What's the Tech Arena Like?

[mjcoussens]

I'll be switching local forums soon and it's looking like I'll be coming back to Michigan once I get my Ph.D. in July. In the 4 years I've spent in Hawaii I've become very disillusioned with the status of the lds' and the way they treat the local customer base. Where can I go to get decent service, trimix, charters, etc in the Detroit and Traverse City areas? Are there any clubs that have compressors/mixing stations? Shops with affordable and convenient He or willing to top-off tanks for me?

Ideally, I'd like to be able to get standard NON-PP nitrox/trimix fills without having to be told I'm going to kill myself, and without having to have my own compressor setup, although if that's what it takes I'm prepared to do it.

I'd also like to get in with a similar group of "DIR" / tech oriented people that want to do the same dives I do. Does this exist?

Thanks for reading my rants/ concerns and any advice.

Matt

 

[Busdiver]

Sea Side Dive Shop in St. Clair Shores should be able to take care of your gas with no problem and do it with a smile. There are also a handful of Tech/DIR folks out of the shop.

 

[mjcoussens]

Thanks, I had run across their website before, but they didn't have seem to have anything tech oriented on it. BTW, whats the going rate for He? Just curious, as here it's dispensed by only one shop that charges a $10 hook-up fee in addition to $2-4/cft (depends on how closely you watch them).

Matt

 

[bladephotog]

It's a bit to the south but you can check Sea Level Scuba in Toledo. It's a tech oriented shop and the owner is a great guy.

 

[dab]

Matt,
I would be happy to get together with you when your in Traverse City, and help you with all your all your questions abot tech diving in this area. Feel free to PM me when your in town.

 

[Divers Incorporated]

Not sure what you are looking for in a LDS but we have Helium on site.. will fill what you want if it is in our ability.. will top up if you hold a gas blender certification (we offer the course for $95) and a helium analyzer.

We charge a $15 for a hook up and the oxygen needed if it is not over 21% and $1 per cubic ft of helium. We also have the ability to pump your last third through our booster so you can save a partially filled set of doubles.

We partial pressure fill if your tanks are cleaned and properly marked and we also pump premix nitrox at both the ann arbor location and the quarry.

As far as tec friendly... we offer at least three to five trips per year that are technical and you can dive any way you want if you can prove your level of certification to be able to join us.

Hope this helps...

Rich

 

[Busdiver]

Matt,

You won't find a better response then Rich's. Glad to see a shop owner on top of things. If you are just up for some nice mellow diving drop me a pm, we will hit the quarries, the river, etc. My crew tries to dive ever weekend.

Bus

 

[DudleyNMU]

Rec and Tec dive charters is the charter service you will want to to on Lake huron. Trips from Port sanilac and Harbor Beach. Gary Vente is a great captian and know diving. Also the Sylva Anne is the best boat on the lakes. Check out his website. Good luck safe diving.

Rec and Tec Scuba Dive Charters - Lexington Michigan, Thumb area Preserve, Sanilac Preserve

 

[Divers Incorporated]

I use Gary of Rec and Tec for all my Lake Huron charters South of Saginaw Bay. Bill Prince of Nordic Divers in Milwalkee is also a top notch boat operator for Technical Divers.

If you are interested, I posted some videos on YouTube of the Florida and the Dunderburg just search diversincorporated lake Huron and you will get them

Rich