LA's Best Divemasters and Assisant Instructors

Our instructors and divemasters are all PADI professionals with the knowledge and experience to help make you one of California's best divers. Whether you're trying scuba for the first time or you're going for instructor certification, we have a team member who will instruct and inspire you every step of the way.

For all of its diversity, the underwater environment is under siege. An integral part of our mission is to help educate, protect and conserve these fragile ecosystems. At Eco Dive Center our goal is to train divers in marine life awareness as well as how to be better underwater explorers.

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Kendra "Special K" Guffey, Staff / Divemaster Certifications: PADI Divemaster, Assistant Instructor and In-Store Staff Summary: I began diving in 1989 in the dark cold waters of Whittier, Alaska and while that slowed me down temporarily, a move to California reignited my love for diving. I love to travel and one of my goals is to explore the world both above and below the water although California still ranks as my favorite dive location. The kelp forests are amazing and I can think of no better way to pass an hour than laying on the sand watching a sealion chase fish. My favorite dive though so far was off Aliwal Shoals, S.Africa diving the Produce wreck and listening to humback whales singing underwater. The effect was as if the wreck was haunted. While there I took a specialty course in Shark diving that has lead me to appreciate sharks even more and try to spead the word on fact and fiction regarding them. I am very excited to be working in diving again and can't wait to share the experience with others!

Jeremy Wolf, Divemaster Certifications: PADI DM & Assistant Instructor Summary: I grew up spending my summers in the Isthmus in Catalina on my family's boat, snorkeling, water skiing, and even SCUBA diving once or twice. My uncle also ran a dive boat out of San Pedro, and although I had these connections to our underwater world, I did not get certified until 2003. Since then I have made diving my one hobby, and have grown to enjoy introducing others to it by assisting with instruction at Eco. I travel to Hawaii once or twice a year for "business" and manage to get in as much diving as possible, in addition to diving locally as much as I can fit into my schedule.

Carolyn Wang, Divemaster Certifications: PADI DM Summary: Growing up in FL, I’ve always loved the water, but my fascination with the ocean really began by watching Shark Week. After freezing in New England for a few years, I moved to California and jumped at the chance to get certified for SCUBA before a family trip to Mexico. I found Eco through a coworker, completed my OW and AOW, and left for my trip thinking I’d be a “vacation/tropical diver�….WRONG! I’ve been diving locally ever since, learning new specialties along the way, and now Rescue and Divemaster. I love the adventure and beauty of being underwater, and you'll probably see me with a camera in my hand on most dives.

Kelli Dickinson, Divemaster Certifications: PADI DM Summary: Born and raised in the sandy desert of Scottsdale, AZ I grew up practically living in our pool and with a passion for the sea which I only saw on summer vacations. I earned my Open Water SCUBA certification in 2003 on a family trip to Hawaii, and dreamed of getting under the water while back in the desert for college at the University of Arizona (Tucson). The summer of my junior year I traveled back to Hawaii for an internship with Dolphin Dreams Images (Hawaii Internship Blog). There I earned my Advanced Open Water certification while learning the ins and outs of running an underwater videography business. I knew from the moment I sat in the pool by the Sheraton assisting in a Scuba Introduction during my internship in Hawaii that I wanted to teach diving. I moved to California within weeks of graduating college and after finding a job and getting settled, I made my first California dive in the summer of 2008. From the moment I descended I have been hooked. The temperate reefs and kelp forests out here are so beautiful and much more mysterious than the tropic Hawaiian waters I dove previously. I also have a passion for photography and yearn for the day when I can afford to buy a dSLR with high quality strobes! When I'm not underwater I split my time between work, triathlon, backpacking/hiking and dreams of getting back underwater. • BCD: ScubaPro Bella • Regs: Aqualung Cousteau First and Second Stage with Octopus, Dacor gauges • Computer: Suunto D4 • Protection: Aqualung SolaFx 7/8mm wetsuit with Hood, Pinnacle Karbonflex Gloves and ScubaPro Boots • The Rest: Aqualung Slingshot Fins, Aqualung QuartZ Mask, ScubaPro Phoenix Snorkel, Wenoka Dive Knife, and Princeton Tec Miniwave LED and TUSA torches • Photography: Canon SD870IS with Canon Housing, Ikelight AF-35 Strobe Facebook: www.facebook.com/kelnkelp Videos: http://www.youtube.com/kelnkelp

Louis , Divemaster Certifications: PADI DM Summary: Most people avoid jumping into a large body of water, but for me, jumping in signifies the beginning of an underwater adventure. Scuba and skin diving is at the same time exciting and relaxing, it's so peaceful and serene underwater. I went with a friend to become certified in early 2009 at Eco. After my first pool session, I was hooked and have been in the water nearly every weekend since. Scuba diving, and the California weather, convinced me to cancel my flight home to Florida and turn what began as a post-graduation vacation into my permanent home. Shortly after getting certified, I found that I really enjoyed helping out other divers when on Eco charter boats. And now, I'm a Master of the Dive. Check out my FaceBook link for pictures and events.

Gerard Lorenzo, Divemaster Certifications: PADI DM Summary: Growing up in Marina del Rey, it was only natural that I spend the majority of my time near the ocean. Whether it be swimming, surfing, or kayaking, I was always attracted to the ocean. However, it wasn't until a few years ago where I discovered SCUBA that my attraction for the ocean grew and I truly appreciated everything the ocean has to offer. I initially got certified for a trip to Australia but when I got back, I found my self eager to keep learning. OW quickly turned into AOW; AOW rapidly turned into Rescue; and Rescue suddenly turned to Divemaster. In that time, I found myself traveling more to different locations exploring countries above and below the waterline. Whether it be exotic locals or diving locally with such a diverse group of people, SCUBA has not only opened my eyes to the ocean but to the world.

Joe Bustos, Divemaster Certifications: Summary: After a career in the US Army I am now leveraging my training and experiences as well as those gained here at Eco Dive Center as a Divemaster. Being a south bay native I grew up in and around our coastal waters most of my life. Some of the most amazing world-class dives are right off our coast. From breathtaking reefs, kelp forests, to spectacular wrecks and deep water pinnacles - southern California has it all. And diving doesn’t have to be limited to sunlight hours. The ocean comes alive with activity at night. So what are you waiting for? Let’s go get wet!

Ben Dennis, Divemaster Certifications: PADI Divemaster Summary: I became a certified diver, as well as a member of DAN in 2007 after returning from 27 months serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom. I currently hold over 24 PADI Specialties and EFR Instructor. I love to travel and take every opportunity to dive. I love most about diving is that every dive brings a new adventure and helping people attain sometimes life long dreams. SCUBA!

George "Kung Fool" Fernandez, Instructor Certifications: Open Water Instructor Summary: Met Ron in 1998, I took his Rescue and DM classes and have been assisting ever since. I love watching students fall in love with scuba diving just I did in my PADI Open Water certification. Now my goal has been to travel the world at least 6 times a year and enjoy earth's world aquatica.