LDS owner opened a restaurant/club in Hollywood

[caveseeker7]

I had a peek into ICE when they were still working on it, it looked pretty cool.
Their divers meet there once a month I believe. Got an invitation or two, but from OC it's a bit of drive, especially to get there in traffic. So if you want to meet other divers (and HD customers) get on shop's mailing list.

In regards to the shop, Billy, Hal and Karim are all good guys. Billy caves, so you'll frequently find cave diving videos on the monitors. But they cater much more to recreational divers than tech divers. Nice to know they offer some more advanced options if you want to go that way, though. There are few shops that I do business with on a continuing basis, this is one of them.

 

[Arnaud]

...There are few shops that I do business with on a continuing basis, this is one of them.

Me too

 

[kelpmermaid]

but those are both challenging businesses to run sucessfully over time.

Where exactly is the shop/club?

 

[alaity47]

Right across from Universal, on Cahuenga (actually, RIGHT across from Universal City Nissan, and up the street from Miceli's)

Address is 3575 Cahuenga Blvd - that big brick complex on the left side of the street if you're coming from Highland. Parking is on the street, or valet in the building lot - but it's closed on Sundays. Then parking is in front of the closed door, in the driveway.

 

[caveseeker7]

Just received an e-mail from Billy, they're meeting on the 26th:

Hey Divers!

It's time to get together again with all your dive buddies for some drinks and grub. Come hang out at Ice for the HollywooDivers dive club meeting and talk with friends about diving!

6:30 for drinks and 7pm for the meeting (and more drinks).

We'll have Missy from HydrOptix showing us their masks with amazing vision. See the demo and ask her all the questions you'd like.

 

[alaity47]

Just received an e-mail from Billy, they're meeting on the 26th:

Actually, that was last night - the 24th. Pretty cool presentation, and I walked home with a loaner mask to try out in the pool. Can't wait to check it out - I'm sure I'll own it outright within a couple of days!

 

[caveseeker7]

Actually, that was last night - the 24th.

Well, the spirit counts ...
Glad you enjoyed it.

 

[deckman]

I have been diving with the guys from Hollywoodivers for about 5 months now. Ever since they certified me for open water. I can't say enough good things about them.
I tend to disagree a little about them being a "technical" shop. While they do offer a lot of technical gear and instruction, they also have at least two boats scheduled a month that are more for Beginner/Intermediate divers. In my experience with the guys at the shop, Bill is definitely more into the technical aspects of the sport but also is very knowledgeable on underwater videography. Hal is also very much into video. The only thing they really do not seem to cater to is the hunters. They seem way more into taking photos and video than game.
I drive about 20 - 30 minutes to get to the shop, and chose it a couple of shops that were much closer to home.
Check them out if you are in the area, you will find a very knowledgeable staff that loves to talk about diving and a no pressure sales environment.
Just my 2 cents (well maybe 10 cents).

--Dave

 

[SteveD]

Thanks for the tips guys. I am flying through LAX on my way back to Australia and am taking a day to cruise the dive shops for some kit. I'll certainly stop at Hollywood Divers to check it out. Any other suggestions? Looking for Suunto, Scubapro, Mares and Apteks.

regards, steve...