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DiveCaptDean · 05-24-2004, 07:16 AM,

Hey Gang,
I have friends in Forrest Lake that want to take up diving. Not knowing the twin cities and surrounding areas (including as far North as Forrest Lake), maybe I could get some advice on what shop they may want to try. I am looking for a good shop..with good selection...and good instructors. a 5 star type facility would be best, but i will trust the concencus of suggestions. They dont mind traveling a little, but keeping it close would be nice.
Thanks
Deano

igotoofar · 05-24-2004, 08:34 AM,

I suspect you will get many suggestions on this one. I can only say I have been VERY happy with GUDC in Maple Grove/Osseo.

shamre · 05-24-2004, 08:34 AM,

Smith diving is a great shop! Going under dive center is also a fantastic shop, but caters more to technical level diving.

LKunze · 05-24-2004, 08:34 AM,

They might want to check out Air Down There Scuba in Little Canada off I-35E on Little Canada Road. I believe they are one of the closest PADI shops to Forest Lake (20 miles) and they carry a pretty decent selection of gear. Scott and Tracy Wemyss are great people to work with.

rudolph_medic · 05-24-2004, 09:02 AM,

I second the Air Down There suggestion. I took an advanced open water course there and they are GREAT instructors! I do believe it would be the closest shop, with Smith Diving being the next closest.

MNLakeDiver · 05-24-2004, 04:29 PM,

Air down there is a easy shot from Forrest lake and the staff has been helpful at fun dives(altho I have not trained with them)

tcjtn0 · 05-24-2004, 04:36 PM,

Ditto!!! Great shop , great people too. And just straight down 35E.

Jean Smile

Mark Y · 05-24-2004, 04:45 PM,

It is true that 'Going Under Dive Center' has everything to offer for the 'technical diver' but that doesn't mean that is all they offer. They offer great training at all levels - from SASSY to Advance Trimix. I've seen the staff work with my 11 year old brother and was very happy with the out come.

DiveCaptDave - it would make sense for your friends to check out 'Air Down There' as it is probably the closest dive shop to them and from what I've heard is a good shop. But encourage them to check a few others out as well. I have several dive shops that are closer to my house, but I choose to go a little out of my way to get what I consider superior service. And from what I've seen with beginning divers, the instructors play a big part in whether or not a diver becomes hooked on the sport.

Anyway, get them diving!

MNLakeDiver · 05-24-2004, 06:04 PM,

I also use Going Under I recomended Ait down there du to location. I would never just go off recomandations. You need to talk to the instructors when its all said and done the instructor needs to be somone you are comfortable with

DiveCaptDean · 05-24-2004, 06:30 PM,

Hey All,
Thanks for the input. You should all be able to guess where i will send them. I have given them the "you need to find an instructor that you llike" schtick. I too find this to be the most important factor. They want to get certified for their trip to Hawaii. I pushed the need to get certified for all diving, so that they will be able to use it for Hawaii. Basically, i told them to do their open water checkout dives locally.
Happy diving to all
Deano