Instructors

Our instructors are a talented group, each with their own niche and passion. All of our instructors team teach, which gives students exposure to a variety of methods and ideas. If you have any questions, please give them a call at 386-752-1087.

Text

NORTH FLORIDA INSTRUCTORS

Scott Byars Teaching the entire array of technical classes offered, Scott is our resident Hogarthian, minimalist, DIR-guy who ironically, happens to spend most of his time sidemounting and diving his O2ptima rebreather. Scott is a laid-back guy, yet his teaching style demands that his students learn to think for themselves, a critical skill for any technical diver.

Ron Carlo Residing in Texas (or wherever his RV takes him), Ron is both a technical instructor as well as instructor trainer. Ron is a great support to our dealers in helping them establish a core of tech instructors for their shop.

Mike Engle Teaching our recreational classes, Mike moonlights at the University of Florida as a staff instructor. A beach bum at heart, Mike is a cave dweller like the rest of us, yet you'll often find him diving the Florida keys, spearfishing or scalloping. Mike makes diving fun and makes sure his students don't forget to enjoy themselves.

Matt Harlan A cave diving aficionado, Matt originally was a wreck/deep instructor off the coast of Virginia. After becoming hooked on cave diving, Matt relocated and is now a Gator-fanatic. Matt teaches cave and mixed-gas diving with a focus on tried-and-true, old-school principles giving his students a solid foundation for executing technical dives.

Lamar Hires A cave diving legend, Lamar has written the book on diving (literally) having developed the very first sidemount course in existence. Lamar's thirty-plus years of exploration diving and teaching isn't the only experience he brings to his students. Lamar is passionate about dive gear and his intricate knowledge of how it should best perform means his students learn tricks of the trade only a gear-minded engineer would know. Lamar teaches all technical classes offered.

Pete Nawrocky Residing in Virginia, Pete is an avid photographer as well as instructor. You'll see his photos throughout our website and he's an excellent resource for budding u/w photographers. Pete's most popular course currently is open water sidemount. Pete actively works with Dive Rite dealers in his area to support their tech business.