DUBAI // Instructor Dale Thompson, who has racked up thousands of dives since taking his first lesson 23 years ago, says teaching those with disabilities gives him motivation to continue scuba.
The Indian, of Dubai, has taught many people with disabilities, some of whom were missing limbs – including gymnast Jennifer Bricker, from Los Angeles, who was born with no legs because of a genetic defect, and a man whose right arm and leg were amputated after a road accident.
“I draw most of my inspiration from his attitude,” said Mr Thompson, of Divers Down, a dive centre in Fujairah and Dubai. “Someone with a disability is always willing to take the risk – they think, ‘what have I got to lose’?
“They say it is like a ‘superman feeling’ afterwards.”
Mr Thompson has also taught a completely blind man to dive.
“The guy I took down who was blind described to us what it was like,” said Mr Thompson, who has dived with a blacked-out mask to experience the same sensations.
Teaching someone with disabilities to dive is one of the most rewarding aspects of his job.
“It is very emotional,” said the 38-year-old. “It is hard to put it in to words but it is very inspirational.”
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