Multimedia Reporting (Bradford-Utsler)

Lawrence native Scott Bellinger spent his last year in high school studying something a little unconventional. While most students finished up last minute English or math courses, Bellinger spent his time underwater.

Bellinger grew passionate about scuba diving after a family snorkeling trip in the Florida Keys. He said, “When we came back, I found out that there was a dive shop right here in Lawrence. I took discover-dive lessons and was hooked. When I came back to school the next year I had a chance to certify through school and I jumped at the opportunity.”

With the help of Blue Planet dive shop and Lawrence schools, Bellinger became a certified scuba diver for class credit. Blue Planet, located at 1301 E. 25th St., works closely with schools to provide students with a unique experience and make them aware of the rare business.

“It was cool to take a break from sitting in school and try something I’ve always wanted to do,” Bellinger, who graduated, from Lawrence High School in 2003, said. “I would never think to put a scuba diving shop right in the middle of Kansas but I guess all you need is a swimming pool and gear. Now I’ve been able to dive in St. Kitts and St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands.”

Blue Planet, owned by Chad Jackson, has been a part of the Lawrence community for 11 years and provides open water and technical training for aspiring divers. Blue Planet is comprised of a retail store and an 11-foot indoor pool. Instructors prepare people for local and exotic dives.

Training at Blue Planet is open to everyone, but special deals, such as 10 percent off all equipment, are
offered to local students. “We try to do something at least once a year to support local schools.” Jen
Barker, manager of Blue Planet said.

A growing number of high school students are completing scuba diving independent studies through Blue Planet. Students gain high school credit by taking lessons in the business’s pool. They conclude their certification by diving in open water sites in the Missouri area. Instructors from Blue Planet travel with the students.

Bellinger, who completed his scuba diving independent study in 2003 said, “We had scuba classes at Blue Planet about two or three times a week. We completed our book work and tests during class time.” Bellinger participated with three other students and hopes to go back to Blue Planet soon for his advanced certification.

Students complete their independent studies through David Platt, Lawrence High School social studies teacher. Platt feels it’s important for students to try something new. He said, “Students need to get out and do things that involve the physical body as much as possible. Scuba relates to the course of geography that I teach as it can be a tool to help people explore the world and get to know it better.”

Platt takes students every year to exotic locations including the Mediterranean Islands, Ecuador and Australia, where scuba diving is possible. Blue Planet works closely with these students to prepare them to dive on their trips.

Students can participate in a discover-diving program that only costs $10. This allows students to try
scuba diving in a swimming pool without making a large investment. The program lasts a few hours in the afternoon. During this time, students can get a feel for being in the water and experiment with the equipment.

Barker said, “This year we’ve had about 43 discover- diving students who go on Platt’s annual trips. We
have a longstanding relationship with him and his students.” Through the discover-diving program, students can decide if they want to continue their training and get
certified through Blue Planet.

Local high schools aren’t the only institutions taking advantage of Blue Planet. The University of Kansas offers two scuba diving courses through the dive shop.

Students can apply for a beginner or advanced scuba course through the Health, Sports and Exercise Science Department..

With these courses, students can receive four certifications for the price of one. Barker said, “Normally people have to buy certifications separately. This allows students to get around a half-price deal.”

Blue Planet instructors utilize the PADI 5 method, or Professional Association of Diving Instructors, which Barker describes as a more recreational or family-style method than some of the other diving techniques. Blue Planet is one of the only two dive shops in the Midwest that is certified to use this method.

Many students planning to study abroad through KU look in to dive lessons at Blue Planet. “If students want to scuba dive on their destination, they have to go somewhere to learn how, and that’s what we’re here for.” Barker said.

Blue Planet is also getting geared up for Spring break. Many students from the KU classes will travel with the dive shop for a scuba trip in Key Largo, Florida. Blue Planet takes care of planning and scheduling for the five day excursion and instructors from the business travel with the group. Students will receive group traveling discounts and stay at Blue Planet’s newly purchased home in Key Largo.