Dive master Tony Vanore said what he likes most about teaching at Dive N’ Surf is that it’s “an old fashion hometown dive shop.” Vanore has been a dive instructor since 1989, and has taught at the YMCA, Club Med and a large chain sports shop. Dive N’ Surf, he pointed out, is the only place that brings a 60 year-old tradition together with a 21st century approach to his rapidly evolving sport. The SCUBA certification program has largely replaced classroom instruction with on-line instruction. But the key to becoming a better diver is time in the water, Vanore said. So Dive N’ Surf’s certification program still includes two weekends at Dive N’ Surf’s pool, and weekend dives off of Veteran’s park, and in Catalina.
When Dive N’ Surf’s current remodel is complete, a new dive rental and repair station will open across the street from the current store with three new compressors, including one of Southern California’s few nitrox compressors for more experienced divers. The training pool complex is also being redone.
With Dive N’ Surf annual yard sale underway, and the need to empty the store to finish complete the remodel, now’s the time to buy new gear, Vanore said. — KC
Dive N’ Surf 504 N. Broadway, Redondo Beach (310) 372-8423. DiveNSurf.com
Runner-up: Sea d Sea, 1911 S. Catalina Ave., Redondo Beach. (310) 373-6355. SeaDSea.com.
