Initially, the snowy hills of Vermont may not seem like the place for SCUBA (Self-contained underwater breathing apparatus) diving; however, Middlebury College and the greater Vermont community have a thriving SCUBA diving community. The college’s SCUBA Diving Club has historically provided training and dive opportunities to students, faculty, and staff. Although the club is no longer active on campus, many students and faculty are interested in bringing SCUBA back to Middlebury.
Totaling six classes in total, students who participate in and pass the course will become NAUI (National Association of Underwater Instructors) Divers. This certification allows students to purchase or rent equipment, join dive charters, or participate in any SCUBA activity.
Any students who complete the course will be eligible for final certification dives in Lake Champlain in late spring or early summer. Additionally, they will receive a Physical Education (PE) credit for their participation in the class.
The course was coordinated by Professor of Luso-Hispanic Studies Miguel Fernández and Kreig Pinkham, the training director for the Waterfront Diving Center.
“We know that SCUBA courses at the collegiate level offer us an opportunity to connect students with SCUBA education for both personal recreation and career-driven reasons. We've had students who have gone on to careers in marine sciences and technology and exposing college students to the sport early is a great thing,” Pinkham said.
The Waterfront Diving Center was established in 1988. The organization provides snorkeling and SCUBA opportunities to the Vermont community, with the goal of providing a high-quality way for Vermonters to engage underwater with Vermont and beyond.
The Waterfront Diving Center has a longstanding partnership with the Physical Education department at the University of Vermont. On average, they enroll 20 students per semester in SCUBA training courses, earning them a PE credit through the experience. Pinkman is interested in starting a similar program at Middlebury.
“We used to teach at the college years ago. I'm not even sure why that stopped, but there seems to be some interest in us picking that up again. We're certainly interested,” Pinkman said.
Doug Altshuler '26 was a member of the now-dormant Dive Club. Similar to Pinkham, Altshuler believes that Middlebury students would be very interested in SCUBA opportunities if they were available.
“I learned how to dive here in Vermont, and I think it is the best place to learn. Lake Champlain has tons of wreck dives that are very beginner-friendly, so I’m really excited for all the people who get certified at Midd so they can experience that,” Altshuler said.
“I'd be very interested in getting certified during college, so it's great to hear that Waterfront Diving Center plans to do more classes on campus; it's much more convenient to have resources here and at the college pool than having to go up to Burlington." Xander Bowles ’26 told The Campus.
For students interested in a non-traditional way to earn their PE credit or simply passionate about exploring the underwater world, Pinkham believes SCUBA is a great opportunity.
“We are hoping to keep the momentum going and find a way to introduce this to students earlier next year,” Pinkham said.
