Pat Purkhiser has been diving since the 70s (don’t tell anyone he's that old--he doesn't believe it himself). Pat has been a dive instructor since the 80s and became a PADI Master Instructor in the 90s. He currently teaches a boatload of PADI specialties along with several additional programs from other agencies, but who’s counting? Pat holds a master’s degree in education and two bachelor’s degrees from the University of Nebraska Omaha.
He is currently a zoology and anatomy teacher for Papillion-LaVista Schools and is lucky enough to teach these classes for his district at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo. Speaking of the zoo, he has been a volunteer diver there since the middle 90s and also teaches Eco-Camps for them during the summers. He has been known to safari in South Africa and swim in open water off Baja with Great White Sharks. Other than that, he’s a pretty boring guy.
Instructor Gear:
• Reg is an Atomic T2
• Aqua Lung Pro Q LT with an Atomic SS1
• Fins are Atomic or Scubapro
• Mask Atomic
• Snorkel is Atomic
• Booties are TUSA
• Wetsuit is Mares
Why did you choose that gear?
My gear is reliable, durable and easy to use
What is your favorite place to dive?
My next dive
What got you into scuba diving?
Marine Biology
What is your favorite part of teaching?
The stories I hear after a student travels.
