Who we are
DAVE PERKINS - CO OWNER
PADI IDC STAFF INSTRUCTOR
EFR INSTRUCTOR TRAINER
DAN DFA PRO INSTRUCTOR
FORMER US ARMY FIRST SERGEANT
I grew up in small-town Florence, SC and never would have pictured myself living in the hustle and bustle of Chicago. Fortunately, my path crossed with our beautiful Maca and so now we get to share in life’s journey and adventures.
Coming from Florida, where we first met, I learned to scuba as a drift diver in the predominantly warm waters of the Northern Caribbean. I know those waters fairly well, having dove off the coast of Palm Beach County and in the ICW exploring Blue Heron Bridge, and logging over 1,000 dives.
I love to be part of the process of helping others to gain mastery or betterment, and to explore the beautiful blue realm together. Practicing skills with fellow divers, helping students perfect basic skills from regulator recovery to hovering, and sharing their achievement of overcoming challenges in such a cool activity brings me so much joy.
As scuba divers, we are at the forefront as ambassadors of the aquatic realm. Inspiring safe dive practices, conservation and preservation allows the opportunity to be part of the solution. Not only do I think it’s our duty in Kung Fu Divers to teach divers to be safety conscious, but also to be environmental stewards. I will always make it imperative to keep us focused on teaching divers to have fun, be safe, and take care of our underwater inhabitants.
When I can’t scuba, I try to get out as much as possible. I love nature and animals! (in fact, my most favorite part of diving is seeing my fishy friends). In the Winter you’ll probably find me snowboarding out on the slopes and in the Summer I may be enjoying a simple evening stroll with my favorite person, Maca.
MACA NAVAS - CO OWNER
DIVEMASTER
ADVANCED SHAOLIN KUNG FU BROWN SASH
“Whenever there is an imbalance,
we must find balance. “
My Kung Fu practice began 9 years ago in the discipline of Shaolin, meditation, and the traditional internal arts of Tai Qi and Qi Gong. The Kung Fu way of life is a unique blend of spirituality, wisdom, and courage, it is a balanced combination of spirit and power. Developing body, mind, and soul has been a quest I have taken seriously.
To explore and experience life creating memories and meaningful moments, to leave a positive mark as I pass through life, and inspire others to explore themselves and achieve their potential are my motivators. I enjoy helping and leading others by trying to transmit patience, trust, perseverance and purpose. This is what I am bringing to the table to our team of 2 and our students at Kung Fu Divers.
Breathing has been a tremendous life skill: it helps me calm down, focus, and make better decisions. It enhances my practice of scuba by allowing more relaxation and enjoyment (and better air conservation) not only underwater but also on the surface, and assists my Martial Arts practice by keeping me present and empowered, especially at times when I work with a partner or when I am performing a “form”.
I apply myself day by day as a mother, a lifetime partner with Dave, a volunteer to causes related to the environment and human development, and a Marketing and Operations professional with an emphasis on startups. I am also Co-founder of Scuba Book Club 🤿🐠, with 116 members worldwide, we have read 14 books since February 2022!
To become a Shaolin Kung Fu Shifu - an Instructor- and make the world a better place are my long term goals.