Brian Harrison, a 43-year-old construction worker from Washington, UK, is leaving the country next week to launch his dream scuba diving business, Sea Wolf Scuba, in Tenerife. He saved £30,000 by working permanent night shifts for five months in 2026 and the summer of 2025 on projects including the Nissan gigafactory.
A Late Start to Swimming
Harrison admits he couldn't swim until adulthood. 'I learned late, got hooked, and ended up qualifying as a PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer,' he said. His business focuses on nervous beginners, teaching a maximum of two people at a time on the south of the island.
From Failure to Determination
His first diving attempt at age 14 ended in failure. 'I managed the shallow part and then the teacher said, "You are too scared, you are not going in the sea." I'm the only person to fail a Discover Scuba day,' Harrison joked. But he persisted, later completing advanced open water despite calling it 'an absolute disaster.' He returned to a shop for proper training and overcame his fears.
Building the Dream
Harrison obtained dual residency to work in Tenerife during winter and England in summer. He taught at several diving shops before deciding to open his own. 'I didn't like the rushed approach to teaching, especially with nervous divers,' he said. 'I want to do it my way.' He offers flexible courses, taking extra time for struggling students even if it means earning less per day.
Saving for the Business
In 2024, Harrison planned to save £10,000 over five years, but working 84-hour weeks on the gigafactory accelerated his timeline to October 2026. 'Everything's been paid for out of the night shift wages. I've not had a full day off since March, no loans, no investors. Roughly £30,000 earned, saved and spent on it,' he said.
A Near Miss and a Decision
Two incidents pushed him to act now. His dog Lobo was hit by a car while he was diving in Northumberland. 'I thought if we don't go now, something goes wrong and we won't get to follow the dream,' Harrison said. Later, a chair broke at work, leaving him upside down on his neck. 'I thought if I don't leave, something will happen.' He left the project early, turning a five-year plan into a departure next week.
Lobo: The Face of the Business
Harrison's three-year-old dog Lobo will join him in Tenerife. 'Lobo is very much a part of the business, he's in the name and logo, he's on the side of the minibus, he's like a mini celeb,' Harrison said. His TikTok videos calming scuba fears reach over 100,000 people monthly and have already secured first customers before opening.
Harrison will drive to Tenerife with Lobo via ferry after finishing his last shifts. 'I've made friends over there who have been helping me out, so I'm not totally going into the unknown, but it will be emotional leaving,' he added.
