My name is Ryan Brownell and I have been diving since 2008. I was fortunate enough to earn my PADI Open Water Diver Certification when my family was on vacation, and lucky enough that my mom was not feeling well enough to dive so I took her spot. Life has never been the same since I first entered the water as a Diver.
Being certified had set me up to join a group of life-long friends that I later met while attending Christopher Newport University in Newport News, Virginia. While there, I had joined the fairly new CNU Scuba Club and was invigorated to spend as much time in the water as possible, further developing and cementing a deep passion for the underwater world. Upon graduation, I had the plan to go into law enforcement and I soon discovered that that life was not for me so I chose what would make me happy instead - to chase my dream of owning and operating my own dive shop.
Fast forward a few years and many dives later, I committed myself to becoming a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor. I chose this life because of the pure joy that comes from scuba diving and seeing a world that is such a large part of this planet but remains hidden and unexplored. Scuba diving can be challenging as you progress through certifications, but each time you enter the water, it is rewarding and centering. You will see incredible animals and landscapes, you will meet and befriend wholehearted individuals, and you will be able to dive anywhere in the world for the rest of your life.
So why choose scuba diving? Because of the adventure, the knowledge, the experience, and the magical feeling that comes along every step of the way. Do not limit yourself to seeing the world from the land, open up the 71% of the Earth that is covered by water and choose this adventure with lifelong possibilities.