As you know, my "buddy" Kristen Roach and I just completed six weeks of the most enjoyable training in my professional career. I'm referring to the Basic and Advanced NAUI scuba courses, so aptly taught by you. I thoroughly enjoyed learning the myriad details necessary to become a "safe" diver, the classroom and pool instruction, and of course the diving experiences at Hood Canal, where we honed the classroom and pool skills, allowing us to enter the aquarium-like underwater world only open to scuba divers.
Most of all, Karl, I really appreciated your emphasis on safety and security. I never felt pressured to perform a task for which I was not fully prepared, mainly because you took the time to make sure we were all well prepared. You never hesitated to interrupt your prepared remarks to answer a question, in fact you welcomed questions at every step of the training. Your reassurances at every step of the learning and training were most valuable in making me feel secure developing my skills with a sport that has risks, but which are manageable to the educated and prepared.
Having gone through 12 years of education beyond high school, I've seen a few teachers and instructors. Your skills as a teacher, Karl, rank with the very best. I consider myself very fortunate our paths have crossed, and I look forward to many a dive together as we meander down life's paths. I heartily recommend anyone interested in learning to scuba dive to seek out your class. They will not be disappointed.
Thanks, Karl.
With Great Respect,
Your Pupil,
Harry H. Rinehart, M.D. Manzanita, Oregon
November 30, 2010
Karl,
Thank you for offering the beginning scuba class last winter. My son and I enjoyed it immensely! We feel you provided us with more than just a training class; you prepared us in mind as well to open up this new world of adventure. You took the time to make sure we didn't just pass or fail, but that we learned the skills necessary to be safe participants in the underwater world.
Thanks again, Randy Winesburgh Pacific City, Oregon
January 1, 2011
Dear Karl:
Thank you for your support and professional presentation of the NAUI Scuba program! At 62, and in my senior years, I felt fearful of the class requirements. Due to your encouragement, I stayed the course and today feel confident with my scuba skills.
After retiring from 30 years of park management with the USDI, today I am the certified pool operator at the local community center. Your scuba training, at that pool, presented a convenient opportunity to enhance my aquatic credentials. Still, your class was challenging and I had self-doubt. Our class roster included a medical doctor, minister, Coast Guard serviceman, and a timid teenager.
I felt fearful and wanted to pack it in -- one time in training and again during one of the checkout dives. Due to your positive reinforcement, I hung in and conquered my fear. I also observed your patience with the teenager. He was our youngest member, and I the oldest. Due to your leadership, we both passed the NAUI certification requirements with confidence.
Thank You! I highly recommend your NAUI Scuba classes to others!
Sincerely,
Lee Shepherd Wheeler, Oregon
April 12, 2010
Dear Karl,
Scuba diving is an incredible experience, and certainly not for everyone! One must LOVE the water and adventure! My family decided to take your course this past February. What a great decision! You had an easy-to-understand curriculum with elaborate reviews on safety. As a health care provider, this aspect is essential for the risks and care one must take with this underwater activity. Also, the class was amenable to our 15-year-old daughter and for us middle-aged folk -- the parents. I personally adore the water, and have swam for over 40 years and competed nationally. The experience of being weightless and not having to come up for air to witness the amazing wonders of the sea below was euphoric for me! You had strong expectations and helped even the weakest swimmer attain them safely. I truly aspire to take more scuba diving classes and would love it if you were my instructor again!
I continue in awe of the underwater world!
Ann Batchelder Tillamook, Oregon
January 28, 2011
Thank you, Karl, for the excellent NAUI Scuba Diver class! It was a great learning experience and very much appreciated. I thought your class was well laid out, with plenty of hands-on learning and in class study time. I also want to thank you for the safety you ensured while on the dives. I think my most memorable experience was the night dive. To be able to see all kinds of little creatures come out of their hiding places was definitely worth the time and money!
I am looking forward to taking the NAUI Advanced Scuba Diver class from you!
