PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor
David Montandon
I’ve been a PADI Instructor since 2023, helping divers from their very first bubbles all the way through to developing their skills and confidence underwater. My approach to teaching is pretty simple: take the important things seriously — especially safety — without forgetting that diving is supposed to be fun. Training should be clear, practical and effective, but there’s no reason it can’t also be relaxed and include a few good laughs along the way. After all, we usually learn better when we’re enjoying ourselves. During my own journey as a diver, I sometimes finished courses with questions still unanswered or feeling that certain topics could have been explored in more depth. That experience has had a big influence on the way I teach today: being able to perform a skill is good; understanding why you’re doing it and knowing when to use it is even better. That’s why I like to take the time to explain the “why” behind the skills we practise and focus on the fundamentals that really make a difference underwater: buoyancy, equipment management, planning, awareness and good diving habits. The goal isn’t to create perfectly aligned underwater robots, but confident, thoughtful divers who can adapt to different situations. Most importantly, there’s no such thing as a stupid question. If something isn’t clear, we talk about it, try it, and try again if necessary… and we usually get there in the end. Everyone progresses at their own pace, and my role is to give you the skills, understanding and confidence to continue developing as an independent diver. My goal? For you to finish your training with new skills, a real understanding of what you’re doing, greater confidence underwater… and, ideally, the urge to get back in the water as soon as possible.
- PADI Instructor since 2023
- Nitrox • Night • Deep
- Lake & Cold-Water Diving
- Training from Beginner to Advanced Diver
