Kevin Westby Blog

I started my scuba diving training in 2008 in preparation for our anniversary trip to St. Lucia in early 2009.  I completed my Open Water Certification classroom and closed water dives with Seatasea Watersports located in Cedar Rapids, IA.  While in St. Lucia, I completed my open water dives with the Sandals Grande St. Lucian Resort dive center….and was able to get a few more dives in before leaving.  It was an awesome experience and I was hooked on a new hobby!!  After returning, I completed my Nitrox/Enriched Air and Dry Suit Specialties, and started on my Advanced Open Water (AOW) certification.  In August 2009, I completed my Advanced Open Water certification.

The photo to the left is from the Haigh Quarry in Kankakee, IL., where I completed my AOW certification dives. Contrary to what some of my friends have said, I am not wearing a Ninja suit or Power Ranger outfit . It is actually a Dry Suit, which as the name implies, keeps you dry (and warm) when in the water, which is critical when diving in a cold water environment (the Haigh was around 51 degrees at 80 feet!).

Next up will be getting additional dives under my belt, additional specialty training and eventually my Master Scuba Diver certification.