In less than three months, Brittany went from taking her first breath underwater during a Try Scuba class, to earning one of the highest achievements in recreational diving: her SSI Master Diver rating. And she’s done it all while juggling the busy life of being a mom to a toddler.
If you’ve ever thought it was too late to try something new or wondered if you could really find a new passion in adulthood, Brittany’s story proves otherwise.
The First Step: Trying Scuba Diving in a Pool
Every new hobby, passion or adventure begins with a first step and for Brittany, that was our Try Scuba class. “I was looking for something new and exciting,” she said. “I’d already gone skydiving, but wanted something I could grow into. So I started thinking about water activities, googled scuba diving, and found Diventures.”
Try Scuba class is designed for anyone curious about diving but not quite ready to commit to certification. You’ll get to experience the feeling of weightlessness and learn basic underwater skills with the guidance of a certified instructor.
“I didn’t know what to expect and was a little nervous, honestly,” Brittany shared. “But breathing underwater felt effortless and amazing. I was hooked!”
Becoming a Certified Diver: Open Water Diver Certification
Just 30 minutes after leaving her Try Scuba class, Brittany was already on the phone signing up for the next step: Open Water Diver Certification. The certification process is simple and can be done at your own pace in three easy steps:
1. Digital Learning
2. Classroom & Pool Sessions
Learn alongside an expert instructor. Review key points from your Digital Learning in the classroom and then head to the pool to practice and master the skills needed to enjoy diving safely.
3. Open Water Training Dives
Brittany completed her certification in July 2024, diving headfirst into her training and making the most of every opportunity to learn. From her first breath underwater to completing her open water training dives, she embraced the challenge with energy and determination.
Learn more about the certification process here: Diventures Open Water Diver
Rising to the Challenge: Becoming a Master Diver
Less than 2% of divers become Master Divers and most take years to earn their rating—Brittany achieved hers just two months after becoming Open Water certified all while raising her two-year-old son.
To earn this elite recreational rating, divers must:
- Log at least 50 dives
- Complete 4 specialty courses of their choice
- Finish the SSI Diver Stress & Rescue course
Brittany accomplished her goals by dedicating her weekends to diving, training, and traveling. “It was a whirlwind,” Brittany said. “I spent weekends either in specialty classes or driving to dive sites.” Balancing training with motherhood wasn’t easy. “Being a mom to a two-year-old, I had so much guilt for spending time away from him,” she said. “But I wanted to show him that if you put your mind to something and work hard, you can achieve anything.”
Exploring a New World: First Ocean Dive
In September of 2024, Brittany celebrated her months of hard work and dedication by joining a Diventures trip to Dunbar Rock in Honduras, where she hit multiple major milestones in a single week! During her trip, Brittany explored reefs and created underwater memories that will last a lifetime. “One of the most memorable things I saw was our dive guide feeding a lionfish to a green eel. I even got it on video!”
- Her first ocean dive
- First wreck dive
- First time diving past 100 feet (max depth: 104 ft)
- 50th logged dive
- Speared her first lionfish
- Swam with sharks!
- Officially—became a Master Diver
So why does Brittany keep diving?
“Everything,” Brittany said. “But mostly, getting to see things most people only ever see in pictures. Being underwater is one of the places where I feel happiest. And it’s made me more aware of how our actions above water impact the ecosystems below.”
Brittany’s Advice to New Divers
If you’re thinking about scuba but feeling unsure, Brittany’s advice is clear: “Just jump in—pun intended.”
“Take a Try Scuba class. Talk to other divers. Ask questions. The team at Diventures really listens and supports you through the process. They’re not just there to pass you through—they’re there to help you succeed.”
What’s Next for Brittany? Becoming a Dive Pro!
With her Master Diver rating behind her, Brittany isn’t slowing down. She now has her sights set on becoming a Dive Professional. “This sport needs more female professionals,” she said. “I want to share my love of diving with anyone who wants to learn.”
And she credits our team in North Liberty, IA for believing in her. “Without the amazing people at Diventures, I wouldn’t have made it this far. They’ve become more than instructors—they’ve become friends.”
What’s Next for You?
Whether you’re brand new, returning after time away, or ready to level up, Diventures is here to support you every step of the way.
- Take the plunge with Try Scuba
- Get certified with Open Water Diver
- Dive back in with our Scuba Skills Update
- Or take on the Master Diver Challenge
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