From mastering the cinching line wrap on the Halliburton to the sting of a Colombian farewell. A journey through technical reels, perfect knots, and buoy assaults.
Utila – Week 4, Day 3: The Seafaring Gentleman
From leading my first dive and spotting “widow” butterflyfish to the chaos of a “Boats and Hoes” graduation. A journey through navigation victories and 1 AM sleep interruptions.
Utila – Week 4, Day 2: High-Horse Rivalries
From a tearful fashionista farewell to a dockside showdown with a new rival. A journey through student weight belt blunders, high horses, and “Tingly Fingers” scares.
Utila – Week 3, Day 7: Mapping Mayhem
From the “mapping mayhem” of a digital Black Coral Wall to the bittersweet joy of a four-month travel milestone. A journey through upended plans and unwanted roommates.
Utila – Week 3, Day 3: Refresher Course?
From the exhaustion of a “hell dive” to the triumph of a PADI bureaucracy win. A journey through rescue drills, academic tutoring, and the return of the Roving Doctor.
Utila – Week 2, Day 7: A Devilish Smile
From new GoPro tests at the Halliburton Wreck to staring down a Goliath Grouper. A journey through navigation wins, DSMB trials, and a battle with PADI bureaucracy.
Utila – Week 2, Day 6: A New Routine
From assisting my first Advanced course to becoming the island’s unofficial masseuse. A journey through buoyancy squares, marching bands, and the world’s worst pasta.
Utila – Week 2, Day 4: The Lionfish Hunt
From a biblical hangover to the adrenaline of the lionfish hunt. A journey through bloodthirsty dives, feedback reality checks, and a mid-training crisis in Utila.
Utila – Week 2, Day 3: The Potato Massacre
From botched gear prep and bruised knees to the art of spearing potatoes. A journey through 24 scuba skills, venomous lionfish, and a biblical tequila hangover.
Utila – Week 2, Day 2: The DMT Journey Begins!
From tropical storms and PADI curriculum scares to the secrets of the gear shed. A journey through steep learning curves, island life, and the first day of training.