Veteran Owned & operated
The inspiration
From the moment my son Finn splashed his tiny toes in the tub, I knew he would always remind me of the wonder hidden beneath the surface. His fearless curiosity—reaching out for seashells at the shore and gazing wide-eyed at fish tanks—sparked the idea for Finn’s Up Dive School. Every time I see his excitement for discovery, I’m reminded of why I dove into this career: to share that same sense of awe and confidence with my students.
Finn’s spirit guides everything we do. When I’m planning a lesson or fine-tuning a safety drill, I ask myself, “What would give Finn the best experience?” That’s why we focus on hands-on training in small groups, why we never rush through skills, and why safety and fun always come first. This school exists not just to certify divers, but to cultivate that joyful curiosity in every new adventurer—just like my son did for me
The instructor
I’m Mike Hess, the founder and lead instructor of Finn’s Up Dive School, and I’ve been captivated by the underwater world for more than twenty years. My journey started with four years in the United States Coast Guard, and has since led me to marine research expeditions as an AAUS scientific diver, and life-saving missions with Newtown Underwater Search and Rescue as a Rescue Diver.
Now as a PADI dive instructor, I’ve taught everyone from curious first-timers to seasoned ocean lovers, always making sure each student masters every skill before moving on. When I’m not teaching, I volunteer as a diver at both the Maritime Aquarium and the Mystic Aquarium—supporting conservation work and helping people of all ages fall in love with our marine ecosystems.
Family is at the heart of everything I do—my son Finn inspired the name of this school—and I bring that same sense of care and commitment to each class. I don’t sell gear; my focus is solely on providing safe, fun training that builds your confidence and competence beneath the waves. Whether you’re taking your very first pool lesson or gearing up for your debut ocean dives, I’m here to handle the details so you can dive in with peace of mind and pure excitement.
The anchor
Devon is the steady anchor behind everything we do at Finn’s Up Dive School—offering unwavering love, support, and encouragement that keep our little crew grounded no matter how deep we dive. Long before we said “I do” in 2021, Devon and I earned our open water certifications side by side, forging a partnership built on shared adventure and trust.
Devon’s true passion, however, lies in coral restoration—working tirelessly to revive fragile reef ecosystems so that future generations can marvel at their beauty. Her journey began in Roatán, Honduras, when she enrolled in a hands-on coral restoration course with Roatán Divers and discovered the intricate art of coral grafting and reef monitoring
As a certified PADI Rescue Diver, Devon shares my commitment to safety above all else—and she couldn’t be more proud of what we’re building with Finn’s Up Dive School. From cheering on students as they nail their first neutral-buoyancy hover to swapping stories about reef conservation over coffee, her enthusiasm for every step of our journey keeps me motivated. Knowing she’s right there beside me—celebrating each new certification and dreaming of the next underwater adventure—reminds me daily why I started this business in the first place.
Contact us
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