Jody Smith PADI Course Director & Dive Shop Owner
Owner/Operator
This gentle giant is most commonly found in the Adventure Sports Newmarket store, or sometimes lollygagging at the bottom of a lake or ocean where he feels most at home.
Jody's favourite part about teaching scuba diving is witnessing the big smiles on the faces of students as they successfully master their scuba skills! There's just no greater joy. :) info@adventuresports.ca
Owner/Operator
This gentle giant is most commonly found in the Adventure Sports Newmarket store, or sometimes lollygagging at the bottom of a lake or ocean where he feels most at home.
Jody's favourite part about teaching scuba diving is witnessing the big smiles on the faces of students as they successfully master their scuba skills! There's just no greater joy. :) info@adventuresports.ca
Jill Smith PADI Divemaster & PADI Digital Underwater Photography Instructor and shark specialty
In LOVE with the underwater critters! All I need in life is to go diving on a reef with my camera, and a patient buddy, to enjoy the hilarious antics and behaviour of the marine life below the waves. A highlight of my scuba career was diving with sharks in chain mail with Cristina Zenato - what a fantastic week - I even got to kiss a shark! xo
This year I published my first children's book about the ocean! In honour of my granddaughter Sophie, this book introduces young children to the concept of ocean conservation and the love and care of ocean animals.
"Sophie and Max Show Some Ocean Love"
In LOVE with the underwater critters! All I need in life is to go diving on a reef with my camera, and a patient buddy, to enjoy the hilarious antics and behaviour of the marine life below the waves. A highlight of my scuba career was diving with sharks in chain mail with Cristina Zenato - what a fantastic week - I even got to kiss a shark! xo
This year I published my first children's book about the ocean! In honour of my granddaughter Sophie, this book introduces young children to the concept of ocean conservation and the love and care of ocean animals.
"Sophie and Max Show Some Ocean Love"
In Order by PADI ranking, then alphabetical
Chris PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer & Tech. Diver
Chris started diving in 1982. He achieved his Technical Diver card & Divemaster in 2008, followed by his IDC (Instructor Development Course) in 2010.
Ask him how many dives he has under his belt; I'll bet it's too many to count!
Chris started diving in 1982. He achieved his Technical Diver card & Divemaster in 2008, followed by his IDC (Instructor Development Course) in 2010.
Ask him how many dives he has under his belt; I'll bet it's too many to count!
Brian PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor
Brian has been a PADI scuba diver since 2005, and achieved his PADI Divemaster certification in 2013.
Why do I love being a Divemaster?
"I love it because I like to see the look on the students' faces when they finally get the skill right knowing "hey I did it. I can do this"."
Brian's easy going & friendly attitude make students feel more confident & comfortable when they are in the water for the first time. It's easy to see how much he loves what he does!
Brian has been a PADI scuba diver since 2005, and achieved his PADI Divemaster certification in 2013.
Why do I love being a Divemaster?
"I love it because I like to see the look on the students' faces when they finally get the skill right knowing "hey I did it. I can do this"."
Brian's easy going & friendly attitude make students feel more confident & comfortable when they are in the water for the first time. It's easy to see how much he loves what he does!
David PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor
David combines his science teaching day job with his dream job of diving. Dave was certified in Mexico in 2004 where his "pool dives" were in cenotes (so cool). This is where he fell in love with the sport. While Tobermory and Lake Simcoe have their charms, he would like to return to warm water and colorful fish as soon as possible. Dave is also very excited that his first born is now old enough to start PADI Training (YAY!). Dave’s goal is to make the PADI course eligible for Ontario High School credits - this year marks Dave's third senior physics class graduating through ASN’s Discover Scuba Program!
David combines his science teaching day job with his dream job of diving. Dave was certified in Mexico in 2004 where his "pool dives" were in cenotes (so cool). This is where he fell in love with the sport. While Tobermory and Lake Simcoe have their charms, he would like to return to warm water and colorful fish as soon as possible. Dave is also very excited that his first born is now old enough to start PADI Training (YAY!). Dave’s goal is to make the PADI course eligible for Ontario High School credits - this year marks Dave's third senior physics class graduating through ASN’s Discover Scuba Program!
Gil PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor
I was certified as an open water diver in 1997 and dove on and off since then, up to about 5 years ago before deciding to get more involved with the dive community.
I met Jody at the outdoorsman show and the rest is history. Favorite dive to date has to be Cozumel but looking to top that (it was a little disappointing because I didn't see any sharks). Always looking to gain more knowledge and new skills. Still waiting for my wife Kara to get certified (no pressure)...
Gilbert Walker
I was certified as an open water diver in 1997 and dove on and off since then, up to about 5 years ago before deciding to get more involved with the dive community.
I met Jody at the outdoorsman show and the rest is history. Favorite dive to date has to be Cozumel but looking to top that (it was a little disappointing because I didn't see any sharks). Always looking to gain more knowledge and new skills. Still waiting for my wife Kara to get certified (no pressure)...
Gilbert Walker
Scuba John PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor - Rescue Diver Instructor
John started diving in 2007 and it was love at first bubble! Over the next year he got his Dive Master Training and moved his way up to Instructor in 2010! John is a dedicated dive Instructor and loves to see the excitement from all his students when they experience there first breath underwater!
With John’s kind spirt and hilarious laugh, he makes learning fun for everyone! His favorite Place to dive is the beautiful Florida keys and his favorite marine animal are rays and turtles! John cannot wait to teach his 3 and half year old son the joys of Scuba diving when he is old enough, so they can experience the sport together!
John started diving in 2007 and it was love at first bubble! Over the next year he got his Dive Master Training and moved his way up to Instructor in 2010! John is a dedicated dive Instructor and loves to see the excitement from all his students when they experience there first breath underwater!
With John’s kind spirt and hilarious laugh, he makes learning fun for everyone! His favorite Place to dive is the beautiful Florida keys and his favorite marine animal are rays and turtles! John cannot wait to teach his 3 and half year old son the joys of Scuba diving when he is old enough, so they can experience the sport together!
Liette PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor with Shark Specialty
I learned to dive originally so that I could dive with my handsome husband, and it wasn't until I started to dive shipwrecks that I was bitten wholly by the scuba bug. The rich experience of diving a piece of history underwater is something that has me completely smitten - hook, line, and sinker!
I learned to dive originally so that I could dive with my handsome husband, and it wasn't until I started to dive shipwrecks that I was bitten wholly by the scuba bug. The rich experience of diving a piece of history underwater is something that has me completely smitten - hook, line, and sinker!
Pourya PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor & Tech Deep Diver
Pourya has been an instructor since 2011. He started scuba diving in 2002 with CMAS and soon after he became a 3-Star diver. 2005 was a focal point in his diving life when he switched to PADI, becoming a Divemaster. His commitment to the environment led him become a Reef Check EcoDiver in order to conduct volunteer surveys for the Reef Check Organization.
In 2018, he took his scuba diving skills to a new level by becoming PADI Tech Deep diver in Mexico. Pourya has dived in the waters of Canada, Indonesia, Iran, Mexico, Oman, Thailand, UAE and the USA.
Pourya has been an instructor since 2011. He started scuba diving in 2002 with CMAS and soon after he became a 3-Star diver. 2005 was a focal point in his diving life when he switched to PADI, becoming a Divemaster. His commitment to the environment led him become a Reef Check EcoDiver in order to conduct volunteer surveys for the Reef Check Organization.
In 2018, he took his scuba diving skills to a new level by becoming PADI Tech Deep diver in Mexico. Pourya has dived in the waters of Canada, Indonesia, Iran, Mexico, Oman, Thailand, UAE and the USA.
Steve PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor
Steve has been a divemaster since 2013, although he has been diving for many, many more years than that, and in May 2015 achieved his Instructor certification - congratulations, Steve!
New divers appreciate his extensive knowledge and patient demeanor. We all love diving with Steve!
Steve has been a divemaster since 2013, although he has been diving for many, many more years than that, and in May 2015 achieved his Instructor certification - congratulations, Steve!
New divers appreciate his extensive knowledge and patient demeanor. We all love diving with Steve!
Thomas PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor
Thomas has been a diver for over 10 years, and has many certifications under his belt to boast of, such as PADI Scuba Instructor (est.2010), Side-mount Instructor, Rebreather Diver, Divemaster, plus more than 18 other specialty certifications, with dive logs too numerous to count!
Next goal for Thomas is the Cave Diving Certification (he hopes to finish by February 2018).
It's easy to dive with instructors that have that kind of passion and love for the sport!
Thomas has been a diver for over 10 years, and has many certifications under his belt to boast of, such as PADI Scuba Instructor (est.2010), Side-mount Instructor, Rebreather Diver, Divemaster, plus more than 18 other specialty certifications, with dive logs too numerous to count!
Next goal for Thomas is the Cave Diving Certification (he hopes to finish by February 2018).
It's easy to dive with instructors that have that kind of passion and love for the sport!
Dave PADI Divemaster
Dave has been a PADI scuba diver since 2006, and achieved his PADI Divemaster certification in 2013.
Why do I love being a Divemaster?
"I enjoy seeing the excitement on the divers face as they take their first breath under water and when they realize they can do the skills that are shown to them."
Another great scuba mentor, Dave is there for anyone who needs a little help and encouragement!
Dave has been a PADI scuba diver since 2006, and achieved his PADI Divemaster certification in 2013.
Why do I love being a Divemaster?
"I enjoy seeing the excitement on the divers face as they take their first breath under water and when they realize they can do the skills that are shown to them."
Another great scuba mentor, Dave is there for anyone who needs a little help and encouragement!
Graham PADI Divemaster
My favourite dive was on the “Adventure Sports Newmarket” Mexico trip, where we dove the "Angelita" cenote. We jumped into the cenote and descended to 90 feet where we discovered the hydrogen sulfide cloud. We descended into the cloud where I could not see anything, even my dive light seemed to be blown out like a match. We made it through the cloud into crystal clear water where we saw debris, including fallen trees and leaves and the limestone walls of the cenote. It was an amazing experience; looking forward to returning there with the club.
Graham Wasielewitsch
My favourite dive was on the “Adventure Sports Newmarket” Mexico trip, where we dove the "Angelita" cenote. We jumped into the cenote and descended to 90 feet where we discovered the hydrogen sulfide cloud. We descended into the cloud where I could not see anything, even my dive light seemed to be blown out like a match. We made it through the cloud into crystal clear water where we saw debris, including fallen trees and leaves and the limestone walls of the cenote. It was an amazing experience; looking forward to returning there with the club.
Graham Wasielewitsch
Jenn PADI Divemaster
Jenn started diving in 2013, and less than a year later, completed her DMT. She has worked as a Divemaster in Thailand and Malaysia, and loved every second of it. Most of her diving has been in Southeast Asia, so she is looking forward to logging many more dives in Canada!
Jenn started diving in 2013, and less than a year later, completed her DMT. She has worked as a Divemaster in Thailand and Malaysia, and loved every second of it. Most of her diving has been in Southeast Asia, so she is looking forward to logging many more dives in Canada!
Jill PADI Divemaster & PADI Digital Underwater Photography Instructor
In LOVE with the underwater critters! All I need in life is to go diving on a reef with my camera, and a patient buddy, to enjoy the hilarious antics and behaviour of the marine life below the waves. Someday I will dive with them everyday...
This year I published my first children's book about the ocean! In honour of my granddaughter Sophie, this book introduces young children to the concept of ocean conservation and the love and care of ocean animals.
"Sophie and Max Show Some Ocean Love"
In LOVE with the underwater critters! All I need in life is to go diving on a reef with my camera, and a patient buddy, to enjoy the hilarious antics and behaviour of the marine life below the waves. Someday I will dive with them everyday...
This year I published my first children's book about the ocean! In honour of my granddaughter Sophie, this book introduces young children to the concept of ocean conservation and the love and care of ocean animals.
"Sophie and Max Show Some Ocean Love"
Jim PADI Divemaster and Underwater Photographer
Jim has been scuba diving since 2013, but has managed to fit a lifetime of diving within those years! You can find Jim under the water most Wednesday nights throughout spring, summer, and fall in Ontario, and he spends as many weekends as he can on our scuba excursions throughout Ontario, not to mention jumping on a few exotic hot spot scuba adventures during the cold winter months (though if there is an ice-diving opportunity in winter, you can count him being there)! A ton of experience, and a wealth of scuba knowledge, Jim makes a great dive leader/mentor for any diver!
Jim has been scuba diving since 2013, but has managed to fit a lifetime of diving within those years! You can find Jim under the water most Wednesday nights throughout spring, summer, and fall in Ontario, and he spends as many weekends as he can on our scuba excursions throughout Ontario, not to mention jumping on a few exotic hot spot scuba adventures during the cold winter months (though if there is an ice-diving opportunity in winter, you can count him being there)! A ton of experience, and a wealth of scuba knowledge, Jim makes a great dive leader/mentor for any diver!
John PADI Divemaster
Kamran PADI Divemaster
As for my favourite dive, I have a hard time to pick one :-) There are many of them and each were great in some ways. It is really true what they say about the fact that "diving will change and transform you". The following dives have done that for me. We are really a very tiny part of this planet but Unfortunately we can have and leave a sizeable foot print. Hopefully we leave a good print!
- Shark feeding and night dives in Bahama
- Walls and swim through in Bahamas
- Niagara II night dive in Toby
- Grotto and Rock Garden caverns in Toby
As for my favourite dive, I have a hard time to pick one :-) There are many of them and each were great in some ways. It is really true what they say about the fact that "diving will change and transform you". The following dives have done that for me. We are really a very tiny part of this planet but Unfortunately we can have and leave a sizeable foot print. Hopefully we leave a good print!
- Shark feeding and night dives in Bahama
- Walls and swim through in Bahamas
- Niagara II night dive in Toby
- Grotto and Rock Garden caverns in Toby
Rachel PADI Divemaster
Rachel is an avid Aqua Cat enthusiast and ferocious shark wrangler. She is most famous for her footage of the great Shark attack of 2014 on club member Bart (click to see the encounter here - Bart sports all fingers and toes as he wisely kept his arms and legs safely tucked in the ride).
Rachel is an avid Aqua Cat enthusiast and ferocious shark wrangler. She is most famous for her footage of the great Shark attack of 2014 on club member Bart (click to see the encounter here - Bart sports all fingers and toes as he wisely kept his arms and legs safely tucked in the ride).
Rick PADI Divemaster and Underwater Photographer
First dive was in Maui, Hawaii 35 years ago and loved it. Anne and I decided we had to take up the sport and get certified; which we did … a mere 32 years later! Favourite and most memorable dive was a sheer wall drift dive (no bottom) across the back of Molakai island, it was incredible, like standing on the side of a mountain where the fish looked like blowing leaves on a windy autumn day. That was my 3rd dive ever, clearly an advanced dive and knowing what I know now should not have been there … but truly specatular!!!
Rick Brown
First dive was in Maui, Hawaii 35 years ago and loved it. Anne and I decided we had to take up the sport and get certified; which we did … a mere 32 years later! Favourite and most memorable dive was a sheer wall drift dive (no bottom) across the back of Molakai island, it was incredible, like standing on the side of a mountain where the fish looked like blowing leaves on a windy autumn day. That was my 3rd dive ever, clearly an advanced dive and knowing what I know now should not have been there … but truly specatular!!!
Rick Brown
Stephen PADI Divemaster and Underwater Photographer
Stephen got his Open Water Certification in the spring of 2015, and was bitten by the scuba love-bug. He immediately began the hard work to achieve PADI Divemaster certification (not an easy task!), which he completed in the summer of 2016! He has been diving every opportunity since, diving the frigid waters of Tobermory to see their spectacular wrecks, and joining us on the Aqua Cat Bahamas Adventure Cruise to dive with sharks and turtles!
A positive and enthusiastic addition to the ASN team! We look forward to diving with Stephen in the coming year!
Stephen got his Open Water Certification in the spring of 2015, and was bitten by the scuba love-bug. He immediately began the hard work to achieve PADI Divemaster certification (not an easy task!), which he completed in the summer of 2016! He has been diving every opportunity since, diving the frigid waters of Tobermory to see their spectacular wrecks, and joining us on the Aqua Cat Bahamas Adventure Cruise to dive with sharks and turtles!
A positive and enthusiastic addition to the ASN team! We look forward to diving with Stephen in the coming year!
Taylor PADI Divemaster
April of 2018, I completed both my Open Water & Advanced Open Water Diver certifications, in the Florida Keys. Since then, I've also completed my Enriched Air Specialty, Drysuit Specialty, Emergency O2 Provider Specialty, Project AWARE Specialty & Rescue Diver Course.
As far as diving goes, I dive mostly in Ontario, throughout the dive season… My favorite places are Tobermory, Christian Island, and ASN’s favorite close-to-home dive site, Shanty Bay! Outside of Ontario, I've had the opportunity of diving the Florida Keys, Bahamas, Mexico, and Curacao!
April of 2018, I completed both my Open Water & Advanced Open Water Diver certifications, in the Florida Keys. Since then, I've also completed my Enriched Air Specialty, Drysuit Specialty, Emergency O2 Provider Specialty, Project AWARE Specialty & Rescue Diver Course.
As far as diving goes, I dive mostly in Ontario, throughout the dive season… My favorite places are Tobermory, Christian Island, and ASN’s favorite close-to-home dive site, Shanty Bay! Outside of Ontario, I've had the opportunity of diving the Florida Keys, Bahamas, Mexico, and Curacao!
Tim PADI Divemaster
Received my PADI Open Water certification in 1986 and have been diving ever since, although somewhat irregularly and totally recreationally. I am now interested in doing more than just diving while on vacation and so am keenly involved in the Divemaster role and training. My favourite type of diving is still coral reefs though with all the fish and invertebrates. Always on the lookout for those fresh water Ontario coral reefs….even though they remain quite elusive.
Received my PADI Open Water certification in 1986 and have been diving ever since, although somewhat irregularly and totally recreationally. I am now interested in doing more than just diving while on vacation and so am keenly involved in the Divemaster role and training. My favourite type of diving is still coral reefs though with all the fish and invertebrates. Always on the lookout for those fresh water Ontario coral reefs….even though they remain quite elusive.
Waleed PADI Divemaster
Introduced to Scuba in 2009 by a dear instructor and “brother in diving” Derron Tume. As a student with anxieties and fears, I was blessed with mentorship of amazing instructors and graduated to Dive Master in April of 2016. I have been privileged to be a founding member of a Dive club introducing the passion to our men and women serving abroad; growing my family with every body of water I have come across.
Being the difficult student that I was, I learned to appreciate and have a passion working with students who resist the adventures for reasons beyond their control. Teach them to embrace and turn their hesitations to the powers and peacefulness Scuba diving beings to all of us underwater creatures.
Come join my Adventure Sports Newmarket family of the elite and experience the BOND. Above all return to our natural state “breathing in the womb of our Mother Earth”.
Introduced to Scuba in 2009 by a dear instructor and “brother in diving” Derron Tume. As a student with anxieties and fears, I was blessed with mentorship of amazing instructors and graduated to Dive Master in April of 2016. I have been privileged to be a founding member of a Dive club introducing the passion to our men and women serving abroad; growing my family with every body of water I have come across.
Being the difficult student that I was, I learned to appreciate and have a passion working with students who resist the adventures for reasons beyond their control. Teach them to embrace and turn their hesitations to the powers and peacefulness Scuba diving beings to all of us underwater creatures.
Come join my Adventure Sports Newmarket family of the elite and experience the BOND. Above all return to our natural state “breathing in the womb of our Mother Earth”.
Alison PADI Divemaster-in-Training
I've been diving since I was 16 and have enjoyed all that diving has to offer in Mexico, Australia, France, and Roatan, Honduras. I love adventure dives, wrecks, cenotes, and shark dives.
Covid kept me home for some time, but getting into some local diving in Tobermory reignited my passion for the sport, prompting me to get more involved in the scuba community and help others discover the joy of diving. It's all about the bubbles!
I've been diving since I was 16 and have enjoyed all that diving has to offer in Mexico, Australia, France, and Roatan, Honduras. I love adventure dives, wrecks, cenotes, and shark dives.
Covid kept me home for some time, but getting into some local diving in Tobermory reignited my passion for the sport, prompting me to get more involved in the scuba community and help others discover the joy of diving. It's all about the bubbles!
Paul PADI Divemaster-in-Training
"An active lifestyle is a physical lifestyle, and diving is a great way to bring adventure into your life, BUT, it requires you to go out and DO IT! It's a great way to meet people with similar interests and Adventure Sports Newmarket is a great club to get involved in."
-Paul
We couldn't agree more, and we are very happy to have Paul on our team!
"An active lifestyle is a physical lifestyle, and diving is a great way to bring adventure into your life, BUT, it requires you to go out and DO IT! It's a great way to meet people with similar interests and Adventure Sports Newmarket is a great club to get involved in."
-Paul
We couldn't agree more, and we are very happy to have Paul on our team!
Sam PADI Divemaster-in-Training
Sam has been diving since he was 11, and has enjoyed many scuba adventures, having been fortunate enough to be the son of a dive shop owner. Part fish already, Sam is very much at home in the water, and his mom will claim that he is one of her favourite dive buddies.
Now Sam is expanding on his scuba career, and ready to assist others in this journey of underwater discovery!
Photo is Sam with dive buddy Brenda on the AquaCat in Bahamas.
Sam has been diving since he was 11, and has enjoyed many scuba adventures, having been fortunate enough to be the son of a dive shop owner. Part fish already, Sam is very much at home in the water, and his mom will claim that he is one of her favourite dive buddies.
Now Sam is expanding on his scuba career, and ready to assist others in this journey of underwater discovery!
Photo is Sam with dive buddy Brenda on the AquaCat in Bahamas.
Thank-you all for all that you do (with a smile, and often laughter too); thank-you!
Molly
Adventure Sports Newmarket Inc. and our scuba diving mascot!
We like to take Molly along whenever we can, so sometimes you may find her leashed at BBQ diving events and the scuba kick-off and clean-up events. We are working on her manners, as she is still very young.
She will be enjoying Tobermory with us when we go diving there - a great place for dogs!
Adventure Sports Newmarket Inc. and our scuba diving mascot!
We like to take Molly along whenever we can, so sometimes you may find her leashed at BBQ diving events and the scuba kick-off and clean-up events. We are working on her manners, as she is still very young.
She will be enjoying Tobermory with us when we go diving there - a great place for dogs!
Rocky
Rocky often comes out to cheer divers on when they are doing their "Dive Against Debris" in the spring, or in the fall, when divers take their pumpkins underwater for carving.
He doesn't like to see Taylor disappear under the waves, but he waits somewhat patiently until she comes back up and the world can start turning for him again. What must he think? Thanks for your surface support, Rocky!
Rocky often comes out to cheer divers on when they are doing their "Dive Against Debris" in the spring, or in the fall, when divers take their pumpkins underwater for carving.
He doesn't like to see Taylor disappear under the waves, but he waits somewhat patiently until she comes back up and the world can start turning for him again. What must he think? Thanks for your surface support, Rocky!
Jericho
Jericho loves swimming in the pool at home with his girls Kayla and Sara, but for the "Dive Against Debris" he had a blast jumping through the shallows, much to his "dad's" dismay!
You are adorable Jericho!
Jericho loves swimming in the pool at home with his girls Kayla and Sara, but for the "Dive Against Debris" he had a blast jumping through the shallows, much to his "dad's" dismay!
You are adorable Jericho!
Max
When Max isn't riding on the back of his mom's hog, he supports divers in their efforts to clean up the lake! Thanks for your support and cuddles Max, you are super sweet!
When Max isn't riding on the back of his mom's hog, he supports divers in their efforts to clean up the lake! Thanks for your support and cuddles Max, you are super sweet!