New Owners for Scuba Shack
Online Mar 06, 2017
Longtime Scuba Shack owner Ed Hayes has moved on to open a new adventure park called Carolina Adventure World located in Winnsboro, South Carolina.
Ed will continue as Scuba Shack's Global Underwater Explorers (GUE) instructor and Public Safety Division consultant. Ed, Gina and Bella will be missed and we wish them all the best of luck in this new venture!
The good news is, like in the past, Scuba Shack ownership has stayed in the Scuba Shack family. If you spend time at the shop then you already know partners Jeff Cinciripino, Donna Cinciripino, Matt Cinciripino and Monty Fitzpatrick who are proud to take over the stewardship and legacy of one of the oldest dive operations in the Northeast. Forty years of continuous operation. Great customer service and unequaled training will continue to be Scuba Shack's motto.
Jeff Cinciripino has been an instructor at Scuba Shack since 2006 and often lends an extra set of hands during Open Water weekends. Jeff will be involved with the recreational side of Scuba Shack and also taking care of all things financial.
Donna Cinciripino has been a Divemaster with Scuba Shack since 2006, working several classes and Open Water Weekends each and every year. Donna will be in the shop to help you select the classes, gear, and travel you need for a great dive experience.
Matt Cinciripino, a diver since 2004 and a Divemaster since 2016, has been a familiar face around Scuba Shack for the last two years and is most often "the guy on the other end of the phone." Matt knows all the ins and outs of Scuba Shack, all the best items and where to get them. Matt can take care of your continuing education, special orders and will join Scott running the Service Department.
Monty Fitzpatrick has been affiliated with Scuba Shack in several capacities since 1994, and is Scuba Shack's resident PADI Course Director and Public Safety Instructor Trainer. With many years of commercial and public safety diving experience, Monty has most recently been active evaluating and expanding the training offered to police and fire departments through the Scuba Shack Public Safety Division. In his capacity as a PADI Course Director, Monty is also responsible for training the instructors who teach scuba and the many new and expanding specialty courses available through Scuba Shack.
Not new, is Scott Reis, whose knowledge has been invaluable to the new ownership group as they continue to "get their feet wet" learning the retail end of scuba. Scott will be with Scuba Shack for a couple more months before taking the ultimate plunge - marrying his fiancé Julia in May. If you are in the area stop in anytime to say hello and meet the new owners. Look for more information about our upcoming Open House and 40-year Anniversary celebration in the next newsletter.
A note from Ed Hayes...
A bit more than 10 years ago, I started quite an adventure. I was a passionate scuba instructor running the training division of Scuba Shack, looking for another new challenge. That year I purchased Scuba Shack from Tom and Alicia Misenti, and committed myself to ensure Scuba Shack would be the most recognized and respected dive center in Southern New England.
The entire crew at Scuba Shack has ensured we've been able to provide fantastic experiences, top-notch equipment and the best scuba education opportunities to recreational and public safety divers in the area.
Scuba Shack has always been a family-run operation, and I'm thrilled part of our current family have taken the reigns. Monty Fitzpatrick, along with Jeff, Donna and Matt Cinciripino are the proud new owners of this great dive center, soon celebrating its 40th anniversary.
My next project and adventure takes me to Carolina Adventure World in South Carolina. I've partnered with other owners to bring new activities to this fantastic adventure park. I'll also continue to teach as a GUE instructor, consult with Scuba Shack, and explore the other 71 percent of the planet precious few get to experience.
A grateful "thank you" to all of my loyal students and customers for their trust. I look forward to seeing you all in the water, or at the more than 100 miles of trails and adventure we have for you to check out here in South Carolina.
- Ed Hayes
