Barrie Scuba House (formerly Tim’s Diving Supplies) has been serving the Barrie and surrounding communities for over 20 years. We’ve since completely renovated and updated the store, expanding our range of PADI certified training programs and scuba brands for you to explore and discover. In October 2018, we received the PADI 5 Star Dive Centre accreditation. In July 2019, we were approved for the PADI 5 Star Instructor Development Center accreditation. In March 2020, owner Dave Davison achieved PADI’s Elite Instructor rating with over 200 certifications in 2019. Then in March 2021, despite a challenging business environment, Dave achieved Elite 300 status, which makes him PADI’s #1 instructor in Canada for 2 years running.
Originally established in 1989, Tim’s Diving Supplies was owned and operated by the duo of Tim and Corynne Lester who actively served the diving community 20 years. In July 2018 they passed the torch to Dave to continue the dive shop business. Dave briefly considered changing his name to “Tim” but his mom was partial to the name she had given. Hence our rebranding to Barrie Scuba House in May 2019 which quickly tells people what we do & where we’re located.
It all started in 2017, following a vacation in Mexico, Dave popped into Tim’s Diving to upgrade his scuba equipment. During the course of a brief conversation, Dave learned that the business was for sale. With much consideration and soul searching, Dave & Karen dove right in and embarked on this new adventure, a lifelong dream for Dave to become a PADI Master Instructor & Tec Trimix Instructor and operate a business that he’s truly passionate about. The motto of “do what you love and love what you do” is true for Dave.
Dave’s love of scuba began back when he was a teenager where he quickly advanced to become an assistant instructor at a very young age. In 1988, a week vacation to the Dominican Republic turned into a yearlong adventure when Dave accepted a partnership in a beach-side scuba business. Little did he know that this gap year in the DR would be an investment in his future. Duty called him back home to Canada but he never lost his passion for the sport. Dave started his official career as a police officer with York Regional Police which then segued into operating a successful residential and commercial construction company in the Barrie area for over 18 years. Now with 3 grown daughters and 3 grandsons, the pull of scuba has resurfaced.
Dave and his expert staff, newly expanded product selection and most competitive prices will ensure you get the best gear for the best value. With our own 10′ deep heated 20′ x 40′ salt water pool onsite, a 500 sqft classroom and a full-service department, at Barrie Scuba House we offer the highest level of scuba training, tank fills, products and service for every age and all your underwater adventures. Stop in to give us the opportunity to win your business!