I caught Justin a few weeks ago at work and ambushed him telling him that it was his turn to answer questions. I must admit he knew it was coming but I didn’t give him any other warning than it was coming so I think I kind of stumped him with questions but he came up with answers so it worked out great. Besides, sometimes it is fun to catch people off guard because you get fun answers… lol. So up next in the Instructor Interview sessions is Justin Weston.
How did you get started diving?
I went everywhere with dad and his dive partner and the dive instructor. I have always wanted to because I’ve always been fascinated with wrecks.
How long have you been diving?
Since I was 12
How many dives do you make in a typical year?
You can’t ask me that. I’ve been on the injured list for years and am just getting back where I actually can dive.
What led you to become a dive instructor?
I couldn’t get anyone to give advanced training. That’s really why the Dive shop was started.
What other hobbies do you have besides diving?
Judo and Kayaking. In fact, we’re going to be teaching kayak classes at the Audubon.
What is the best advice you can give to someone considering scuba diving? What advice can you give to a beginning diver?
Be smart about it. Take the time and learn about it.
Where is your favorite place to dive?
Creeks and Rivers. You find stuff.
What is your most comical dive experience?
Um… we can’t talk about that one. Nope, we can’t talk about that one either. Um… oh here’s one. When my brother and I were in the Cayman Islands and Jared cut his finger. We overweighted ourselves than going up the stairs and doing barrel rolls down the ship. Jared cut his finger basically the length of his finger and here we were in the middle of the ocean and he starts bleeding. When his blood came out it was as green as can be. He kind of freaked out and asked what to do and I said hold it closed until we can get to the surface.
What would you recommend for a beginning divers first trip?
Anywhere, but by far Cozumel because it is geared for divers. Especially when you go with a dive shop, they really cater to you.