In July, I attended my basic scuba class at Dive Below H2O with Jim Holland and JD Buckner as my instructors. While in the US Marine Corps, I had been trained in scuba in 1987 after attending the US Navy Scuba School. My last dive was around 1991. Needless to say, even though I had been initially trained by the very best in the scuba world, I was completely rusty and needed re-training. Jim and JD were exceptional They were patient, insightful, and very knowledgeable. I found the instruction to be relevant, thorough, and well presented. I was also very pleased that they both required me to perform a skill not "until I get it right" but rather "until I do not get it wrong".
Both Jim and JD are very personable people. If you walk into the shop and have any question at all regarding equipment, training, or various types of gear, Jim will spend inordinate amounts of time with you going over the pros and cons of all the equipment and gear he has in the shop. He will answer all your questions to your complete satisfaction. We were so impressed with his knowledge and teaching ability that our dive team at Wilson County Emergency Management is using his shop for all our training and equipment needs.
In short, if you want to be TRAINED and not just certified, this is the shop for you. I highly recommend his shop. He and his wife, Kathy, are always ready to assist any new diver as well as seasoned veterans. We have developed a wonderful relationship with their store and with them personally. I look forward to many years of their friendship and company. With Dive Below H2O, you're not just a customer. You're family.
Michael L. Peveto
FF/RN-Paramedic, CEN
Wilson Emergency Management Agency. read more