Corporate Retail out to kill local shops!

[Goldie_n_jake]

I'm all for supporting the local dive shops.  One good point made is it may attract more people to SCUBA.  What we as enthusiasts need to do is encourage the casual divers to explore the diving opportunities close to home. 

As for the issue of competition.....  Cold water diving is a more than just a casual sport.  The quality of instruction and equipment is a matter of health.  I'm concerned that Bob from camping supplies might give advice on a regulator that has a greater chance of free flowing in cold water.  As someone who recently had to deal with an "ebay good buy" problem I can tell you diving is a h**l of a lot more than price.  A freeflow at 70' on a deco bottle after a 250' dive is when you realize the extra $100 at a local shop is well worth it.