About Todd   While I'm relatively new to diving, I've done my best to make up for lost time. I got my Open Water Diver certification from Randy in June 2007. Admittedly, my performance the first day in the pool was less than stellar. Fear almost got the better of me, but Randy coached and waited and chanted his mantra, "Take your time. Whenever you're ready," and by the second day I didn't want to get out of the water. That says far more about Randy's teaching style and good-natured ways than my abilities, but another instructor probably would have given up and I never would have found what has become the greatest joy in my life (don't tell my wife I said that). The week after getting certified, my wife and I went on vacation in Mexico. When I got back on the boat after my first dive on Cozumel's Palancar Reef, I felt everything from awe to a deep satisfaction to exhilaration to an internal giddiness that stayed with me for days. Before going to Mexico, Randy and I had arranged to begin my Advanced Open Water class when I got back. While the green soupy water of Lake Travis may not have the same magic as the Caribbean, I couldn't wait to get back under water. As someone who once wanted to live the life of a "professional student," I never thought it would be learning scuba! Windy Point has become my classroom and I've spent almost every weekend there since last summer. From diving during the floods where we geared up in the parking lot to what I hope is the first of many New Year's Day dives—and dove it in a 7mm wetsuit (BAH! to all you dry suit wimps out there). I've become Randy's sidekick and through his instruction, patience and friendship I've put in over 100 dives now and filled my waterproof wallet with PADI certification cards: • Advanced Open Water Diver • Enriched Air Diver • Emergency First Responder • Rescue Diver • Solo Diver (SDI) • Deep Diver • Underwater Navigator [and, the one I'm most proud of] • Divemaster For me, it isn't about getting certificates and cards, though. I've gained great friends, had amazing underwater experiences, and been there to see brand new divers and seasoned pros experience the underwater world. When people ask me, "What's so great about scuba diving?" I usually answer, "Come get in the pool and see for yourself." This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it if you want to take a class, need a dive buddy, have a question, or just want to share stories.