Brian Kinley - Owner

Experience and Years Diving

I have been diving for over 30 years, I know right!? 30 years! I learned while in the Marine Corps stationed in the Philippines. My instructor had one arm and a claw on the other… nothing to be afraid of here, lol. I am thinking, “Shark attack?” The presentation was actually done in the classic slide show, clicking with every change. I now have over 5000 dives, equivalent to nearly 2/3s of a year under the waves! I may just grow those gills yet.

What made you want to teach diving?

As with all new things in life a dramatic change had happened. Living in San Diego, California, diving every weekend possible and camping in Mexico for three day weekends where at night on the cliffs overlooking the ocean and diving by day.  My professional life suddenly changed. I was laid off, and figured what a great time to take a hiatus and travel. My friends and I set up destinations from the Australia to Cayman Islands. We as a group had been traveling together for a few years, diving. On this occasion we landed in Grand Cayman. I looked around as I stepped off the tarmac, looked at my friend Chris and said, “I could live here.” I then decided to figure out how to make that happen. Apparently dive instructors are needed at a diving destination island lol. So I decided after 10 years of recreational diving to become an instructor. I moved to the Caymans and worked as a Boat Captain and Dive Instructor for four years. Amazing people, and time. 

After the Caymans I became a police officer, joined the Dive Team and continued to teach.  After many years as a police officer I decided to take a contract position with the government overseas. That was fine for a period until I decided to move back to Rockford where I grew up and open Azimuth Scuba. I have now been teaching for nearly 21 years.

I have lived and dove all over the world. With many stories, which I tell my students and those who have joined the family of Azimuth Scuba divers, I have a great life. Diving brings adventure, it may only be in the waters around here or in the amazing waters elsewhere, but you will never look back disappointed. You will wish you had started your adventure underwater sooner in life. So if you are wondering if diving is for you, stop wondering and give it a go. You will not regret the decision to experience life.

What are you most proud about with Azimuth?

I am most proud of everyone who has put their time, and effort, into making Azimuth Scuba what it is today. A success! We pride ourselves on being a family of divers. Everyone from the newest certified diver to the most experienced instructor are what makes up this close family. 

I could have never done this alone. I have been fortunate to have so many people who believe in the same idea, diving is meant to be fun, safe and life fulfilling. Some of these amazing people you will read about in the Bios following mine. There are so many others who are the unsung heroes who have made our story amazing. Thank you to all of you who have been with us over the years and continue to be a part of the adventure.

What can a customer expect when they come into the shop?

First they will be greeted by Rezy, she demands attention from all who walk in. Then you will be greeted by Mike or myself. The first thing I would like people to know is we are not a box chain store, we are here to bring people the experience of diving. We have equipment, we service equipment and of course we teach. Overall, we want people to feel welcome. Most often we get to chatting with those who come in and talk about diving, places to visit or have gone and in the end we are all friends. Like the show Cheers, we try to know everyones name.

Fun fact about yourself?

Fun fact about me, hmm… I have a great story and pictures of me feeding stingrays by mouth. All was great for a year then one day… I will leave it at that and if you would like a good laugh ask me about it.