Inland diving near Durham-Raleigh, NC

[Piscean]

I may be moving to the Research Triangle Park for work and one important factor in my choice are the diving opportunities near by. Of course there is the ocean but if I don't want to dive that far, what is there locally? I see lots of lakes on the map, but not many dive shops. Anyone got any info?

[herman]

There are 3 larger dive shops in Raleigh, 1 smaller one and 1 in Durham. At least 4 of them have active clubs so meeting new dive Buddies is fairly easy. As for close by diving, there are 3 quarries "close". Fantasy Lake is about 45 min north of Raleigh vis 5 to 20 ft but getting better I hear, Blue Stone is about 1 1/2 hr west of Raleigh near Ashboro, vis in the 20 to 30 ft range and Lake Rawlings is about 2 hr north in southern VA, about 39 miles north of the VA/NC border off I-85, vis 40+ if you get there before the classes. The coast is anywhere from 2 1/2 to 5 hr drive depending where you go. Here are some web addresses for you www.lakerawlings.com www.gypsydivers.com www.downunderscuba.com http://www.bluedolphindive.com/bluestone.htm http://www.bills-scuba.com/ Drop me a PM if/when you get in the area.