In Episode #116, brought to you by XDEEP, Steve Davis is joined by Gustavo “Tavo” Padilla-Pohjanen of Darkside Divers, Mexico. From a rocky start in snowboarding to discovering peace and purpose underwater, Tavo shares his remarkable journey into diving, sidemount, and ultimately the caves of Mexico. Tavo opens up about the importance of foundational training, the need for a strong mindset and preparation before entering overhead environments, and how his passion evolved into Darkside Divers, a thriving training operation built with purpose alongside his wife, Laura.
This is a must-listen for any diver curious about the path to becoming a top-tier cave instructor—and why “just meeting agency standards” isn’t enough.
Guest Bio Gustavo “Tavo” Padilla-Pohjanen is a cave and technical diving instructor, co-founder of Darkside Divers in Tulum, Mexico. With roots in recreational diving and a deep commitment to progressive, foundational training, Tavo has worked with legendary instructors like Patrick Widmann, Fred Devos, and John Kieren.
Host Bio Steve Davis is a passionate sidemount diver, technical diver, and the voice behind Speaking Sidemount. With extensive experience in sidemount and overhead environments, Steve brings deep insight and curiosity to every conversation.
🎥 Watch full episodes & bonus clips: https://www.youtube.com/@sidemountpros
🎧 Listen to the Podcast - Spotify | Apple | Google — search Speaking Sidemount Podcast
📘 Sidemount books: https://www.sidemountpros.com/store
🤿 Train with Steve: https://www.sidemountpros.com/courses
💛 Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/c/speakingsidemount
📸 Follow Steve on Instagram: @nzsteved
🛠️ Thanks to our sponsor XDEEP - https://www.xdeep.eu
and to Tavo PC Darkside Divers
Facebook: @darksidediversmx Instagram: @darksidedivers Email: info@darksidediversmx.com
Into Earth – Mick Friis’s video with Tavo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxp5on6jnHY