About ME

I did my first dive at the young age of 12 and have logged over 2,000 dives since, in a variety of environments. Much of my experience comes from diving in German lakes as well as the clear waters of Lanzarote and Mallorca. Over the years I developed a strong interest in skill-focused diving and the structured training approach often associated with DIR-style principles.

I became an instructor in 2022 and today teach a wide range of recreational and technical diving courses. I currently hold instructor ratings including Assistant Instructor Trainer and Extended Range Trimix Instructor, and I teach through SSI as well as ISE.

Diving Background

My diving experience spans both recreational and technical diving environments, with a particular interest in refining technique and building efficient divers. Over time I have become increasingly focused on foundational skills such as trim, buoyancy control, propulsion techniques, breathing control, and strong situational awareness.

These skills form the basis for everything in diving. When divers develop solid foundations early on, they are able to approach more advanced courses with confidence and without feeling that something was missing in their initial training.

 

Looking ahead, I also plan to expand further into cave diving — another environment where strong foundational skills and disciplined procedures are essential.

My teaching philosophy is built around the idea that strong fundamentals make everything else in diving easier. Rather than rushing through courses simply to obtain a certification card, I focus on helping divers truly understand and master the skills that allow them to dive comfortably and safely.

Particular attention is given to:

• stable horizontal trim
• precise buoyancy control
• efficient propulsion techniques
• controlled breathing
• situational and team awareness

When these elements come together, divers become calm and efficient underwater and can fully focus on the dive itself rather than constantly correcting their position or equipment.

A common mistake I see is divers expecting to complete a course as quickly as possible without taking time to reflect on their own performance and progress. My goal is to guide divers toward a more thoughtful and self-aware approach to diving, where improvement and learning continue beyond the course itself.

Influence of DIR-Style Diving

My approach to teaching is strongly influenced by the principles often associated with DIR-style diving. I became interested in these ideas while researching ways to improve my own diving and quickly realized how effective a structured and standardized approach can be.

The emphasis on streamlined equipment configuration, strong foundational skills, and clear team procedures creates a safer and more consistent approach to dive education. These principles now play a significant role in how I structure my courses and coaching sessions.

In practice this means helping divers become comfortable with their equipment, developing efficient movement underwater, and building habits that support safe and controlled diving in any environment.

What Training With Me Looks Like

Training sessions are typically structured as full-day coaching experiences. Depending on the course or workshop, a day may include theory sessions, equipment preparation, dry skill practice, pool sessions, and open water dives.

One aspect that is particularly important to me is detailed feedback. Every session includes structured debriefs using video analysis so divers can clearly see what they are doing well and where improvements can be made.

Skills are developed progressively, starting with fundamental control and gradually increasing complexity as the diver becomes more comfortable. Whenever possible, training is conducted beyond the minimum course standards in order to build lasting competence and confidence.

Seasonal Work and Independent Coaching

From April through October I work as an instructor for Dive & Fun Mallorca, one of the Mediterranean’s most popular diving destinations.

Outside of the main season I offer independent training and coaching sessions. Divers can book dedicated training time where I travel to their location and focus on specific courses or workshops. These sessions are typically structured as multi-day training blocks where divers receive focused instruction tailored to their goals.

Why I Enjoy Teaching

One of the most rewarding moments as an instructor is seeing a diver suddenly understand why certain techniques work. When a student reaches the point where they can hover calmly in perfect trim and neutral buoyancy without moving their hands or fins, everything begins to come together.

Watching divers gain that level of control and confidence underwater is what makes teaching so rewarding.

Professional Information

My professional certifications can be verified through the SSI Consumer Protection system.

SSI Professional Number: 104320