Where do I keep getting the new toys?

October 24th, 2005

Update 7-8-09

I no longer shop at Underwater Sports, please see why on this page.

Archived Article

As a result of starting a company called Newsvine in the past year, my travel wings have been effectively clipped for the time being. As a result, I wanted to shift my scuba activites elsewhere. That’s when I starting making it a priority to search out and test as much new equipment as possible. But researching and testing gear takes a lot more than just surfing around online and buying blindly. I’ve always loved my LDS (Local Dive Shop), but it wasn’t until relatively recently that I began buying equipment in rapid succession, and realized just how valuable it is to have knowledgeable people around to help me make decisions and to offer support on the equipment I buy. Recently, I made a commitment to stick with my one and favorite shop for all my equipment needs, Underwater Sports in Bellevue.

Though nearly all the gear you’ll read about on my site is from UWS, I have no affiliation with them other than being an enthusiastic customer. I do not in any way, shape or form benefit from any purchases made through UWS other than being happy that other divers are enjoying their gear as a result of having come across my site. Sure, the guys who work there are my pals and we go diving from time to time, but I have absolutely no problem knocking a product I bought from them, and neither do they since they can always provide an alternative (albeit sometimes with a sarchastic jibe about how overly-critical I am about my gear).

They’re one of the nation’s largest retailers of scuba equipment, and the largest factory certified repair facility in the country. UWS has virtually every scuba related item to choose from which is another reason I picked them to consolidate all my purchases. I’ve been getting amazing prices on gear from them, being as it is that they have huge buying power with eight retail locations in Washington State, primarily in the Seattle Metro area.

Well you may be wondering why I’ve dedicated a whole entry to this topic. I realized the other day that I’ve been blogging about all these products and telling people whether they’re worthwhile or not, yet providing virtually no information on where to buy those products. Also, not many people realize that most e-tailers sell the same products found at a LDS, but that many of those products bought online don’t come with a manufacturer’s warranty. UWS carries every major brand of scuba gear and all products come with the original manufacturer’s warranty. One of my good buddies, Doug, is the manager of the Bellevue location. I like shopping with him because he takes the time to get everything right and has always taken care of me when I needed additional help or service. He’s given me permission to direct readers of my blog to his shop. So, if you’re looking for any gear and want a reputable bricks-and-mortar shop to stand behind your purchase, give Doug a call and mention that you found him through this site.

Contact Info:

Doug Graham – Manager
Bellevue Underwater Sports
12003 Northeast 12th
Bellevue, Washington 98005
Phone: 425-454-5168
email

UWS carries all the following major brands plus more I’ve yet to come across:

Entry Filed under: SCUBA