Diving near Charlotte?

[breathe_nitrox]

I may be relocating to the Charlotte area, Monroe to be specific, within the next year. I already know that the diving on the coast is fantastic, but what about diving within an hour of Charlotte. Any good lake or quarry diving? I'm mainly interested in getting in allot more training dives, so the lack of wrecks is not an issue. I do own my own dry suit.

 

[herman]

Bluestone quarry is located about 1 1/2- 2 hrs from Charlotte. It's north on I-85 near Lexington and about 20 miles(and minutes) east off of I-85 on US HW-64. Nice quarry with air and warm showers. It also has fresh water jellyfish and a WWII PT boat. Let me know when you get to the area, maybe we can get a group together. Here is a link to the site http://www.bluedolphindive.com/bluestone.htm

 

[jcalexander]

Two of the three PDRA Quarries are fairly near Charlotte. One in Granite Quarry NC near Charlotte and one in Lake Norman. The 3rd is in Blanch NC Near Yanceyville. PDRA's web address is www.NCPDRA.Org

 

[Ryukyu-diver]

Breathe_Nitrox,
Hey look, I was in your same position about a year ago and have had some great dives since coming home. One other place that no one said was Lake Jocassee. Look it up on the web. It has a lot to offer as well as a great get -away place for the family (?) considering it is a state park. The P.D.R.A. requires a yearly fee but the good thing is that you have a key to the quarry so it is open 24 / 7 with things like BBQ pits and such. Bluestone is good but there is an entrance fee of $15.00. In all fairness, the owner has done a lot to support the diver like showers, heads (restrooms), snacks, gear rental, maps etc. another approach is to contact Sharky's dive center in Gastonia. They have been more than helpful to me and now I assist there as a divemaster. Tell them that Tony sent you. http://www.sharkysdive.com/ Feel free to give me a shout or drop me a line when you get here or even before. Well, got to go study for tomorrows Advance NITROX and Decompression class I'm taking.

 

[Lead_carrier]

Actually, you're gonna be within what I consider driving distance of the NC coast. Wilmington is about 2.5 hours or so from Monroe. It isn't a bad drive, especially if you have a buddy sharing the driving. Myrtle Beach, SC is only about 3.5 hours from you too so you should be set for getting in your dives. Give me a shout when you get down. I live outside of Charlotte on the Monroe side.