Awesome dive shop with no pressure sales. I was certified here as well as about 10 other people I know. Sadly the other review didn't see the price match sign here too as they also price match. I've personally seen the owner go above and beyond what was needed to make sure a person was certified. read more

Let me be the voice of experienced reason. First of all, no one here "forces" you to buy equipment as a condition of certification. Yes, the owner is a motivated salesperson because this is a business and the goal of a business is to be profitable. For every piece of equipment that I've purchased here (well over 3k worth), I matched everything with online sales prices through Diver's Supply, Leisurepro, etc. and everything was comparable if not ever-so-slightly more for the benefit of direct sales and setup (not purchasing discount or through a wholesaler). True, they are less likely to assist you with initial setup if you don't buy from them, but that's part of the incentive. The instructors are experienced, knowledgeable, and more than willing to take the time to help you through each step of your scuba education whether it's simply getting an Open Water or shooting for Instructor or technical certifications. I have been to all the surrounding shops around Charlotte (and Gastonia) and these people gave me the strongest impression that they care about the education and safety of their students. read more

First I want to thank everyone that had a hand in my scuba training, very great group to work with! Mr. Clevenger is a very knowledgeable instructor, and has helped me, and is still helping peruse my career in commercial diving! I recommend sink or swim scuba to anyone who wants or needs dive info, gear, or training. They have the best prices on top name brand gear! read more

Sink or Swim Scuba - Lkn quarry with brad and sink or swim scuba - Sporting Goods Near Me - Gastonia, North Carolina

Sink or Swim is HORRIBLE. Their prices are double what you'd find on the internet for the exact same brand and model. Worse, they price their certification prices low, but it's a classic bait and switch program. They'll force you to buy their overpriced equipment, and by the time you're through, you'll spend over $1,000 per person. I highly recommend Divers Supply in Charlotte. They have friendly staff, fair priced equipment (added plus: they match internet prices), and great instructors. *By the way, Sink or Swim is in Gastonia, not Charlotte. read more

HIDDEN COSTS!!! You may be able to get a Groupon which makes you think you'll get certified for under $200 but you will have to spend at least $400 probably more on equipment that he forces you to buy from him and refuses to teach you with outside equipment that he did not sell to you. and he requires you to buy equipment that you will never use again because most dive operations will provide or rent you said equipment. ie: weights, knife (no one is going to pack these in their luggage when going on vacation), a $35 cheap ugly looking dive log book with their logo on it, etc. Expect to spend another $100 or so for your required online classes. I will give it to him he is a nice guy and very knowledgeable but I think he needs to be a little more forthcoming and upfront with potential customers about the total cost for his scuba certification. read more

I cannot stress enough how amazing this shop is. Although we didn't get certified at this shop, my dad and I went on a diving trip with them recently. We were given honest opinions on all products and given all of our options. The price match guarantee is also an added bonus. The staff is friendly and always willing to help in any way possible. If there were an option for more than 5 stars I would put it! read more

I cannot stress enough that Sink Swim in Gastonia, NC is horrible and you should never do any business with them. They not only have hidden costs in their certification price but they demand you purchase only their gear which they over sale you and make you purchase items(such as weights) that you would never use again since all dive operators provide as part of your dive trip. Plus I learned their license as been formally petitioned to be revoked due to unsafe practices that almost caused the death of a young student. read more