Blog

Greg Smith:

My family and I were looking for a dive shop that cared about the diver and not just the moment of the sale or training. We started the diving experience with Columbia Scuba about 18 months ago, since then we have used them for training, certifications and equipment purchases and could not ask for a better experience. We have had great experiences with every instructor in this process. Great group that CARES and is passionate about the diving experience.

 

Allison Steele:

I have just recently finished my Nitrox and Advanced Open Water with Columbia Scuba and have only had great experiences!

First of all, anytime I have visited the shop everyone has been extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and willing to take the time to answer all my questions (and I have had a lot since I am still a new diver.)

Secondly, I was very satisfied with all of my training. I received my Open Water certification from another location, and now finding out how much more in depth PADI is I wish I would have gone through Open Water with Columbia Scuba.

Lawrence was fantastic with the Nitrox class, really showing concern that everyone had the proper understanding of what he was teaching us. Jeremy was wonderful during the Advanced certification and was willing to spend whatever time was needed to answer all my questions and made sure I fully understood and was comfortable performing everything. He also took the time to go over things with me that I felt were lacking from the Open Water training I received elsewhere.

 

Jason Gibson:

My two boys age 13 & 14 were certified in Open Water through Columbia Scuba this past two weeks. Jeremy & Michelle were awesome and it is a great and exciting adventure I am looking forward to experiencing with my boys. Highly recommend Columbia Scuba for all your diving needs.

 

Chad Patterson:

I originally received my Open Water certification in 2008 with Columbia Scuba. What an excellent experience! Now in 2023, I needed to do my Re-Activate. Charlie was my instructor and man was he AMAZING!! I felt very comfortable and getting reacquainted was easy. They definitely are perfect for all of your scuba needs!! See ya in the water!!

 

David Donald:

If I could rate 10 stars, I would!  When I signed up my high-school aged daughter for Open Water Diver certification, I chose Columbia Scuba because it is a PADI certification center. I've found PADI certification is much more recognizable in my diving experiences compared to the certification I have.

What I didn't know upfront, though, was the amazing training experience she would have there!
EVERYONE at Columbia Scuba is friendly, positive, knowledgeable, and supportive (my daughters words!). While everyone is different, the instructors adapted as appropriate to give each student the best individualized training possible. Training is generally in small groups, but you'll feel like the instructors are working just with you. If you do what's required, not only will you get certified, you'll go diving in the future confident in your skills!They're truly invested in your success getting trained and in making your future diving experiences all they can be!

 

Sarah Carlsson:

My daughter (13) and I just completed our confined water portion of Rescue Diver and I wanted to leave a review. Ever since our first Open Water course with Columbia Scuba in May (when they fit us into a class last minute so we could be certified before traveling abroad), we have had a fantastic experience with Columbia Scuba.

So far on our journey, we have completed the PADI Open Water, Advanced Open Water, Peak Performance Speciality, and Emergency First Response and O2 Provider Speciality. Every class that we have had has been taught with an amazing combination of compassion and concern for safety and skill development.

Every instructor that we have worked with has gone above and beyond to work with our unique challenges and concerns. We have also very much appreciated an honest and open dialogue on gear needs, as we have never been oversold or pushed to buy anything. Especially now that we have more dives under our belt and have been out with other shops and charters, we really appreciate what an amazing resource that we have here in Columbia with our local dive shop. They inspire trust and confidence in them as a dive educator and help motivate us to keep learning and diving.

I also want to say how much I appreciate the resource of the dive club, led by one of CS's divemasters. It is a great resource to help us keep diving, and I have found it very open and inclusive of all levels of divers, as well as providing the luxury of practicing with an experienced professional. We look forward to continuing our training and diving with Columbia Scuba!

 

Jeff Kirby:

Lawrence and staff were great to work with. Flexible, fun and knowledgeable. Jeremy was an awesome instructor and coach. Keep up the good work. Basic complete and I plan on going back for advanced.