Daniel Gonzales: SDI Instructor Trainer Ambassador
I’m Daniel González Cardona SDI Course Director IT , it’s an honor to be a member of the SDI Ambassador Program, I live in Cancún, Mexico and I love SCUBA diving but I really enjoy teaching it, specially Instrctor programs, I like to spend must of my free time traveling and cave diving.
What was the first dive you did and how did it influence you to start a career in the diving industry?
From a very young age, I’ve always had a curiosity about the underwater world. In 1994 I was 19 years only and being a member of a rescue team I had the opportunity to do my first scuba dive and I got thrilled by the experience. Years later, that curiosity and the will of developing myself into something that fulfills my life with satisfaction and joy took me to the path of professional diving by the year 2000.
By 2004 I became a TDI member and since then it has been a road of challenges and accomplishments. By 2015 I reached TDI SDI Instructor Trainer level. The curiosity persists, the challenges continue and the satisfaction grows.
What do you believe is the most important trait of a professional educator and why?
In order to teach, you need to learn. Learn from everyone, be humble, share your knowledge and never stop learning.
What is your favorite SDI class to teach and why?
Definitely, the IDC, because it’s when you see the transformation between divers and professional diving educators become capable to learn and teach.
What is a bucket list dive you still have?
Before scuba diving, I used to be a climber and Everest was in my bucket list at the time. Since now I’m a professional diver, I would say the Andrea Doria is in my bucket list, the Everest of dives.
What is one bit of advice you would give to a perspective Instructor candidate about to embark on becoming an SDI Instructor?
Besides teaching scuba diving and learning from your students. Take at least one course a year scuba diving related or not. Just keep your mind open to new knowledge all the time.