Gypsy Divers Raleigh, NC

[Kriterian]

I just wanted to take a moment to give a proper recommendation for my LDS. I was having trouble forcing myself to buy a regulator in a dive shop when I can save 200 dollars or more online. Some of the advantages / disadvantages didn't seem worth it.

Then I walked into Gypsy Divers today and saw a sign that said they would accept trade-in's of regulators/BC's and I believe computers. It most be Scubapro (what they sell) and you must have your receipt. Other than that they give you full trade-in credit for what you paid! That seems like an amazing deal and they'll be getting all my business from now on!

I'm sure others already knew how good a shop it was but if it wasn't I hope I steered someone in the right direction.

 

[Scubamedicjoe]

yes been there for years and another good shop in raliegh area is down under both are very good shops .

 

[dwright]

Well, I'll give my 2 cents worth. Reef and Ridge Sports on Hillsborough St. (near the farigrounds) Is the oldest dive shop it North Carolina...Ron has been diving with the who's who of diving for many years. They are a scubapro dealer as well and give great deals and service.

Dale

 

[jlyle]

We met a bunch of the Gypsy Divers on a live-aboard trip to the Galapagos Islands; very nice people!

 

[Kriterian]

We met a bunch of the Gypsy Divers on a live-aboard trip to the Galapagos Islands; very nice people!

Glad to hear that, I can't wait to get up to the skill level that I can go on trips like that myself.

As for Reef and Ridge, I think it's gone now. Atleast it's not in the spot on Hillsborough St that it used to be in the past. There is now a tattoo parlor there. Might be the same shop though, you can get "Nitrox Only" painted green on your butt

I think I bought my first reg at Down Under, if it's the same shop I thinking about over in Cary.

Sadly, I think Bill's Scuba is gone for good. Their website seems current but their new store location is abandoned, I went by there yesterday.

Aside from the deals at Gypsy divers, I like the people and the atmosphere. Dave (the owner?) is very nice and even remembered me from my first cert 10 years ago. I was shocked hehe. Their new facility has a 75 foot long pool with a max depth of 13 or 15 feet. That's much nicer than borrowing the YMCA pool like we used to do.

Anyways, I didn't want to start a "This LDS is better than any other", because I'm sure it's not. I just wanted to give them applause for that wonderful trade-in deal. It will help me avoid the guilt of buying online in the future.

 

[herman]

Aside from the deals at Gypsy divers, I like the people and the atmosphere. Dave (the owner?) is very nice and even remembered me from my first cert 10 years ago. I was shocked hehe. .

Dave only thinks he's the owner...Margie (his wife) lets him think that so he works harder.

I got certified at Gypsy in 92 and have taken several classes with them over the years. The entire staff are really nice people. I think I have 3 or 4 hrs diving in that pool. Amazing what a diver will do to get wet.

I have not noticed if R&R has gone but I need to go by the fairgrounds tomorrow so I will try to look.

 

[DeputyDan]

Reef & Ridge is still there. I was in last week looking at wet suits.

I was certified at Gypsy's also. In general, I have only positive things to say about them and would recommend them to anyone.

 

[dwright]

It's really not nice to post that a shop is gone if you're not sure it is...the spot on hillsborough where you say it used to be...used to be usa aquatics..for competitive swimmers. Reef and Ridge is in the same spot it's been for many years. Dave and his wife actually used to work FOR reef and ridge. For future reference if you don't know don't say.

 

[Scubamedicjoe]

bottom line we are blessed with some good shops in the raliegh area another new one that not in raliegh but in my area is sandhills scuba so far ok shop still growing.
http://www.sandhills-scuba.com/default.asp

 

[Kriterian]

It's really not nice to post that a shop is gone if you're not sure it is...the spot on hillsborough where you say it used to be...used to be usa aquatics..for competitive swimmers. Reef and Ridge is in the same spot it's been for many years. Dave and his wife actually used to work FOR reef and ridge. For future reference if you don't know don't say.

I wasn't trying to spread false information and if I did I'm sorry. I work on Blue Ridge Rd, walking distance from that section of Hillsborough St. I eat at the Quizno's right there all the time and haven't seen it. Now of course I'm getting older and the place I visited in the early 90's may not be the same spot I'm thinking about. If so, I apologize.