How to Choose an Open Water Instructor
The instructor you choose sets the foundation for how you dive for years to come. They influence how you plan, react, and think underwater. A poor fit can leave you anxious or unprepared, while the right one builds confidence that lasts. This guide explains how to identify good instructors, what to ask before enrolling, and how to recognize genuine professionalism. If you are in Chicagoland, see our recommended private instructors.
Private instruction is not automatically better, but it often provides more time and focus. Many shop instructors are excellent, yet shops must balance large classes and busy schedules. Private instructors have more flexibility to adjust the pace, which helps many new divers learn faster and with less stress.
Teaching Style and Communication
Every instructor has a rhythm. Some are patient and methodical while others move quickly and expect you to keep up. Ask former students how they felt during class, observe a pool session if possible, and pay attention to how the instructor answers questions. Clear, specific explanations show better teaching than charm or enthusiasm alone. The way they communicate before the course is just as important. Slow replies or vague answers suggest disorganization. Professional instructors reply promptly, explain next steps, and set expectations for schedules, gear, and preparation.
Experience and Real-World Diving
Certifications are only part of the story. Recent, active experience is what keeps instructors sharp. Ask how long they have been teaching and in what conditions. Look for instructors who dive regularly outside of courses, because that experience shapes their judgment on gear, conditions, and safety. Confirm that they are affiliated with a recognized training agency and, if possible, hold specialties like Human Factors in Diving. Diving is a perishable craft, and instructors who keep diving continue to improve as teachers.
Class Size and Attention
Smaller classes create better divers. Four students or fewer per instructor allows meaningful feedback and reduces waiting time. Always ask about maximum class size, whether Divemasters assist, and how much individual time you will have during skill sessions. The difference between personal coaching and group oversight can define how confident you feel on your first real dive.
How They Teach Skills
Buoyancy and trim should be part of every session, not a single chapter in the course. Good instructors teach posture, breath control, and body position early, then revisit those skills until they feel natural. When students struggle, they adjust calmly and have a plan for extra practice instead of rushing to completion. Before signing up, ask what happens if someone needs more time in the pool or extra dives to reach comfort. Their answer reveals more about their priorities than any certification card.
Safety, Gear, and Environment
Safety is visible in habits, not slogans. Reliable instructors conduct full briefings, use checklists consistently, and move through skills with control. They teach deliberate communication and situational awareness so you stay aware of both your buddy and your environment. Well-maintained rental gear and organized training sites make learning easier. Ask how often equipment is serviced and what to expect at the pool or open-water location. Clarity about these details reflects professionalism throughout the program.
From my book The First Breath, the chapter “What Makes a Good Instructor” describes how a few dives with the right mentor can reshape how you think underwater. Great instructors do more than teach skills. They teach awareness, patience, and judgment that stay with you long after certification.
Evaluating Instructors Quickly
If you are short on time, use a quick filter before enrolling. Ask for class ratios, total pool hours, and what happens if you need extra practice. Read recent reviews that mention coaching or feedback quality. The cheapest course is rarely the best value. Confirm what is included in the price (materials, rentals, certification fees, and site costs) so you know what you are really paying for.
Final Thoughts
A good instructor teaches skills. A great one teaches judgment and composure. They notice when you are quiet, check in before you have to ask, and push just enough to keep you improving. Choose the instructor who pays attention when you think no one is watching. That is the person who will make you a diver, not just a student.