Scuba Shack’s History
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 would relocate just up the road to 1765 Silas Deane Hwy, where it remained in operation for 36 years. During that time, Tom Misenti would eventually assume full ownership of the business (in 2000) and manage its operations for the next six years. In 2006, Ed Hayes – one of the dive professionals working under Tom – would purchase Scuba Shack from Tom and expand training to include police and fire department dive teams. Scuba Shack would become the only full time facility in New England qualified to certify public safety instructors.
In 2017, Monty Fitzpatrick, Jeff Cinciripino, along with his wife, Donna, and son, Matt, would form a partnership and purchased Scuba Shack from Ed Hayes. Scuba Shack would celebrate its 40th year of business that year.
In 2018, Scuba Shack would relocate once again to its current home in Rocky Hill at 1275 Cromwell Ave (Unit A-6). With expanded facilities and more space, Scuba Shack would further its efforts to expand diving instruction and dive community engagement while maintaining its commitment to the highest quality of SCUBA instruction. Scuba Shack would also, like all other businesses, endure the challenges imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2024, Bill Mitlehner, Mike Manzi, and Nancy Klatt – all longtime instructors and supporters of the store - would partner with Monty to assume ownership of Scuba Shack and work to navigate Scuba Shack into an exciting future. Scuba Shack would celebrate it’s 11,000th certification issued and its 47th year in business, while staying committed to its core mission and loyal to the divers of all backgrounds that it has trained over the years.
