About the Instructor
The Cowboy Behind the Mask
PADI certified, Jacksonville-based, and driven by one mission — putting safe, confident divers in the water.
Certified by
PADI
Professional Association of Diving Instructors
Born to Dive. Built to Teach.
Some people find the ocean. The Diving Cowboy never left it. With over 15 years of experience in Northeast Florida's waters — from the Atlantic reefs off Jacksonville Beach to the crystal springs of North Florida — he's logged thousands of dives and certified hundreds of students along the way.
His approach is straightforward: safety first, skills second, adventure always. Whether you're a complete beginner who's never worn a mask or an experienced diver pushing toward your Divemaster rating, you'll get the same focused, no-nonsense instruction that has made Diving Cowboy's one of Jacksonville's most trusted names in scuba education.
The 'Cowboy' name isn't just a brand — it's a philosophy. Independent, rugged, and unafraid of the deep end. He brings that same spirit to every course, every dive, and every student he puts in the water.
"The ocean doesn't care how confident you feel on the surface. My job is to make sure you're just as confident 60 feet down."
Every course is built around three principles: thorough knowledge, solid skills, and genuine comfort in the water. There are no shortcuts. There's no rushing a student who isn't ready. And there's no dive that isn't worth doing right.
Certifications & Credentials
PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor
Active PADI certification — the gold standard in recreational dive instruction worldwide.
Emergency First Response Instructor
Certified to teach CPR, first aid, and emergency oxygen administration.
PADI Rescue Diver Trainer
Qualified to train divers in problem prevention, self-rescue, and assisting others.
Dive Against Debris Specialty Instructor
Committed to ocean conservation — trains divers to survey and remove marine debris.
15+ Years Active Instruction
Over a decade and a half of hands-on teaching in Northeast Florida's diverse dive environments.
500+ Students Certified
Hundreds of divers certified from Open Water through Divemaster across all experience levels.
Ready to Train With the Cowboy?
Whether you're starting from zero or looking to take the next step in your dive career, reach out and let's talk about what's right for you.