SDI Instructor Gustavo Padilla -

Gustavo Padilla

Stories from Diving with an SDI Instructor

Name: Gustavo Padilla

Country of origin: Mexico

Place of residence: Quintana Roo

Dive club / dive center: Darkside Divers

Highest diving certifications: CCR Cave

Highest instructor certifications: Deco Cave / Helitrox

What inspired you to become a dive instructor?

Honestly, it was all about the lifestyle. The idea of living in a tropical paradise, spending my days underwater, and helping others overcome their fears while having fun sounded like a dream. Few jobs allow you to work in such an incredible natural environment while making a real impact on people’s lives. Becoming an instructor isn’t just about teaching skills, it’s about guiding people through a transformation. Seeing someone go from nervous and unsure to confident and excited about diving is one of the most rewarding feelings.

What motivates you to keep teaching every day?

Paying the bills… Just kidding! Honestly, it’s the amazing people who trust me and believe in what I do. Being part of their journey, helping them reach their goals, and seeing them evolve as divers is an incredible feeling. Teaching isn’t just about passing on knowledge; it’s about shaping responsible, skilled divers who will explore the underwater world safely. And let’s be real—there’s no better office than the ocean!

Has a student ever surprised you or taught you something?

Absolutely! Every course I teach is also a learning experience for me. At the end of each day, I always ask my students if there’s anything I could have explained better or done differently to help them understand and apply the skills. Their feedback has been invaluable in improving my teaching style. Not everyone learns the same way, and over the years, my students have taught me to adapt, think outside the box, and approach training from new angles. It’s a constant evolution and I love that.

How do you stay up to date with the latest diving techniques, equipment, and standards?

When I decided to make diving my career, I made a promise to myself that every year I would take at least one dive-related course to keep growing and evolving. So far, I’ve stuck to it (sometimes even taking two courses a year! 😅). This year, I’m doing a Cave CCR course while also working toward new instructor certifications. Staying up to date isn’t just an option, it’s a responsibility. The dive industry is constantly changing, and as an instructor, I believe in leading by example.

What values of this agency align with your teaching style and vision of diving?

What I love about SDI is that, first and foremost, it’s a family-run business. Unlike other agencies that disguise themselves as non-profits while chasing profits, SDI is upfront, transparent, and genuinely supportive of both independent instructors and dive centers. They provide the freedom to structure courses in a way that makes sense while ensuring that standards are met. Plus, they’re always available when you need them, which is a huge plus in this industry.

Which courses do you enjoy teaching the most and why?

Overhead environment courses are definitely my favorite to teach. These courses push students out of their comfort zones and challenge them both physically and mentally. Watching them grow throughout the training, develop confidence and master new skills is incredibly rewarding. By the end of the course, they’ve not only improved as divers, but also gained a new level of self-discipline and problem-solving skills. That transformation is what makes teaching these courses so special.

What do you hope your students remember about you after completing your courses?

I hope they remember me as someone who helped them grow—not just as divers, but as individuals. Diving isn’t just about technique; it’s about mindset, responsibility and respect for the underwater world. If my students walk away with a deeper understanding of what it means to be a safe, conscious, and a skilled diver, then I’ve done my job right. More than anything, I want them to keep learning, keep exploring and always have fun in the process.

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