Desert Reef Dive Systems (DRDS) is a more official continuation of what I and several like-minded divers have been trying to do for years. There is no shortage of commercial-minded dive operators and schools in the world (some of them very good) but it has always been difficult to find mentorship, to find training that fits in with our unique desires, needs and constraints, whether economic or time availability.
Another aspect that we have found to be missing is the sense of a community that doesn’t revolve around trying to make divers spend more money at your operation. When you dive with us, whether on a course or just a fun dive, we will add you to our growing WhatsApp and Facebook community where we can plan dives, trips, social gatherings or just gab about the things that we find amusing at that moment.
To us, you are not customers or clients or even, gasp, guests. You are our future dive buddies, our partners-in-crime on epic expeditions, the person handing us a regulator when things have gone terribly wrong.
I am a firm believer in paying it forward. I have been blessed in my life with folks who have helped me achieve my goals and dreams, even when there was no benefit to them. It behooves me to thank those kind heroes by doing the same and trying, in my small way, to create the world I want to live in.
Our values:
- Be nice. We construct, we don’t destroy. Whether that is the environment or the confidence of a new diver, we look to preserve and improve what we see around us. We will always try our best to provide positive constructive feedback (when asked!) and we believe firmly that, as long as it is safe, that there are many different ways to enjoy this hobby and we do not insist that everyone do it our way.
- We are human. We make mistakes, and when pointed out we will do everything we can to fix them.
- We will always try to do what is best for our students, even if that means sending them to someone else for gear or training that will better suit their longer term needs.
- We do NOT sell certifications or cards. We provide suitable training, earning the certification is up to the student. We WILL do everything possible to facilitate that but in the end it is up to the student.
So, welcome on this journey with us, we hope to see you in the water with us soon!