Purchasing equipment in Bradenton area

[pamelad]

Hi everyone,
I'll be heading to B'ton Beach for Christmas shortly, and am hoping to purchase a BCD, reg, wetsuit, etc while I'm in the area. I'm looking for a dive shop with knowledgeable - and patient! - reps who can help me figure out what's right for me. I've done some basic internet searches and asked around at my local dive center, but would really appreciate some personalized advice. I'm also hoping for a shop that sells regs that list in meters and bar - which I can't imagine is too difficult, but just throwing it out there.
Any recommendations on a good shop are really appreciated!
Thanks in advance! (And happy Thanksgiving!)
Pamela
PS - Great to find this site! I grew up in Bton but didn't learn to dive til moving to Asia a few months ago, and never realized we had so much right off of our shores!

 

[Salmonboy97]

Welcome to the board.
I am not a local to the Bradenton area but when I dive there I use SeaTrek. It is located directly across the street from the Regina wreck, aka Sugar Barge.
A long time ago I talked to the owner and she was EXTREMELY helpful. (Must have been impressive to remember her for 1.5 yrs). The "employee" that was running the shop the last time I was there (two months ago) was just as friendly.
I have never bought any gear from them but I think this is a great place to start your search.
There are others, including Moteman that are locals and could point you to other shops I dont know about. Keep checking back.

 

[K Mejean]

Welcome to the board and the area. There are a few different shops in the Bradenton / Sarasota area. I have only done business with 2 of them. Sea Trek is a nice shop and the people are friendly. The only thing I have purchased from them was air fills when I was diving down there. The other shop I have dealt with is Scuba Quest up on Manatee Avenue. They have a good selection and pretty good prices. I don't know if you will be able to find the measurements you are looking for. You might need to purchase a dive computer. I know I can adjust mine from feet to meters and bar.

 

[catra8104]

I just recently got my cert and gear from Marine Dreams off of 41 & Cortez... Great patient staff.. Laura and Jamey(the owners) actively dive and have extensive experience. Highly recommended.

 

[Sh@rkW@tcher]

I can make two recommenation. In the Anna Maria island area I use SeaTrek http://www.seatrekdivers.com/ . Talk to either Pete or Lorainne both are VERY helpful and friendly. My other recommenation is to drive 15 miles south to Sarasota, and visit Florida Underwatersports http://www.floridaunderwatersports.com/. Carl, Greg, Tom and Bo will personally fit you with whatever equipment you need and match whatever your budget is.

 

[Oceanus]

Before walking into any shop I recommend you first try to determine what might be best for you... Become a knowledgeable shopper first, then look for shops that carry what you are interested in. Reason being is that most shops will only recommend what they have in their inventory and only have knowledge of the lines they carry.

 

[Bubble eater]

I have a brand new 7mm henderson thermoprene 2 piece wetsuit i'm trying to get rid of if your looking to save some $$ on a new suit! its a womens size 10, but I usually wear a size 8 in 3mm. Message me if you want more info. I also have gauge I can throw in, if you are interested.

 

[Surelyshirly]

Aqua Pro Divers Inc -
4328 101st St W, Bradenton - (941) 792- 3483

Mike is very knowlegable and his family also owns a dive shop in Sarasota. I dealt with him when I was in Florida and would recommend him

 

[pamelad]

Wow - thanks everyone for all of the recommendations! This is very helpful. I'll be sure to check out the places you recommended (as well as do some more searches to figure out what I need, as recommended) - and perhaps I'll see you for a dive over the holidays.
Best wishes,
Pamela