Dane and Bruce’s IDC was not just a class, it was a complete growth experience. Many IDCs will get you through the test but Dane and Bruce will make you into a great instructor. The effort they put in is unmatched. The bar is extremely high but you will reach it with their help. Their IDC has paved the way for me to grow quickly within the industry because of the quality of their instruction and the standards and expectations that they set and hold their students to. If you work hard with them they will work hard with you to make you not just a good instructor but a great one.

- Sophia Buell, MSDT #531839

The Aquarius Elite Instructor Development Course completely exceeded my expectations! The personalized coaching, attention to detail, and real-world teaching strategies from Course Directors Bruce and Dane made all the difference. If you want to become an instructor who stands out, choose the Aquarius Elite IDC. Not only did I feel fully prepared for the Instructor Exam, but I also gained the skills and confidence to start teaching right away. The Aquarius Elite IDC doesn’t just create instructors—it creates leaders in diving. 

- Rigo Amador, OWSI #527163

I can’t say enough about my experience at Aquarius Dive Shop. Instructors Bruce Weitzenhoffer, Dane Durand, and Richard Batchelder went above and beyond in their teaching. They weren’t just instructors—they were true mentors. They took the time to guide me and my classmates every step of the way, always focused on our success during the Instructor Development Course (IDC). Their patience, encouragement, and dedication gave me the confidence and preparation I needed for the Instructor Exam (IE) through PADI, and for that I will be forever grateful.

Beyond the classroom and water, the entire team at Aquarius Dive Shop was absolutely wonderful and supportive. The atmosphere there feels like a community that genuinely wants to see every diver succeed. I couldn’t have asked for a better place to learn and grow as a diver.
Highly recommend Aquarius Dive Shop to anyone looking for outstanding instruction and a supportive dive family! Forever grateful.

- Jaime Basurto, OWSI# 531995

Completing my Dive Instructor Course (IDC) with Bruce and Dane was one of the most rewarding  experiences of my life. If you're serious about becoming a professional dive instructor, this is the place to do it.

From day one, the team demonstrated an outstanding level of professionalism, passion, and dedication to helping us succeed—not just in passing the Instructor Exam (which we all did!), but in becoming confident, capable, and responsible dive educators.

Our Course Directors were phenomenal. If you know Bruce or Dane you know they are top notch people both in and out of the water. Their knowledge, experience, and teaching style made even the most complex material understandable and engaging. They created a supportive environment where questions were encouraged, challenges were embraced, and growth was inevitable.

The curriculum was thorough and well-structured, blending classroom theory, confined water skills, and open water presentations in a way that felt both challenging and incredibly rewarding. We weren’t just trained to tick boxes—we were mentored to teach scuba diving at the highest PADI and personal standards. 

What stood out the most was the personal attention given to each candidate. The staff genuinely cared about our individual progress and were always available for extra practice, feedback, or even just encouragement on tough days.

I felt 100% prepared to step into the professional world of diving, and I owe that confidence to Bruce, Dane and the team at Aquarius. Whether you're just beginning your journey or ready to take the leap into becoming a dive pro, I can’t recommend this IDC program enough. 

- Brandon Mart, MSDT #511854

Going through the PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC) is no small challenge, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have had Bruce and Dane guiding the way. Their professionalism, deep knowledge of dive theory, and commitment to high instructional standards created a learning environment that was both rigorous and supportive.

One of the things I appreciated most was how patient and understanding they were - especially when I struggled with dive physics. Instead of brushing it off or making it feel like a weakness, they took the time to explain concepts in different ways until it clicked. They never made me feel rushed or inadequate. Their approach gave me the confidence to keep pushing through and reminded me that great instructors teach with
empathy as much as expertise.

Bruce and Dane didn’t just prepare us to pass the Instructor Exam — they prepared us to be instructors. From refining confined water presentations to interpreting standards, their feedback was always specific, actionable, and grounded in real-world teaching experience. Their dedication and encouragement made all the difference. Thanks to them, I left the IDC with confidence and competence to truly step into the role
of a PADI Instructor. I’m incredibly grateful for their mentorship and can’t recommend them enough.

- Mike Brister, MSDT #406837

I wholeheartedly recommend Bruce and Dane as exceptional Course Directors for anyone pursuing dive instructor training. Their pre-IDC coaching and preparation were invaluable, setting a strong foundation even before the course officially began. They actively communicated with me at every step, ensuring I felt supported and well-informed. Throughout the IDC, their excellent coaching and teaching were consistently evident, both when I was participating as an instructor candidate and later as a staff instructor candidate. Beyond the formal training, Bruce and Dane have continued to provide ongoing mentorship, always available to answer questions and offer support as I've grown as an instructor. Their dedication to their students' success is truly remarkable.

- Richard Batchelder, IDCS #523106

Looking for a great PADI IDC training program? Aquarius is where you want to be. Bruce and Dane run a very professional, thorough and efficient training program. They prepared me so well for the written and practical exams that the check out days felt easy and fun. I can't thank them enough for bending over backwards to put our IDC on during the middle of the pandemic while maintaining the highest standards. I came out of the experience feeling confident and excited to teach. Bruce has also been a generous and supportive resource to me over my last five years of teaching - they are both invested in the long term success of their students. They are true experts in the industry and set the standard for professionalism. 

- Drew Marlar, OWSI #446175

In 2024, I completed my PADI Instructor Development Course with Course Directors Dane Durand and Bruce Weitzenhoffer. Their course could not have better prepared me for becoming not only a PADI Instructor, but also for becoming a higher level professional in the dive industry. 
From day one, their dedication to their students and our success was evident. Dane and Bruce have extraordinary attention to detail and demonstrated unwavering support for us as their students. They both were very encouraging and provided useful feedback in a positive and supportive manner.

The depth of knowledge from both Dane and Bruce is impressive, and it comes from years and years of experience as PADI Professionals. These two outstanding Course Directors inspired me to become the best instructor I could be. They prepared us to not only pass our Instructor Examination with flying colors, but how to become a respectable, competent PADI Instructor by leading through example. 

It was also observable how much Dane and Bruce are prioritizing safety in their lessons. There is nothing more important than keeping your students safe, as well as your Divemaster and yourself. Taking my PADI Instructor Development Course with Dane and Bruce allowed me to begin teaching with confidence in my instruction, but more importantly, I began teaching with habits that were promoting a safe experience for everyone in my PADI courses. 

I am so incredibly grateful to have taken my PADI IDC through Dane and Bruce, as I was immediately set up to not only pass my IE, but also begin teaching with professional and safe practices. If you are looking to take any professional development courses, these are the guys to go through. Happy bubbles! 

- Annie Beard, OWSI #533046