High Plains Scuba

High Plains Scuba came to my rescue when I decided last minute to finally go through and get my certification. I had already completed pools skills with Alpine 3 years ago but never got around to doing open water dives. I discussed with HPS what I’d need to do to get my certification and it would be basically taking all of it again due to strict guidelines with in SSI or PADI. I didn’t have a problem with that because I did need to be taught again because I would never feel comfortable doing the open water dives for the completion of your certification. I gave them less than 4 weeks notice and they managed to get me a private lesson with Jim Woods before the planned Homestead Crater lake open water dive trip. Jim is phenomenal and has so much experience diving and teaching. He helped me over come my fear of the skill required taking off your mask completely and replacing it. When I went to the Crater I was so much more confident than I ever thought I could be. Alan Felker was my open water Pro I received my certification from. He also has a ton of experience and is calm and made everything go very smoothly! Both Jim and Alan have such a passion for people to learn and enjoy scuba! I’m so excited I’m certified and look forward to seeing and learning more about the underwater world!

I have found High Plains to have better pricing on scuba gear than the other local shops, and the employees to be just as helpful.

High Plains Scuba TOP NOTCH shop, training and instructors! Hands down.
I’d like to comment on the Wayne S. review.
Every diver is responsible for their dive and checking out their gear before the dive. I was on the boat /​dock that day that Wayne S. incorrectly handled his situation. Diving is not for everyone (especially if you are a drama queen hence the check out my Google comment). You have to be knowledgeable of your gear, environment, and have some good common sense. By the time you get through with any open water diving class (especially at HPS they are truly the best in northern CO) and are doing your open water, you as a diver, should know how to use you gear and check and double check that it’s working correctly. YOU alone are one that decides if your dive is a go or no go before any dive and especially when you are doing your open water certification. It was drilled into you in class at HPS. Wayne S. poor judgement in not checking and double checking his gear before the dive lead to Wayne S. situation that day. His gear malfunctioned on the surface and when under water (no fault of HPS), he should have recognized this on the surface and or should have surfaced immediately upon his initial descent. That’s it in a nut shell. I do not, nor have I ever worked for High Plains Scuba. I am a Master Diver and what I saw that day was not a High Plains scuba instruction issue. Wayne S? Diving is not for you my friend. And you know as well as everyone on the boat /​dock that you were at fault i.e. lacking the ability to manage the situation correctly. Shame on you for slamming HPS on here. I’m thankful you were not on a deep dive. Stay on the surface Wayne and work on those emergency situation management skills my friend! You need them on the surface as well!

They have it all. Great instructors, friendly staff, good selection, and none of the judgement or BS if you like a different brand or type of gear that other shops have. I take my regulators and tanks here for service, and stop in every once in a while just to talk shop and learn about upcoming dive trips. Their instructors (especially Greg) are awesome. Stop in and talk to Jim! (that’s a joke, they have like 20 guys named Jim working there).

Choosing a dive shop should be based on the quality of instruction not the quantity of merchandise. If you’re looking to buy dive gear, High Plains is your place. If you’re looking for quality instruction, I would look elsewhere. Try to find a place where ALL of the instructors’ top priority is producing safe, competent divers. Check out my Google review of High Plains Scuba if you want a full account of my scary certification experience.
[ This is an addition to my original review in order to address something that T.W. said in her/​his review below. ]
My Open Water training WAS conducted by High Plains instructors on a HP trip to Cozumel.

I found this place while researching diving certification options in Fort Collins. I chose this place as 1) it had a good reputation with friends, and 2) they have a indoor 10′ deep pool onsite to do the pool work for certification.
I love this place. The people are helpful, friendly, and willing to take extra time to explain the pros and cons of equipment. My certification class was well-​organized, and I’ve learned from my diving colleagues that the equipment they carry is the best stuff in its respective price range on the market — Henderson wetsuits, ScubaPro equipment, etc.
One last note — props to these guys for fast-​tracking getting my dive card from SSI, I got it 3 days after the certification dive at Homestead Crater.
I will work with these guys for all my future scuba class and equipment needs.