Paul Kobrin: SDI Instructor Trainer Ambassador
Hi, I’m Paul Kobrin. I’m honored to be a part of the SDI Instructor Ambassador Program. I own New England Dive Center and I’ve been diving since the late 1960’s.
What was the first dive you did and how did it influence you to start a career in the diving industry?
The first dive I can remember was in the late 1960s. A friend of mine’s father lost a watch in a lake in about 15 feet of water. I donned some borrowed gear and descended into the murky depths, found the watch and was paid $25 for my troubles and thought to myself, I can make money doing this.
What do you believe is the most important trait of a professional educator and why?
Patience and humility – being adaptable, realizing not all students learn the same.
What is your favorite SDI class to teach and why?
Wreck Diver – when a wreck sinks unintentionally due to a collision, war or any other reason, time stops and it becomes a time capsule. When we dive on those wrecks we are diving into history.
What is a bucket list dive you still have?
Bikini Atoll
What is one bit of advice you would give to a perspective Instructor candidate about to embark on becoming an SDI Instructor?
Time management – it’s crucial to running a smooth class, treat students as you would want to be treated