Scuba Sam!

During a recent conference at Bryce Canyon National Park I met Robin from Just Breathe Adaptive. Robin’s non-profit offers adaptive scuba diving training for people with disabilities. She was interested in learning more about the Extreme Motus all-terrian wheelchair so that she could get wheelchair users down the beach and out into the water so they could suit up in their scuba gear.

When she told me about adaptive scuba diving I didn’t think there was any possibility of Sam being able to participate. Sam has very little control over his arms and legs. He also laughs hysterically and would certainly spit his respirator out while underwater. The idea seemed too risky even for me, you know the guy who pushes Sam up and down mountains.

Robin explained that with the proper training and equipment Sam could very likely experience the wonders and freedom of breathing underwater.

I became scuba certified around 20 years ago on a trip to Thailand. Then for no reason in particular never dove again until trying to film Sam in the water. I let the air out of my BCD and sank to the bottom of the pool. Sam had 3 people making sure he was okay under the water, while I was in the deep end trying to figure out how the heck to make it back to the surface with all this gear on.

It was a situation that would have made Sam die laughing had he known it was going on. I did eventually figure out how to scuba again and was able to get some great shots of Sam’s first dive.

What’s next for Sam?

Sam absolutely loved diving! The second he came out of the water he was asking to go back down. He wants to continue with the program, become certified, and someday dive a reef in the ocean where he can see all sorts of ocean life. I have a good hunch he’s going to freak out when a big fish swims up to his facemask but that won’t stop him from doing things many people without a disability are too lazy, or afraid to experience.

The best thing about Sam is he says, “YES!” to everything. With the right piece of adaptive equipment like an Extreme Motus all-terrain wheelchair to get him to the water and some scuba gear, he will be able to experience some truly fantastic views under the sea.

Who is Just Breathe Adaptive?

Just Breathe Adaptive Scuba is a 501 (c)3 nonprofit organization located in Utah County. Thier mission is to promote the health and well-being of individuals with disabilities in outdoor recreation through participation and certification in adaptive scuba diving and providing access to education and resources to help participants navigate the complexities of accessible travel in the US and abroad.  

Their team consists of highly trained Diveheart® Adaptive Scuba Instructors and Adaptive Dive Buddies who are committed to providing opportunities for individuals with disabilities to scuba dive safely and confidently. But, the most important members of their team are the divers like Sam who overcome their disability and aren’t afraid to try something new.

It was so amazing to see Sam standing tall like this. I actually became emotional while in the pool filming. Seeing my friend free from the gravity that normally keeps him slumped over was so amazing.

Interested in Adaptive Scuba Diving?

If you would like to learn more about adaptive scuba diving visit Just Breathe Adaptive. You can become involved in the program, learn to be a dive buddy and help people like Sam have this experience, or support their mission with a donation.