What dive shop to rent from?
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USFpsychDiver
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I tend to be a loyal customer when a shop or company treats me well and take my business elsewhere when they don't -- I don't complain, I vote with my feet (and wallet). I started with CCDS because that's what my instructor used -- its ownership has changed but the service level has stayed good so I keep going back. That said, I once had a burst disk blow during a fill there and CCDS didn't have a replacement in stock that fit my reg. I went over to EE and they actually disassembled one of their new, in-stock, regs to remove the burst disk and replace my blown one. Service above and beyond for someone who wasn't even a regular customer. I'd have no hesitation using them.
I used Dive Outpost instead of Cave Excursions (back when there was a Cave Excursions) again because it's what my instructor used. I was a Cathy customer rather than a Bill customer, again just because of who did my training. I always felt welcome at DO and appreciated the camaraderie at the shop -- I could show up without a buddy and look hopeful and would always find someone to dive with. Only went to Thanksgiving there once, but it was a memorable time. I had every intention of staying with the shop after it changed hands, and was very hopeful when the new owners put in resources to upgrading the place. Clearly some people like the new DO and feel comfortable there but I'm not one of them. I'll still go in for a fill if I have to, but avoid the place -- no longer feels welcoming to me.
Always like Amigos and I'd go there a lot more if it was a little more conveniently located. Not sure what it's like now, but I liked the feel of the place -- more like someone running a service out of his backyard shed for love of the sport and putting out an honor box to cover expenses than someone trying to run a business to make the big bucks. I'd use it more now to avoid having to fill at DO, depending on where I'm staying and diving.
I used Dive Outpost instead of Cave Excursions (back when there was a Cave Excursions) again because it's what my instructor used. I was a Cathy customer rather than a Bill customer, again just because of who did my training. I always felt welcome at DO and appreciated the camaraderie at the shop -- I could show up without a buddy and look hopeful and would always find someone to dive with. Only went to Thanksgiving there once, but it was a memorable time. I had every intention of staying with the shop after it changed hands, and was very hopeful when the new owners put in resources to upgrading the place. Clearly some people like the new DO and feel comfortable there but I'm not one of them. I'll still go in for a fill if I have to, but avoid the place -- no longer feels welcoming to me.
Always like Amigos and I'd go there a lot more if it was a little more conveniently located. Not sure what it's like now, but I liked the feel of the place -- more like someone running a service out of his backyard shed for love of the sport and putting out an honor box to cover expenses than someone trying to run a business to make the big bucks. I'd use it more now to avoid having to fill at DO, depending on where I'm staying and diving.
I have used all the shops in the area and they all have their pros and cons
I started out going to EE back when they only had the small part of the building they are in as this was early on with GUE and the players then where very welcoming and at some point it changed and I stopped going, But recently I have been happlie surprised on how it has changed and more back to the early feel and have been using them again.
Dive Excursions was the second shop I was introduced to me by my GUE instructor. We always had to walk away from the car before they started the gas fill if you happened to go there during this time you know why. Now Big Guy Scuba has opened up on the same property and I will be trying them soon(when peacock clears up).
I have also spent plenty of time at Dive Outpost when Kath owned it. I don't go there now for my own personal reasons but you should try them out and make your own decision.
Have always had a great experience @ Cave Country Dive shop and hit them up almost every dive trip But they are not open 24/7
And last and not least Amigos. As Wayne is a good friend I have been getting gas fills there for quite a while and love the fact I can fill my own tanks 24/7.
As an instructor I try and take my students to as many shops I can so they can make their own connections to the shops and not just one because each one is unique and we need to support our community.
I started out going to EE back when they only had the small part of the building they are in as this was early on with GUE and the players then where very welcoming and at some point it changed and I stopped going, But recently I have been happlie surprised on how it has changed and more back to the early feel and have been using them again.
Dive Excursions was the second shop I was introduced to me by my GUE instructor. We always had to walk away from the car before they started the gas fill if you happened to go there during this time you know why. Now Big Guy Scuba has opened up on the same property and I will be trying them soon(when peacock clears up).
I have also spent plenty of time at Dive Outpost when Kath owned it. I don't go there now for my own personal reasons but you should try them out and make your own decision.
Have always had a great experience @ Cave Country Dive shop and hit them up almost every dive trip But they are not open 24/7
And last and not least Amigos. As Wayne is a good friend I have been getting gas fills there for quite a while and love the fact I can fill my own tanks 24/7.
As an instructor I try and take my students to as many shops I can so they can make their own connections to the shops and not just one because each one is unique and we need to support our community.
Yup, I have seen owner reward the dog for snapping at customers. That's just not cool. They may want a good guard dog, but training it that everyone is a problem, and the owners enjoying and encouraging the dog to snap at everyone says an awful lot about character IMHO.
To be clear, they have always been polite to me, I don't dislike them but don't feel like it would be responsible for me to bring students there any longer in case one gets bitten (as i know it's a problem). Just overall not comfortable there.
We had that problem at our B&B, we adopted a family and suddenly every stray within a mile was congregating in our yard and were demanding food from everyone including the guests.
A big plus for EE IMHO. Love 'em kitties. EE also has a dog and she's a sweet pupper.
Yes. There have been 3 I believe that I know of. None serious. 2 weren’t reported to the owner as the people didn’t think that would go well and they were nips. 1 reported to the owner (and it didn’t go well from what I was told). I will add that 1 I know the person very well and another person I know was there and corroborated. The other two I don’t have direct evidence from.
As we can see, those of us that are regulars to cave country are telling similar stories. Makes it hard to believe it’s all made up as friends if the owners have tried to suggest
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