Alison Wa ( Office Staff Team )

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• Office Associate

  PADI IDC Staff Instructor - Scuba Diving since 2003

  Ever since I was a little girl I have been captivated by the power of the ocean. Growing up I only dreamed of becoming a marine scientist. I grew up near the small southern town of Chickamauga, Georgia.  Initially all I wanted to do was travel around the world doing underwater photography and scientific  expeditions such as what I have seen many times on the Discovery Channel and National Geographic. For my 16th birthday my parents finally bought me SCUBA lessons, which only added fuel to the fire. I didn`t live  anywhere near the ocean but I did live half an hour away from the Tennessee Aquarium, which is where my journey began. It is said that every river eventually connects to the ocean.   I started my academic pursuit at Florida Keys Community College and later graduated from the  University of Hawai’i at Hilo with bachelor’s degrees in Marine Science, Environmental Studies and Communications.  I completed my Masters of Advanced Studies in Marine Biodiversity and Conservation from the University of California San Diego, SCRIPPS Institution of Oceanography. One specific career interest is to facilitate the monitoring and management of coral reef ecosystems.  I am always eager to participate in marine conservation projects and activities. As an avid underwater photographer and scuba diving  instructor, slipping beneath the waves is one of my favorite pastimes. My passion for diving has led me to travel abroad and work with people in many different cultures.

  • Favorite Dive Site:

    Duane Wreck

  • Favorite Specialty Class:

    Digital Photo/Video

  • Favorite Fish:

    Queen Angel Fish

  • Favorite Restaurant:

    Num Thai

  • Favorite Movie:

    Swiss Family Robinson

  PADI Specialty Instructor Certifications:

  • Wreck Diver

  • Deep Diver

  • Enriched Air/Nitrox Diver

  • Boat Diver

  • Peak Performance Buoyancy Diver

  • Night Diver

  • Search & Recovery Diver

  • Underwater Naturalist

  • Underwater Navigator

  • Digital Photo/Video

  • Equipment Specialist

  • Project Aware

  • Fish Identification

  • EFR Primary/Secondary Care

  • EFR Care for Children

My Dive Gear:

• Regulators:

  Aqua Lung Titan
  
  

  Incorporating all the best features of its predecessors, this third generation Titan has innovative features resulting in a more comfortable, lighter-weight and easier-breathing regulator. For the consumer that wants performance at an affordable price to ...

• BCD:

  Aqua Lung Zuma
  
  

  The fun, travel-friendly ZUMA will find favor with those divers who are tired of paying excess baggage fees. This ultra-light, weight-integrated, back inflation BC has everything you need, yet lacks weight and bulk....

• Dive Computers:

  Suunto D4i Wrist-Top Dive Computer
  
  

  The D4i boasts the small 'watch-style' wrist computer without sacrificing other great features. Optional wireless air integration can be added any time. Movescount software makes downloading all of your dive data to a PC or Mac a breeze with the included ...

• Mask:

  Aqua Lung MicroMask
  
  

  The Micromask is a revolution in mask design. Its innovative, patented structure makes it possible for the lenses to fit in the ocular orbit. Never before have lenses been so close to the eyes. This not only results in an amazingly wide peripheral vie...

• Fins:

  Aqua Lung Express ADJ
  
  

  The Express ADJ fin rep- represents the latest in technology and material innovation. Comfort, power and efficiency are the hallmarks of this propulsion machine. Strap a pair on and see for yourself. ...

• Snorkel:

  Atomic SV-1 Snorkel
  
  

  The Atomic Aquatics Scupper Valve snorkel design is based on the same principle as the one-way Scupper Valve used in boats. If waves or splashes enter the boat, a one-way rubber flapper located on the deck near the rear of the boat opens to drain the wate...

• Octopus:

  Aqua Lung Titan / Calypso Octo
  
  

  Perfectly compatible with the Titan regulators, this mid sized alternate air source is a high quality, affordable octo. High viz purge cover along with the high viz 39 inch hose makes identifying fast and efficient. The front purge cover is designed for e...