Alpha Divers offering scuba lessons at community center
Clinton Community Center may not be the first place that comes to mind when it comes to learning scuba diving, but lessons are available there.
Alpha Divers, a Knoxville-based company, leads diving events on the first Sunday of the month at the Clinton Community Center at 101 South Hicks St. The next one will be Jan. 5.
Nic Peterson, manager of Alpha Divers, said participants can try out scuba diving, get time in the pool to test new gear, and work on their scuba skills with a trained dive professional.
The programs have different fees, and for some of them, rental equipment is a separate cost.
“Clinton Community Center has welcomed us with open arms and really worked with our schedule so we can offer the best scuba training around,” he said.
He said it was difficult to find a facility with which his company could work closely, and that had the proper facility for practice.
But the Clinton Community Center works perfectly, he said.
Peterson said people come in with different experience levels, “anywhere from ‘never tried it before’ to ‘I’m getting ready for a trip to Egypt and I want to brush up on some skills so I’m prepared.’”
He also said public-safety dive teams can practice their skills as well.
Peterson said the skills people learn at the community center will get them ready to dive in the ocean, in Knoxville quarries, at Florida springs, which he described as “crystal clear,” and even with the whale shark at the Georgia Aquarium, for which his company has planned a trip.
When asked what drives him and others to pursue the hobby, Peterson listed many reasons.
“Adventure, the unknown, therapy, exploration, ‘quiet time.’ “ he said.
“Scuba diving is a way to bond, let go, submerse, ascend – I could go on and on,” he said. “The amazing part is getting to know what drives one to scuba. I’ve never had two stories be the same.”
Programs run from $40 at most levels to $549 for open-water certification.
For more information or to sign up. call 865- 951-0691 or email info@AlphaDivers.com.
