OUR HISTORY
Founded 1977 · Connecticut’s Premiere Scuba Center · 47+ Years of Excellence
1977
Year Founded
11,000+
Certifications Issued
3
Connecticut Locations
PADI
5-Star Dive Center
Nearly Five Decades Under the Sea
Scuba Shack was founded in 1977 by Bill Roe to serve Connecticut residents interested in becoming certified scuba divers. Its original location was 1839 Silas Deane Highway in Rocky Hill. There, Bill trained — and later partnered with — Tom Misenti, and together they ran Scuba Shack for almost 21 years. In 1982, Scuba Shack relocated just up the road to 1765 Silas Deane Hwy, where it remained in operation for 36 years.
Ownership & Growth
During its years on Silas Deane, Tom Misenti eventually assumed full ownership of the business in 2000 and managed its operations for the next six years. In 2006, Ed Hayes — one of the dive professionals working under Tom — purchased Scuba Shack and expanded training to include police and fire department dive teams. Scuba Shack became the only full-time facility in New England qualified to certify public safety instructors.
A New Partnership & A New Home
In 2017, Monty Fitzpatrick, Jeff Cinciripino, along with his wife Donna and son Matt, formed a partnership and purchased Scuba Shack from Ed Hayes — the same year Scuba Shack celebrated its 40th year in business. In 2018, Scuba Shack relocated once again to its current home in Newington at 3318C Berlin Turnpike. With expanded facilities and more space, Scuba Shack furthered its mission of diving instruction and community engagement while maintaining its commitment to the highest quality of PADI instruction.
The Current Chapter
In 2024, longtime instructors and supporters Bill Mitlehner, Mike Manzi, and Nancy Klatt partnered with Monty to assume ownership of Scuba Shack and navigate it into an exciting future. That same year, Scuba Shack celebrated its 11,000th certification issued and its 47th year in business — staying committed to its core mission and loyal to the divers of all backgrounds it has trained over the decades.
A Timeline of Milestones
From a single storefront in Rocky Hill to Connecticut’s premiere dive center.
1977 — Founded
Bill Roe opens Scuba Shack at 1839 Silas Deane Highway, Rocky Hill, CT — training Connecticut’s first generation of certified divers.
1982 — First Relocation
Scuba Shack moves to 1765 Silas Deane Hwy — a location it would call home for the next 36 years.
2006 — Public Safety
Under Ed Hayes, Scuba Shack becomes the only full-time New England facility qualified to certify public safety dive instructors.
2017 — 40th Anniversary
Monty Fitzpatrick and Jeff and Donna Cinciripino create a new partnership, purchasing Scuba Shack in its 40th year — renewing its commitment to Connecticut diving.
2018 — Rocky Hill
Scuba Shack moves across town in Rocky Hill to the Shunpike Business Center, with expanded facilities and a dedicated service department.
2024 — 47th Year & 11,000th Cert
The current four-owner partnership is formed and acquires Scuba Shack, moving it to 3318C Berlin Tpke, Newington. Scuba Shack celebrates 47 years and its 11,000th certification issued — looking ahead to the next chapter.
Meet the Team
The people behind nearly five decades of Connecticut diving. Meet the owners, instructors, and staff who keep Scuba Shack great.
Our Facility
Tour our Newington location — retail floor, training classroom, service department, and air fill station, all under one roof.
Be Part of the Next Chapter
Connecticut’s dive community has been growing with us since 1977. Join in.