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Lsdeep |
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Post subject: New Dive operation in Cayman Brac
 Posted: May 07, 2007 - 11:40 AM
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A new Scuba Diving business was launched on Cayman Brac and is now open for divers staying on the Island, filling a gap left by Dive Tiara, the dive operation run by the now closed Divi Tiara Beach Resort.
Indepth Watersports is owned and operated by Craig Burhart, who first came to the Brac to work as a dive instructor in 1997, and has spent most of the past decade on the Island. He was working for Divi Tiara when the Divi resort closed down in September.
I had job options all round the world, and came close to taking a job in Hawaii, but I love the Brac and believe there is a need for this business here,? he said.
Mr Burhart is in the process of negotiating with Divi Corporation for use of some of the facilities at the resort, including the dock and compressor. Options to dive the guests staying in Divi?s timeshares are also part of the negotiations.
The owners of Cayman Breakers Condominiums and Waltons Mango Manor Bed and Breakfast have shown interest in working with Indepth Watersports, and Mr Burhart has also talked to most of the owners of the guest cottages on the Island, he said.
I'm getting tremendous support from people on the Brac. A lot of people are coming up to me and encouraging me,? he said.
Mr Burhart already had plans to start his own dive operation, but not for a few years. Divi's sudden closure has brought these plans forward.
He is already establishing a customer base from Divi guests that he has dove with over the years. He said some that he has contacted are very excited and looking forward to diving the Brac again.
In addition to personal networking, at the Diving Equipment and Marketing Association (DEMA) Show this year, he booked four groups and has booked another four since then.
While Mr Burhart said he is not looking to take out fishing only parties, the boat is equipped with full rigging for deep-sea fishing, and dive groups have the option of slowing the pace on the return journey to put this to good use.
The boat, Déjà vu, is a thirty-seven foot Topaz sport fisher, and Mr Burhart claimed it is a fast, smooth ride even in rougher seas, and will carry no more than ten divers.
A dive boat with a difference, the vessel is equipped with a hot water shower on deck, a toilet with private shower, and a full galley (kitchen). The cabin has air-conditioning for really hot days and heat for the chilly winter ones.
The boat's state-of-the-art electronics include 45-mile radar, color GPS chart plotter, depth sounder and all required US Coast Guard safety equipment. It also has comfortable seating on all levels with plenty of bow room.
Mr Burhart said he will be installing a compressor system on the boat, complete with Nitrox, early in 2007. For dive photographers, there will be a fresh water camera bath with a staff that knows how to handle their gear.
As an added attraction for divers who have been visiting the Island for many years, Indepth Watersports will take them to new and unknown dive sites, said Mr Burhart.
"We drift dive the incredible walls of Cayman Brac and spots on Little Cayman that only we know about" he claimed.
Following the tradition of Brac dive operations, divers with Indepth Watersports have as an option the luxury of bringing their gear to the dock and not touch it again for the rest of their dive vacation.
At no extra charge, Indepth dive staff will set up divers gear every day and rinse it at the end of their day's diving.
Also offered is "valet diving service". Divers sit down at the back of the boat and staff will bring their gear to them, help them into their gear and into the water. When divers return to the boat, staff will take their gear off and put it on a fresh tank for the next dive.
Flexible dive trips can include picnic lunches on the beach and time to explore the east end of Little Cayman, as well as fishing on the way home.
Courses offered by Indepth Watersports include Advanced diver, Night diver, Nitrox diver, Wreck diver, Photography, Deep diver, and Dive Master.
You can visit Indepth Watersports online at: www.indepthwatersports.com |
_________________
Idealism is what precedes experience - cynicism is what follows.
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