Adaptive Scuba Diving with Just Breathe Adaptive: Sam’s First Dive
Quick answer
Adaptive scuba diving makes the underwater world accessible to people with significant physical disabilities — including riders like Sam, who has cerebral palsy and very little limb control. With proper training and a team of certified Diveheart adaptive instructors, Sam completed his first dive through Utah-based nonprofit Just Breathe Adaptive. The Extreme Motus all-terrain wheelchair gets riders down the beach to the water; Just Breathe handles everything from there.
Scuba Sam!
At a recent conference at Bryce Canyon National Park I met Robin from Just Breathe Adaptive. Her nonprofit offers adaptive scuba diving training for people with disabilities, and she wanted to know more about the Extreme Motus all-terrain wheelchair — specifically because she needed a way to get wheelchair users down the beach and into the water before they suit up in their gear.
When she first told me about adaptive scuba diving, I was skeptical that Sam could do it. Sam has very little control over his arms and legs. He also laughs hysterically and would certainly spit his respirator out underwater. The idea seemed too risky even for me — and I’m the guy who pushes Sam up and down mountains for a living.
Robin explained that with the right training and equipment, Sam could very likely experience the wonders and freedom of breathing underwater.
I almost drowned trying to film it
I became scuba certified about 20 years ago on a trip to Thailand, then for no real reason never dove again until trying to film Sam in the pool. I let the air out of my BCD and sank to the bottom. Sam had three people making sure he was okay; I was in the deep end trying to figure out how the heck to make it back to the surface with all the gear on.
It was a situation that would have made Sam die laughing if he’d known what was happening. I eventually figured out how to scuba again and got some great shots of his 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 real ocean life. I have a good hunch he’ll 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 too afraid to try.
The best thing about Sam is he says “YES!” to everything. With the right adaptive equipment — the Motus to get him to the water, scuba gear and a trained team to take him down — he gets to experience some genuinely fantastic underwater views.
Who is Just Breathe Adaptive?
Just Breathe Adaptive Scuba is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Utah County. Their mission is to promote the health and well-being of people with disabilities through outdoor recreation — specifically through participation and certification in adaptive scuba diving — and to provide education and resources for navigating accessible travel in the US and abroad.
Their team consists of highly trained Diveheart Adaptive Scuba instructors and Adaptive Dive Buddies who provide opportunities for people with disabilities to dive safely and confidently. The most important members of the team, though, are divers like Sam — the people who say yes to something new.
It was incredible to see Sam standing tall like this. I actually got emotional in the pool while filming — seeing my friend free of the gravity that normally keeps him slumped over was something I won’t forget.
Interested in adaptive scuba diving?
If you’d like to learn more about adaptive scuba, visit Just Breathe Adaptive. You can join the program as a participant, train as a dive buddy and help riders like Sam have the experience, or support the mission with a donation.
Frequently asked questions
Can someone with severe physical disability really scuba dive?
Yes — with the right adaptive instructors, equipment, and dive buddies. Programs like Just Breathe Adaptive and Diveheart specialize in exactly this and have certified divers with a wide range of physical conditions.
Where is Just Breathe Adaptive based?
Utah County, Utah. They’re a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Their instructors are certified through Diveheart Adaptive Scuba.
How does the Extreme Motus fit into adaptive scuba?
The Motus rolls riders across sand, gravel, and uneven terrain to the water — an area where standard wheelchairs can’t go. Once at the water, the dive team takes over with adaptive scuba gear.
Do I need to already be scuba certified to participate?
No. Just Breathe Adaptive offers training and a path to certification for participants with disabilities. Reach out through their website to learn the next steps.
How can I support adaptive scuba programs?
Donate, volunteer to train as an Adaptive Dive Buddy, or share these programs with anyone who might benefit. Word of mouth is huge for nonprofits like Just Breathe.
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