Business Details
Scuba Diving Training, Charters & Equipment Sales in Salem, SC
Off The Wall Dive Charters is a premier destination for scuba diving enthusiasts, offering comprehensive training, equipment sales, and guided dive charters. Founded by Bill Routh, a PADI-certified instructor with over four decades of experience since 1981, the shop combines deep expertise with a commitment to personalized service. Bills extensive background includes underwater filming for major networks and pioneering discoveries of submerged landmarks like Camp Jocassee and Attakulla Lodge. Our training programs utilize SDI/TDIs eLearning platform, allowing flexible, self-paced academic instruction followed by hands-on pool and open-water sessions tailored to individual schedules.Safety is paramount, with DAN-certified oxygen providers and state-of-the-art dive equipment on board our custom 28-foot pontoon boat, featuring a unique 30-degree incline ladder for easy entry/exit. We specialize in regulator servicing, drysuit repairs, and competitive pricing on major gear brands, ensuring divers have reliable equipment for every adventure. Our charter services explore Lake Jocassee and Lake Keowee, with group rates and technical diving options available. With a focus on education, safety, and customer satisfaction, we empower divers to achieve their full potential in a supportive, expert-led environment.
Services
Scuba Training
Dive Charters
Gear Sales
Equipment Repair
Air Fills
Highlights and features
- We offer PADI-certified instruction with over 40 years of diving expertise.
- Our flexible training accommodates your schedule with eLearning and personalized sessions.
- We maintain DAN-certified oxygen providers and safety equipment on all dive charters.
- We provide competitive pricing on major scuba gear brands and repair services.
- Our custom dive boat ensures safe, accessible entry/exit for technical divers.
Associations and certifications
- PADI
- TDI-SDI
Services
Scuba Training
PADI/SDI-certified scuba training with flexible eLearning and hands-on sessions. Our courses cover open water certification, technical diving, and specialty programs. Bill Rouths expertise ensures personalized instruction tailored to individual learning paces, emphasizing safety and skill mastery in both pool and open-water environments.
Dive Charters
Guided dive expeditions to Lake Jocassee and Lake Keowee aboard a custom 28-foot pontoon boat. Features include a 30-degree incline ladder for easy access, DAN-certified safety equipment, and group rate options. Ideal for exploring submerged landmarks and technical diving sites in South Carolinas freshwater lakes.
Gear Sales
Sales of top-tier scuba gear from major brands, including regulators, BCDs, and drysuits. We offer competitive pricing and the opportunity to test equipment in water before purchase. Our staff provides expert advice to ensure gear meets divers current and future technical needs.
Equipment Repair
Professional servicing for regulators, tanks, and drysuits, performed by certified technicians. We offer annual visual inspections, 5-year hydro testing, and rapid turnaround times. Our repair center ensures equipment reliability and compliance with safety standards for both recreational and technical divers.
Air Fills
Air, nitrox, and trimix fills available on-site. We provide 32% nitrox on tap and custom blends up to 100%. Services cater to recreational divers needing standard fills and technical divers requiring specialized gas mixtures for deep or extended-range dives.
People
Bill Routh
Owner/Instructor
Bill Routh is a PADI-certified instructor (ID 167144) and TDI-SDI instructor (ID 11577) with over 40 years of diving experience. He pioneered discoveries of submerged landmarks in South Carolina and offers flexible, personalized scuba training emphasizing safety and skill development.
Questions
What scuba certifications do you offer?
We provide PADI and SDI certifications, including Open Water, Advanced, Rescue, Nitrox, and technical diving courses like Trimix and Decompression Procedures.
Can I rent gear before purchasing?
Yes, we encourage testing equipment in water before buying to ensure fit, functionality, and suitability for your diving goals.
What dive locations do you service?
Our charters operate at Lake Jocassee and Lake Keowee, featuring submerged landmarks and technical diving sites accessible via our custom pontoon boat.
Do you offer equipment repair services?
Yes, we service regulators, BCDs, tanks, and drysuits with annual inspections, hydro testing, and rapid repair turnaround times.
Are group rates available for dive charters?
Yes, group discounts are available upon request. Contact us for pricing details and special arrangements for instructors or large parties.
Reviews (5)
Simon
Jan 27, 2022
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I was truely blown away, when I almost accidentally found the shop and its super friendly owner Bill who seems to know everything there is about diving and gear! Never expected that amount of expertise, knowledge, gear availability and friendliness in the middle of the Appalachians! You have to go there and get in the water with these guys!
Robert Forrester
Dec 15, 2021
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Bill was awesome. I needed some gear to retrieve something from the lake on a Sunday. He was there and was a great help on what I would need and had everything ready when I arrived.
Todd Harness
Sep 27, 2021
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This place is a blast, fun group of people, we have went on several trips with these guys, we always have a great time, Bills knowledge of lake Jocassee is impressive, get on the boat and dive with these guys you will be glad you did!!!
Jcwolves
Sep 24, 2021
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Not a great first experience. First time visitors with rental gear, full gear set (aside from mask/Fins/snorkel/boots). We had one regulator that straight up broke and started free flowing. We had another missing the cap on the first stage. We called ahead for two computers but only had one available when we got on site. When we returned our gear, we got a full refund and they made it right for us.
Staff was friendly and apologetic, and luckily the primary failed on the surface so no harm, no foul. Overall not impressed by the rental gear quality, but for just a tank rental or a charter, I think
Staff was friendly and apologetic, and luckily the primary failed on the surface so no harm, no foul. Overall not impressed by the rental gear quality, but for just a tank rental or a charter, I think
Drew Hunter
Aug 08, 2021
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Tripp saved the day!! I was at a Air B&B with my family at lake keowee and lost my wedding band off the dock. I searched for an hour with goggles and called the shop for suggestions. Tripp said that is something that they do. Within a few hours of the call, he dived with a metal detector and found my ring. Thanks again Tripp!!!