Wateree Dive Center

South Carolina's oldest inland dive shop, Wateree Dive Center has spent over 45 years connecting Midlands divers with the underwater world — from their first pool lesson to bucket-list travel adventures.

Founded in 1977 in Camden, South Carolina, Wateree Dive Center is the state's oldest inland dive shop, now located in Columbia near I-26, I-20, and Lake Murray. The business began as a partnership between Larry Ogburn and Bondy Long; by the mid-1980s Larry and his wife Serena became sole owners, and the shop remains a family operation today, managed by Serena and son Andy. Their retail showroom carries gear from brands including Scubapro, Aqua Lung, Akona, Henderson, Apeks, and XS Scuba, and an on-site air and Nitrox fill station supports the local diving community. Training is a centerpiece of the operation, with courses ranging from absolute beginner through instructor level, including technical diving programs and Medic First Aid classes. The center is affiliated with SSI, SDI/TDI, IANTD, and PADI, and uses SSI's digital training system so students can complete theory work online before pool and open-water sessions. Daily and weekly equipment rentals, along with a full equipment service and repair department, round out their offerings. Beyond local training and retail, Wateree Dive Center organizes dive travel adventures for both groups and individuals, planning vacations to destinations around the world. Divers who haven't been in the water for a while can also take advantage of a Scuba Skills Review to get comfortable and current before heading out again.

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