crossing over
Hawaii-based tyler phelps and
Kuwait-based abdul al-aqeel
on their utd instructor training
I have been an instructor with
another agency for two years and
just before my IDC, I completed
the first level as instructor trainer with my original
agency. While I was doing this other program, I was
going through all of my academics for UTD. I’m
grateful for my Instructor Development Class because
it really made me appreciate the UTD covenants and
ethos. I came over to UTD because, like so many others, I was done teaching students on their knees, kicking up the bottom, and for so many other reasons.
TYLER
My IDC really opened up my eyes at some of my bad
teaching habits – habits that were taught to me when
I first became an instructor. It felt amazing not having
to follow a script or checklist anymore in my presentations! The pool sessions were fun but fairly intense as
I was never before held me to that high a buoyancy/
positioning standard. My favorite program we covered
was ESM, it was really rewarding seeing a student’s
buoyancy and trim improve so much in just a couple of
hours.
If you are looking to do your IDC, here are a couple of tips that will hopefully help you succeed. If you have never taken a UTD class before I strongly recommend doing an Essentials
class, or IDC Prep, first. That will get you prepared for the expectations in the IDC. If you
are not too familiar with a part of the UTD curriculum (like Min/Deco), definitely review the
videos before hand so you have a much stronger knowledge. Lastly don’t forget to speak up,
ask lots of questions, and have fun!
UTD Instructor Tyler Phelps (left)
with Instructor Trainer
Jeff Seckendorf at UTD HQ.
I have definitely become a better instructor and diver after my IDC. I am looking forward to
teaching more classes and continuing my education with Unified Team Diving!
Warm Regards,
Tyler Phelps
UTD Instructor #124
Contact Tyler at
[email protected]