Training & Clubs in the Charlotte Area

[Bean_Counter67]

Looking for a little bit of help and insight from the NC group. My brother lives about 30 minutes south of Charlotte and is thinking about taking up diving. He is just in the toying phase / research process. Does anyone have any recommendations of LDS in that area? Or should he push to the coast and be certified by an LDS in one of the coastal locations?

Do any of the LDS in the Charlotte area put on a free Discover scuba session? I know some times a few LDS in the Boston area will do that just to draw potential new divers in.

Is there any dive clubs to the Charlotte area in which he might be able to make a connection?

Truthfully, I could kick his tail. He just was up here in Massachusetts for 2 weeks and didn’t say squat about this. I could have lined something up to see if it really was something he would like.

Any insight into the NC diving community that I can pass onto my brother would be appreciated. I will get him on this board as soon as possible. Thanks for your help.

 

[Tortuga James]

There is a strong diving community in Charlotte, but I can't name any shops. I would recommend getting trained (at least for OW) close to home and then venture to the coast after getting some good freshwater practice dives. Pose this question on www.ncdivers.com and you will get a little more feedback.

 

[fireflock]

I don't know all the shops in the area, but I would include this place in my search:

sinkorswimscuba.net

I've met some people who are part of the Charlotte Hammerheads dive club.

http://www.charlottehammerheads.com/home.php

They have a forum, but it doesn't seem to be very active.

 

[Scubamedicjoe]

this is my recommendation:
Sink or Swim Scuba
4310-K Wilkinson Blvd
Gastonia, NC 28056
Phone: (704) 823-0501

 

[Bean_Counter67]

Just want to thank you all for your insight. I'll be sure to pass this along to my brother.