that the scuba training industry as a whole is doing a poor job and is turning out more and more incompetent and even dangerous divers.  This is being driven by the thin profit margins in the industry and cutthroat business practices that emphasize speed and profit over safety.  I intend to be a part of changing that direction."