From Dive Shop Skeptic to Dive Family Founder
Brent Clevenger Feb 03, 2025
More Than a Dive Shop – A Community Built on Passion
When I first started scuba diving, my relationship with dive shops was… complicated. I loved the freedom of diving, the adventure, and the exploration beneath the surface. But the dive shops? I visited them everywhere—from New York to Michigan, Mexico to Fiji—but I rarely bought anything or joined their trips. Too often, they felt transactional, more focused on selling gear than building genuine relationships with divers.
That experience drove me to create something different with Sink or Swim Scuba. I didn’t want to replicate the impersonal feel of other shops. Instead, I wanted to build a true scuba diving community—a place where divers feel valued, supported, and connected. This shop isn’t just about me; it’s about serving the needs of the diving community.
Building a Community, Not Just a Business
At Sink or Swim Scuba, we’ve consciously broken down the barriers between business and customer. You’re not just another diver here—you’re part of a growing, welcoming dive family.
It’s been incredible to witness the transformations. Strangers walk in and leave as friends. Hesitant new divers find a supportive environment where they can grow their confidence. We celebrate each other’s milestones, navigate challenges together, and form friendships that extend far beyond the water.
For many, Sink or Swim Scuba is more than a dive shop—it’s a social hub, a second family. We’ve been there for our divers through life’s ups and downs, watching as they form incredible friendships and lifelong bonds.
A Business Built on Genuine Relationships
The most rewarding aspect of Sink or Swim Scuba is the deep relationships that have blossomed here. My best friend, who was also my best man, is someone I met through the shop. Our staff and instructors? They all started as customers. These connections go beyond business—they’re built on trust and shared passion.
One of the most powerful moments for me was when a customer listed me as his emergency contact on a trip form. At first, I was surprised—a dive shop owner isn’t the usual choice for something so personal. But his explanation was simple and profound: he told me he listed me as his emergency contact everywhere. It wasn’t just a formality—it was a testament to the trust and connection we had built.
Ironically, I met my own emergency contact, my best friend, at Sink or Swim Scuba. This shop didn’t just change my dive career—it changed my life. It gave me a support system that’s there when I need it most, and I strive to create that same support for every diver who walks through our doors.
More Than Just a Dive Shop – We’re Family
These moments remind me why I created Sink or Swim Scuba. We’re more than just divers sharing a hobby—we’re a family. It’s about trust, support, and being there for each other when it truly matters. That’s what makes Sink or Swim Scuba special: the connections that last a lifetime.
When you walk into Sink or Swim Scuba, you’re not just entering a dive shop. You’re stepping into a place where people know your name, care about your diving journey, and want to see you succeed. Whether you’re a new diver or a seasoned pro, you belong here.
Join the Sink or Swim Scuba Community
If you’re looking for more than just scuba gear or a certification—if you’re looking for a genuine dive community—come see what Sink or Swim Scuba is all about. Here, we’re more than divers—we’re family.
Want to experience it for yourself? Stop by the shop, join us on a dive trip, or simply hang out and talk diving. We’d love to welcome you into the Sink or Swim Scuba family.
