The Making of an Exceptional Technical Diver | Tom Steiner

What does it really take to become an exceptional technical diver? In episode 123 of Speaking Sidemount brought to you by XDEEP, I sit down with my long-time mentor and friend Tom Steiner, founder of Gozo Technical Diving, to explore the philosophy that has shaped thousands of technical divers over nearly four decades. I first trained with Tom in Gozo, Malta, in 2015–16, completing my Technical Sidemount Instructor, Normoxic Trimix, Full Cave, Advanced Gas Blender and Open Water Instructor qualifications before working for him as an instructor. Many of the standards I teach today were forged during that time. With more than 17,000 dives and thousands of students trained, Tom shares why experience always outweighs certifications, how attitude determines success, why technical diving isn't necessarily about going deeper, and the lessons he's learned from a lifetime spent underwater. We also discuss:Why chasing certifications can make you a worse diver What separates good divers from exceptional diversBuilding judgment and experienceTeamwork and attitude in technical divingSidemount vs twinsetThe evolution of technical divingGozo Technical Diving todayGreenland expedition diving and iceberg explorationHow to choose the right instructorInstructor development and teaching philosophyThe future of technical divingWhether you're a recreational diver looking to progress, an experienced technical diver, or an instructor wanting to improve your teaching, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom from one of diving's most respected educators.Thanks to our Sponsor, XDEEP - https://www.xdeep.eu Follow Tom Steiner & Gozo Technical Diving - www.gozotechnicaldiving.comTom's Video Training Series - www.tomsteiner.proTom's Recommended Reading:The Checklist Manifesto – Atul GawandeThe Art of Learning – Josh WaitzkinDeep Survivor – Laurence Gonzalez Follow Steve Davis Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nzstevedInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nzsteved📘 Sidemount Fundamentals eBook https://www.sidemountpros.com/store ❤️ Become a Patron and support Speaking Sidemount - https://www.patreon.com/c/speakingsidemount A huge thank you to our episode sponsor XDEEP for their continued support of technical diving education, and to the incredible Patrons of Speaking Sidemount who make these conversations possible.