Dive Shop Reviews...Royal Scuba and Oak Hill Scuba

Oak Hill Scuba - To review this shop I must go way back, back to a time I was not a scuba diver. I for almost 2 years would call dive shops to inquire about getting certified, however I was so scared of such sport that somehow I always let them talk me out of signing up. Then one day Nathan says "If you arent going to get certified Im just going to sell my gear". Oh great a guilt trip. So I hatched a plan and called 2 places (not named since I did not take them up on the class) and on the third (oak hill) Nik P answered... I started the convo the same way as always and he said, "well come in and we can talk about that"...Im a sales woman , I know this aspect of getting a sale so I continued to talk, and next thing I know I am paying for the class over the phone ...Anyone knows a man with an accent is better at selling then a non-accent man. So the next day I head to the shop to pick out the snorkel gear I will need to complete the class. While talking about what to look for in gear I meet Melissa (who has turned out to be my favorite dive buddy of all time) and get an intro to gear for chicks. Within 3 hours I have all my gear and being a student I get an amazing price and the Nik although very hyper is probably the best salesman Ive ever dealt with (thank goodness he wasnt selling cars) . The instructors were great, I had Nick (PADI) and his babysitter was ChrisPete (NAUI) and I must admit had it not been for the combination of those two Id have never been comfortable enough to get through my check out dives. Nick is accurate, funny, and full of experience. I enjoyed learning from someone who could "handle" my smartass ways. Then within a few weeks I realized that I ate and breathe scuba and needed to put my gear on rent to own but once again Nik the salesman and me the live in the moment person ended up buying it all out right. Granted that helped me get a better deal and Mac even threw in the air , wetsuit and weight rental for the day as a little bonus. Now my daughter is in ChrisPetes class and I see and know that she is being completely taking care of and safe. Ive only visited 3 dive shops but this one and the one I review next have the feel of home, they make you comfortable with your purchases and thats important...

Royal Scuba ... within a few miles to me is this new little great shop called Royal Scuba. So far Ive been there three times. Each and everytime I have spent more time then needed due to the staff. The staff is ready willing and able to bend over backwards to get you the best price while also sharing thier experiences in the sport in relation to where I am at and where I am heading. With them being so close getting tanks from them is the easiest for me, not only is the air coming in at 3100 psi but every time I come out with more knowledge in this sport. Yesterday I went in just to get a tank and try on some fins (on a side note I cant seem to find fins, the ones I wanted dont fit, and the ones I can settle for are to expensive, Im mad at the makers of Jets, I cant fit into the mediums) I notice they have short top booties and they are 20 bucks so I call Leia in from the car to try some on. Next thing I know I have all her snorkel gear. I saved almost 100 bucks , and she got exactly what she wanted. Nico didnt just push the pricey stuff, as a matter a fact some things were the cheapest ones yet they were better for Leias needs. I was ubber impressed with the experience and Leia is now sporting fins, booties, a mask and snorkel which is something I didnt think would be affordable for another month.

Either way anyone would be happy visiting either of these shops, hell visit them both and let me know how much Im the shit for referring them to you...