Underwater Connection

I asked Siri to direct me to a bike shop and this is where it took me. Obviously not a bike shop. Someone needs to reevaluate their tags. Major inconvenience as I was on a bike and spent time walking it with a flat tire.

In order to prepare for a honeymoon trip, my fiancée and I recently finished an Open Water Diver certification at Underwater Connection. UC offered a convenient condensed course that met one Tuesday and one Thursday evening, which was great for us because we had a busy schedule. Even though it was condensed, it was plenty of time to learn the material, and the instructor, Bill, makes sure that everyone knows all that is needed to safely dive. If you are having trouble with a certain skill, he will work with you as long as you need until you get it right. I really can’t say enough good things about our experience with him. He is easy going, funny, and bends over backward to offer whatever it is you need. Basically, he is the antithesis of the soulless, methodical instructors you will most likely find at the other places.
UC is the cheapest certification I found in Columbus. Most importantly, they do NOT make you purchase $ 200 worth of smaller gear (mask, fins, snorkle, etc…) for the classes. They provide everything there for you (and it all fits fine), and a lot of other places don’t. You’ll probably buy some of that stuff after the class anyways, but its just nice to know this place is not out to gouge you. Note, if you wear glasses, I recommend ordering a mask with prescription inserts before the class. For me, it really worked out great. The darn masks can get a bit pricey, but heck, the whole point of scuba diving is to see stuff. Some people just used their contacts, but I wouldn’t want some water in my eye to ruin a dive.
We also did our open water dives with UC at Circleville Twin Quarries in October. Look, it was freaking cold, but if you have at least a little adventure in your heart, you will have a good time. Its your first dive, and its pretty much guaranteed to be exciting. They have lots of interesting things to see down there, and it just gets these skill tests out of the way. The continuity of having Bill do both the pool and open water dives was also a plus.
Keep in mind, UC is a mom and pop dive shop. On its exterior, it lacks the glitz of other local places, like Aquatic Adventures. Don’t let this discourage you from choosing this place. They will treat you great here, and I had a fantastic experience with them. I will recommend them to everyone I know.

I first encountered Underwater Connection a few years ago when taking a scuba diving class at Ohio State and needed to pick up supplies, including a dive log book. A few years later, after going on grand adventures and being certified, it’s time for me to take a refresher course. Dive certifications are good for life, but when you haven’t dove for two years or more, PADI and other diver training organizations, strongly suggest that you take a refresher course. Naturally, I already knew of a good place to check out.
Underwater Connection was started 20 years ago by William Margiotta and his wife and has been going strong since. This year the Margiotta’s not only celebrate two decades, but they have certified over 5,000 divers and have won two PADI Silver Awards for 2000 and 2001. Surprisingly, despite the economy, Mr. Margiotta remarked to me that he was astonished that they seem to be doing just as well. Perhaps, he thinks, it’s because people still want to travel and get away.
Refresher courses are just one of many types of classes that are available at Underwater Connection and are $ 10 for pool time with tanks and weights, $ 20 for pool time with all gear provided, and $ 55 for pool time with instruction. Keep in mind, no matter what, they’re always by the pool with you if you need any help or have any questions. Openwater scuba courses are the beginning level classes and run about $ 249, however they have extended their sale from the holidays and with gift cards it’s about $ 30 less. For those new to scuba diving, don’t let that alarm you as scuba diving in general is expensive because so much goes into it.
The Margiottas also invite people to go on trips, many to places around Ohio, but sometimes to places like Florida. Currently they are planning a trip to Florida over President’s Day weekend to Rainbow River where you’ll explore, do some drift diving and see some manatees. Registration can be done over the phone or by going to the store itself.
Besides classes, Underwater Connection sells all sorts of scuba gear and literature. Literature can be found on the wall to the right of the tikki hut checkout counter and includes magazines for all type of divers. Dive Training is one of the magazines and is for new divers and instructors.