PADI® Course Director Marlies Lang is recognized as a PADI Elite Instructor 2018 – an award that honors PADI’s top performing instructors around the world.
We spoke with Lang to learn about her challenges, achievements and how she continues to live the dive dream.
What inspired you to become a PADI Pro?
My love of diving put me on the path to becoming a divemaster – but soon being a divemaster wasn’t enough. I wanted to teach the world to dive and became a PADI Instructor.
What do you consider the greatest achievement in your diving career?
Becoming a PADI Course Director was one of the best moments in my diving career – being able to teach as a PADI Course Director in Sea Dancer Dive Center in Dahab, Egypt, was something I always wanted to do – the place where you teach is very important.
But getting the Platinum Course Director status this year is what every active Course Director dreams of – the ultimate goal! Let’s now keep that level!
Did you have to overcome any fears, challenges or obstacles to get where you are now in your diving career?
The biggest obstacle was probably trying to explain to family at home that PADI Instructors aren’t beach bums – explaining to your loved ones that living in a dream holiday location teaching diving has got high responsibilities and takes a lot of patience – even though we live the dream. The job as a PADI Instructor involves a lot more than people think.
As a PADI Elite Instructor, how does it feel to be recognized as one of PADI’s top performing instructors in 2018?
Being able to teach the world to dive is one of my biggest passions; being recognized by PADI for doing a great job sparks this passion even more. Hopefully we can transform the life of a lot more students soon!
What advice do you have for your fellow PADI Pros to join the Elite?
Keep every course safe and new. Be ready to learn something new every time you go to the water. Have fun while you are teaching. Dive for fun every so often and take a new course for yourself once in a while!
Will you be a PADI Elite Instructor? Visit the “My Account” tab and then “Awards” tab at the PADI Pros’ Site to see how many certifications you garnered.
For more information about the Elite Instructor Award program, please visit the PADI Pros’ Site, or contact your regional customer relations team.
