We would like to express our profound appreciation for the “FREE-DAPTIVE Divers” program and it’s founders, as well as to Midwest Diving School in White Bear Lake and Courage Kenny, Golden Valley for their roles in setting up this adaptive SCUBA diving program. Our 26 year old son, Ryan, had been working toward his dive master certification prior to suffering traumatic brain injury in an auto accident in 2014. From a young age Ryan has wanted to dive and to become a marine archaeologist, and after the accident he was devastated by the thought that he might not be able to continue diving. This adaptive diving program has been tremendous for Ryan’s self confidence, and given him a renewed and vigorous drive to continue pursuing both his recreational and professional diving goals. We have also observed many times the truly world-expanding experience this program has provided to individuals with no prior history of diving. All of the personnel involved in this endeavor have shown tremendous respect for and dedication to the adaptive needs community, and we truly grateful that we were able to take part in this program.

“One thing about last night, one word that would best describe my diving experience would not be fun, exciting, awesome or even great, it would have to be “Freeing” and if that is not a word that is in my dictionary. My experience was out of this world. Being weightless, I was able to move my arms more than normal. It was like going back in time to before I was injured! Thank you Tom and everybody involved it was absolutely WOW!!!! I laughed and cheered all the way home.”

Scuba means adventure. It means being able to get back out and explore without limitations, without barriers. The weightless environment of scuba gives me a freedom that is hard for me to find on land. Mobility concerns disappear underwater. And scuba divers are fun people – I love the camaraderie of training and diving with other adventurous friends!

What does scuba diving mean to me? It means adventure, fun, exploration, and most of all, independence and freedom. I’m a T-8/T-9 paraplegic who needs to use a wheelchair- on land that is! After I do my forward roll from a boat into the ocean, I get to leave that chair behind me. For the next 45-60 minutes, I’m free, free to explore the never ending life in the underwater world without having to worry about curbs, steep hills or narrow doorways. This freedom has allowed me to explore part of the world that many people haven’t. It has also challenged me, given me confidence and keeps me coming back for more!

“Being in the water doing Scuba, being weightless means freedom from my wheelchair. It means being able to go out anywhere I want to. To swim, to be free to be open and just have fun. Thanks for opening up my world!”