How Does Free-Daptive Work?
Free‑Daptive Divers is a professional dive service that blends adaptive innovation with uncompromising safety and world‑class instruction. We empower divers of all abilities—veterans, adaptive athletes, people with disabilities, and those seeking accessible underwater experiences—by offering customized training, adaptive equipment, and expert guidance from compassionate, highly certified instructors.
Our programs range from beginner introductions and adaptive SCUBA certifications to advanced specialty courses and therapeutic dive sessions. Every dive is tailored: we assess individual needs, match adaptive gear and techniques, and create step‑by‑step plans that build confidence and competence in the water. Safety is central—our team adheres to rigorous protocols, uses modern, well‑maintained equipment, and maintains small instructor‑to‑student ratios to ensure personal attention.
Beyond training, Free‑Daptive Divers fosters community and independence. We host inclusive dive events, adaptive gear demos, and mentorship opportunities that connect divers, caregivers, and medical professionals. Whether the goal is recreational exploration, rehabilitation, or athletic achievement, we remove barriers and expand possibilities—helping people discover freedom, joy, and mobility beneath the surface.
Click on the Donate button to learn more about giving to FREE-DAPTIVE.
I Have a Disability. How Do I “Try-SCUBA”?
Experience the feeling of weightlessness and the joy of breathing underwater with “Try-SCUBA”.
Each session lasts approximately 60 to 90 minutes. While not a SCUBA certification course, “Try-SCUBA” is a quick and easy introduction to what it takes to explore the underwater world.
All you need is a swimsuit and a towel, we provide the rest.
Open to ages 12 and older. You must sign a waiver a medical form prior to diving.
To register for a “Try-SCUBA” event, click on the Events tab.
Meet our team!
Richard Kline
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
AND CO-FOUNDER
Rick began his dive journey after being inspired by the TV show Sea Hunt (no, he wasn’t a stand-in for Mike Nelson). Rick is one of the Co-Founders of Free-Daptive Divers and serves as a Divemaster certified by both PADI and HSA, sharing his passion and commitment to inclusive diving experiences.
Aaron Cross
BOARD PRESIDENT
Aaron has been using a wheelchair since 1991; a spinal cord injury when he was 15, C1, C6-7 quadriplegic. Aaron has been diving since 2006 and is certified as a PADI Open Water Diver, and now has 125 dives, and has his Deep Diver and Advanced Open Water certifications. One of the greatest aspects of FDD and diving in general is getting into the water and feeling barriers slip away. Diving is a gift of freedom and growth.
Alex Van Horn
SOCIAL MEDIA
Alexandra Van Horn has been diving since 2017 and head of social media with Free-Daptive Divers since 2020. The thing Alex loves most about adaptive scuba diving is it gets her out of her chair and makes her feel free. On her very first dive in Cozumel, it was then Alex knew she would be a lifelong diver and share her love of diving with others. Alex has an ever evolving bucket list and when she’s not diving you might find her traveling the country and riding her adaptive mountain bike.
Mary Kline
BOARD MEMBER
Mary has been part of
Free-Daptive Divers since 2016. She became open water certified at age 60.
I guess you’re never too old to learn something new! Mary is responsible for trip planning and she’s the secretary for FDD.
Shawn Woods
BOARD MEMBER/TECH CONSULTANT
Shawn Woods is a Police Sergeant in Minnesota. Shawn started diving while he was working as a Skydiving instructor in New Zealand in 1997. Shawn took a few years off from diving after returning to MN and returned to it in 2005. Since then, Shawn has gone on to earn PADI certifications in Advanced Diver, Nitrox, Rescue Diver, and Dive Master. Shawn is also SDI certified in full facemask diving. Shawn’s favorite dives are when he is helping people overcome obstacles to get into the water to experience the marine world. Shawn also enjoys diving with sharks and other large pelagic animals.
Nathan Smith
BOARD MEMBER
Nathan has been diving since 2015 and a board member of Free-Daptive Divers since 2025. The love of SCUBA has taken him from a basic Open Water Rating to Advanced to Rescue Diver and now to Scubility Dive Buddy. With hopes of soon getting his Dive Master rating. Other hobbies and interests include riding motorcycles, jumping out of airplanes and striving to be the best dad he can be.
Alexx Smith
BOARD MEMBER/TREASURER
I’m Alexx Smith - a non-diver scuba diver. I’ve logged a few dives (hence the epic photo… and yes, that is me), but I’m currently on a bit of a hiatus. Long story short: I love the sport, even if I’m not in the water. So you might be wondering - why am I here, serving on the Board? First and foremost, I believe deeply in the mission that everyone deserves access to the underwater world. Inclusion and accessibility aren’t just buzzwords to me - they’re values I care about and try to live out. I’m genuinely grateful to be part of such an impactful, inspiring group. And why Treasurer? In my “day job,” I serve as COO for a nonprofit affliated with the University of Minnesota, and I’ve spent the last 15+ years in financial management roles. Put simply: I’m pretty good with numbers, and I like putting that skill to work for a good cause. Oh - and in case you were wondering, no, it’s not a coincidence about the last names. Nate Smith (fellow board member) and I have been married for nearly 18 years. So yes, we bring both partnership and spreadsheets to the organization - and we’re grateful to be here.