Welcome to Dive Otter!
Hi, I'm Tyler, the voice behind Dive Otter. I’m just an ordinary guy with a passion for scuba diving. My journey into the underwater world started as a kid growing up in Southern California playing in the surf, fishing on deep sea boats, working at a local marine aquarium as a tour guide and playing water polo. I went to college, got married, had some kids and moved to the midwest. Eventually I walked into a scuba shop looking for a new hobby and here we are.Why this Website?
Dive Otter was born out of my desire to create a space where divers of all levels can find reliable, straightforward information about scuba diving. I’m not an instructor, a scuba diving expert, or a seller of anything related to scuba diving. I have no vested interest in promoting any specific shop, instructor, product, location, or dive operator. None of the links on this website earn me money, and I receive no kickbacks. What I do offer is my honest perspective as a fellow diver who’s still learning and exploring every day.My Mission
I started this site to help others navigate the sometimes overwhelming world of scuba diving. Whether you're a beginner just starting out, or someone looking to refine your skills, I hope you'll find something valuable here. My goal is to make diving more accessible and enjoyable by sharing tips, tools and insights that I’ve gathered along the way.Let's Dive in Together
As you explore Dive Otter, I hope you’ll feel like you’re diving alongside a friend who’s here to help you every step of the way. If you ever have questions, want to share your own experiences, or even need a dive buddy, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. You can connect with me on social media or drop me an email at [email protected].
A Bit About Me:
Profession: Technology Risk ManagementeMail: [email protected]
Instagram: @thediveotter
Age: 50'ish
Height/Weight: 6'-2" / 215lb
First Dive: 1998 ("resort" dive in Hawaii)
Coldest Water (Wet): 54F - 7mm Bare
Coldest Water (Dry): 47F - Santi \w 4th Element Arctic
Dive Insurance: Yes (DAN)
Highest Dive Certification: Master Scuba Diver
Dive Particulars:
Experience: ~100 DivesPersonal Depth Limit: 130ft
Home Waters: Three Oaks Recreational Area
Open Water Cert: Scuba Schools International (SSI) (#3586326)
Additional Dive Training: Scuba Diving International (SDI)
Additional Dive Training: Global Underwater Explorers (GUE)
Favorite Training Class: GUE Fundamentals - "Fundies"
Full List of Certifications: A Bunch
Safety & Misc Training: Even More
Avg SAC: 27 psi/min \w AL80 (~40min @ 40ft)
Avg RMV: 0.70 cuft/min
Skill / Ability Particulars:
Backmount Single: Yes - My GearBackmount Double: Maybe Someday (my back hurts thinking about it)
dSMB Use: Novice - My Preferred Method from InnerSpace Explorers (ISE)
Spool / Reel Work: Novice
Navigation: Novice - Awesome Video on the Basics from FlowState Divers
Site Mapping: Novice - Three Oaks Map
Drysuit: Novice
Wreck Diver (Limited Penetration): Novice
Technical Diver: Maybe Someday
Sidemount: Maybe Someday
Cavern Diver: Maybe Someday
CCR/Rebreather: Maybe Someday
Solo Diver: Banned by Wife/Family
Cave Diver: Banned by Wife/Family
Wreck Diver (Full Penetration): Banned by Wife/Family
Why "Dive Otter"?
One of my instructors said "Damn...you're fast under water...SLOW DOWN!"...so that...and I don't have a particular reason to dive like photography or exploration...I just like being under water.