Travis Porter, North Liberty, Iowa traveler turned dive pro, has always had a fascination with the ocean. Two years after completing his Open Water Dive course, he is now a Divemaster and doesn’t plan on stopping there. Read the latest interview with Travis here.
What got you interested in diving?
I grew up watching Shark Week and other documentaries on Discovery Channel and National Geographic and have always had a strong fascination with the ocean. I found out about Diventures while visiting some “hobby scuba” shops in Des Moines. They described Diventures as this brand new state-of-the-art facility with a heated pool and retail area. I googled Diventures that same night and scheduled my Open Water course.
What year were you certified?
January of 2021
When did you set your eyes on becoming a dive pro, and what level are you?
After I had started the Master Diver Challenge and completed my Nitrox course a couple of dive pros asked me if I would be interested in progressing to that level. I just got my Divemaster certification in January 2023 in Curaçao on a Diventures trip.
What are some of your favorite highlights from your recent Diventures trips?
Curacao was amazing, both in and out of the water. And the Whale Shark excursion while in Cozumel was awesome! I would highly recommend doing it at least once. Most importantly the trip leaders go above and beyond on every trip. They are definitely there to make sure you are taken care of and have fun.
What’s your go-to gear for a Total Dive System?
I am a big fan of Scubapro. I own the HydrosPro and like its compactness and modular design. It’s easy to add or change parts and customize them.
You’re known as a bit of a “gearhead” when it comes to scuba equipment. What are some of your most fun “toys”?
I love the SeaLife underwater phone housing. I can put my iPhone inside and pump the air out to create a vacuum. Now all my photos and videos are already on my phone and ready to post. I don’t have to bring a dedicated camera with me.
My most recent and favorite purchase was an OTS Guardian full-face mask. Its double-seal gasket remains dry on the inside and defogs automatically with each breath.
What’s your favorite dive location and what’s still on your bucket list?
The drift dives in Cozumel were a blast. You cover a lot of area in a little time. I am looking forward to diving in the Philippines and Tahiti in 2025. My “Bubble List” of dives after that is the Red Sea in Egypt and Galapagos.
What are your future aspirations for your professional dive career?
Someday I would like to own a dive boat somewhere tropical and try to forget what snow is.
To those people who are on the fence about getting scuba certified, what would you tell them?
Scuba diving is something you just have to experience for yourself. The dive pros will teach you everything you need to know to safely explore the underwater world. They will make sure you are comfortable with all the skills before going on.
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