Why I Wrote These Books

I did not set out to be an author. I set out to make sense of scuba diving when I was new, and I kept running into the same problem: the honest, practical answers I wanted were scattered, buried in forums, or softened into marketing copy. Training courses gave me the basics. Other divers gave me tips. But no one gave me a clear, connected picture of what the journey from first breath to confident diver actually looked like.

When I finally got certified, I discovered how much I did not know. I made gear mistakes, rushed into classes I did not need, and learned important lessons the hard way. I also met instructors, mentors, and buddies who showed me what good diving looks like and how it feels to dive with people you trust. Those experiences changed how I dive and how I think about the sport.

Both of these books grew out of that gap between what beginners are told and what they actually need to hear.

The First Breath

This is the book I wish I had before I signed up for my first class. It is written for anyone curious about scuba but not sure where to start. It explains what training is really like, what gear you should and should not buy early, how to think about risk, and how to keep diving after certification. It is not here to convince you to dive. It is here to give you enough clarity to decide for yourself.

The Next Descent

This book is for divers who already have their certification but want to get better. It is for the space between basic competence and true confidence. It covers skills, mindset, gear decisions, and the realities of diving culture. The goal is to help you grow deliberately, avoid the common traps that stall progress, and find a sustainable way to keep diving for years to come.

One Journey, Two Stages

Together, these books are a roadmap. The First Breath helps you begin with a clear head and realistic expectations. The Next Descent helps you turn that start into steady, capable practice. They are meant to be honest, usable, and grounded in real-world experience, not agency scripts or glossy sales copy.

Why It Matters

Diving is worth doing well. It rewards patience, humility, and curiosity. But the path is easier when you can see it clearly. If these books save you from one bad decision, help you find a better instructor, or give you the confidence to slow down when something feels off, they will have done their job.