Joe Gaydeski and his staff are absolutely amazing. My scuba journey began as a gift from my wife…read more She knew my passion for diving and as a gift ,she purchased lesson at OWA. In the beginning, she researched local dive shops and talked to a close friend regarding the best place to teach Scuba Lessons. She found OWA to be the best choice for certification. OWA was highly recommended by her friends and she purchased dive lessons as my Christmas present. As I began my lessons in March 2020, I was amazed at the hands-on approach of Joe and his team.They assured myself and the class would be prepared for not only being certified but aware of risks associated with diving. This approach made me more confident in the underwater adventures that lied ahead. As I completed my written exam and set forth for in the open water portion of my certification, my wife was able to attend. She witnessed the compassion and detail of the instructors in completing the necessary open water dive skills. Once I became certified, we both commented on the leadership of Joe and his staff. I feel I not only became certified but, gained friendships in my new world of diving. Joe has 30 years of experience in diving and his staff are also very knowledgeable and are not afraid to ask question if they don't know the answer. Thank you Joe and Staff, Adrian and Jodi Hill

I didn't know what to expect from the folks at Open Water Adventures, to be honest. When you go…read moreinto a dive shop, you can get anywhere from seasoned expert to hobbyist trying to make a quick buck. Open Water Adventures in Charlotte is definitely the former. Joe, who I'm learning now is the owner, gave me his cell number so we could stay in contact about my upcoming trip to the Galapagos Islands--a destination he's visited six times, if memory serves. He wants to put me in touch with his contacts there for tours, lodging, the works. That's the kind of out-of-the-ordinary service I wouldn't have expected but received anyway. Honestly, everyone in the place was outstanding. I made my appointment and paid with Marcela, did paperwork with Meghan, and trained with Anthony (Li'l Momoa) for my diving refresher course. Things were a little harried at first, but I didn't think I'd be able to finish this course in a couple of hours, so I cleared my schedule. As usual, it's a question of expectation vs. delivery. I think the quality of equipment, expertise, and instruction are well worth the time spent making sure ducks were in a row and all was prepared exactly right. Safety comes first--diving is a fun time, but it carries its share of dangers. Learning how to avoid them isn't something I'd prefer rushed. I want to know it all very well before I go giant striding into open water. Diving isn't a cheap pastime. But it's one that will be incredibly rewarding if preparation and equipment are in order. And I feel as though Open Water Adventures knows that and puts it into practice.

Paradise Island Divers is a family run operation. The staff have been consistently kind, patient…read moreand VERY willing to work with clients. I have found them to be extremely honest and considerate. After a decade of personal experience, I think it's pretty easy to judge the character and reputation of a business. Paradise Islands is TOP NOTCH. It's a wonderful facility. Frankly, one would be hard-pressed to find a better equipped, safe and family friendly environment. Diving is PER SE dangerous. After one altitude of pressure, you're always making a calculated risk. That's the joy of being alive. The staff at Paradise Islands seek first to properly educate and train their clients. As an 30+ year diver, I can state without equivocation I literally trust my life with Paradise Islands. I don't worry about tank filling, equipment rental or dive recommendations. I don't worry about CO exhaust or anything that would put my life, and that of my family, in peril. The diving business in Charlotte seems, well, a bit nasty. That truly is unfortunate. I don't know about other companies and I feel certain anyone REALLY in love with underwater adventures would put safety first; but, what I DO know is that I have and will continue to put my life in the hands of Paradise Islands Diving. Because the truth is. . .when you're 100+ feet under, what matters most is what you did for me today. I don't care what you may have done 20 years ago. bill powers lifelong diver, aqua enthusiast and ocean lover

The only thing that bugs me is coming here & seeing the little white handwritten sign that says the…read morereason why they aren't there during their posted hours. Oh yea, & that the don't put a time on it so you know when to come back. That happens a lot. Once your in though, they are all over you with information about the gear, the suppliers, why things are made a certain way - lots of info! They have underwater camera equipment including inexpensive re-loadable 35mm ones. They also have plenty of books, magazines & quick-find reference cards for purchase. They are a dive school, so they have a big pool where they do classes. I will say they are pricey...$$$$ I went here to look at snorkel gear last year but bought everything online for half of what I would have paid here. This time I was just buying some dive gloves so I went ahead & paid $44 for Oceanic warm water gloves, although they were, again, half that online. I do like to support local business, so now I feel better.

Lake Norman Scuba is an amazing dive shop! From top-notch dive equipment, amazing instructors, and…read moregreat staff! When looking into getting certified, work on specialties, or advanced certifications they have you covered.

Nice people and great products. Great shop! Keep up the good work. I now have a go to scuba shop to…read moreenjoy. I will definitely return to show my thanks. Thank you.

I bought a groupon for a diving certification, so Nick was answering any question I had and invited…read moreme to visit him at the shop, I went and he recommends to buy everything from him, the book, googles, snorkel, boots, gloves, mask and fins, he suggested that those are the required articles to begin, and thats great. This happened on October 2013, so far I have been trying to reach him out but is impossible, his cell phone goes to voice mail, and is full, so there is no way to leave a message, text messages not answered, and if you try to visit the store in the working hours its usually closed. Really bad experience and not recommended

This is the best deal and the best training that you could ever receive for scuba diving. Nick the…read moreowner is a stand up guy and has the best prices on his equipment in town or on the internet. The instructors are top of the line and will spend as much time with their students as it takes to make them feel comfortable. You cannot beat the price or experience. Learn to dive with Sunset Dive Shop you will be happy that you did.

I love getting certified and going on the trips with these guys! JT and Doug Kim are two of the…read moregreatest people that I have ever met, and the only people that I trust to teach my wife and kids.

I stopped by the dive shop today to look at a few masks and hopefully find the fit that works best…read morefor me, which I was able to do and actually walk out with my new mask today, along with a few other essentials. JT was specifically the individual that helped me, but all the staff I came in contact with were friendly and helpful, and really put in the time to get to know me and make sure I was getting the right equipment for my needs. I had an incredibly positive experience here, would highly recommend it for any and all your scuba needs, and I anticipate that I will return there for future needs!

The best compliment I could give to Lake Hickory SCUBA is that I am and my father are residents of…read moreMichigan and are willing to drive over ten hours to take classes with Bryan. The teaching style keeps class size limited to maintain high level of safety for the students and ensure that everyone is proficient before moving on. I have been a part of classes at other dive trainings that had 20 students to just one teacher. Lake Hickory is the exact opposite. We will be traveling there for further training in the future. That is the best compliment this dive shop!