Common mistakes of new dive instructors (and how to avoid them)

So you've just got your PADI instructor certification - congratulations! You're probably excited to start teaching and sharing your passion for diving. But you might also be slightly nervous at the idea, and that is understandable! Even the best-trained instructors can stumble in their first few months. Let's look at some common pitfalls and how to sidestep them like a pro.

Rushing through briefings

One of the biggest mistakes new instructors make is treating briefings like a race to the finish line. I get it - you're excited to get in the water! But a thorough briefing is your best friend. It prevents problems underwater and helps your students feel more confident. Bear in mind as well that while diving comes easy to you, it is a lot of info to take in for new divers.

Take your time to explain the dive site, skills, and potential challenges. And don't forget to ask if anyone has questions. Those quiet students in the back might be too shy to speak up unless prompted.

Pro tip: Create a mental checklist for your briefings and stick to it. It's better to be thorough than to realize halfway through the dive that you forgot to mention current directions or maximum depth.

Being a perfectionist (and expecting the same from students)

Remember when you were demonstrating perfect buoyancy for your instructor exam? Well, guess what - your open water students won't be able to do that on their second dive, and that's completely okay! Many new instructors set unrealistic expectations for their students (and themselves). Your job isn't to create perfect divers; it's to create safe, comfortable divers who meet the performance requirements. The perfection will come with time and practice. Don't get annoyed if they use their hands a little bit...they will get there!

Forgetting about student stress levels

When you've done hundreds of dives, it's easy to forget how intimidating scuba diving can be for beginners. That mask removal skill that's now second nature to you? For some students, it might be their biggest fear. Watch for signs of anxiety - nervous laughter, fidgeting with equipment, or unusual quietness. Address concerns before they become problems, and never shame students for being nervous.

Remember to check in with your students frequently, both verbally and through eye contact. A simple okay signal and a reassuring nod can work wonders for a nervous diver's confidence.

Taking on too much, too soon

You are probably eager to teach every specialty under the sun, but trying to master everything at once is a recipe for disaster. Start with the basics - get comfortable teaching the Open Water course before jumping into rescue diver or specialty courses. Build your experience gradually, and don't be afraid to say no to courses you're not ready for yet.

The same goes for student loads. Yes, you can technically teach eight Open Water students at once. Should you do it in your first month as an instructor? Probably not. Always adapt your group size to your abilities, the condition, and the comfort level of your students.

Building lasting relationships

Finally, here's something they don't emphasize enough in the instructor course: building relationships with your students is just as important as teaching them skills. Don't get so focused on checking off skills that you forget to make the experience enjoyable. Share your enthusiasm for diving, tell relevant stories (keeping it brief!), and show genuine interest in your students' progress.

Remember that today's open water student might be tomorrow's divemaster candidate. Plus, happy students mean good reviews and referrals - and that's how you build a successful career as an instructor.

The bottom line? Everyone makes mistakes when they're starting out. The key is learning from them rather than letting them discourage you. Keep an open mind, stay humble, and don't be afraid to ask more experienced instructors for advice. After all, we were all new instructors once!