Paradise Dive Brings True Adventure

Richard Whitehead is a former champion of a television reality show called the Ultimate Diver Challenge.

He also teaches locals how to dive at his Bentonville based business called Paradise Dive Adventure.

Whitehead says it’s a brand new facility with a feel that helps prospective divers acclimate to the experience.

“One of the things that makes this so special is the appearance of the building. We have created a tropical feel in NWA. We have realistic palm trees. We want people to think about diving when they come into the store,” said Richard.

 There’s a pool right out back to begin training.

Richard put our Morning Anchor Mitch Roberts in the water for a couple of lessons.

If you’re interested in learning how to scuba dive, just clear your weekend schedule and dive in head first.

“We have an open water class Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. We get all the pool work done. Nobody is rushed. We go at the pace of the student, not my pace.”

That’s a good thing, because Richard is a champion diver. He also is able to scale it down for a 5NEWS Rookie like Mitch Roberts.

Richard started diving 17 years ago for fun, and now it’s turned into his dream job!

“My wife bought this for a birthday gift and auctioned off tickets and that’s what got me started. I just loved it and excelled at it. Now I’m getting paid to give scuba lessons, which is a great job.”

 Mitch says being a 5NEWS Reporter on the scuba diving assignment ran a close second in regards to the greatest job.

While Mitch was a scuba diving rookie he now says he’s hooked.  Who knows, he may soon go pro.