Business Details
Your Trusted Dive Center for Training and Equipment in Madison
Diversions Scuba is Wisconsin's premier dive center, dedicated to providing top-tier scuba training and equipment. As a PADI 5-Star Dive Center and TDI Training Facility, we combine decades of expertise with a passion for underwater exploration. Our team of certified instructors has trained divers globally, pioneering innovative programs like nitrox and trimix courses, the first in Wisconsin. We specialize in technical diving, cave diving, and rebreather training, ensuring divers of all levels receive unparalleled education. Our equipment shop offers only products our staff personally uses, guaranteeing quality and reliability. With a legacy of pushing boundaries, we continue to lead the dive industry through advanced training and community engagement.Our commitment to customer satisfaction means every diver receives personalized guidance, whether pursuing recreational dives or professional certifications. We pride ourselves on maintaining the highest safety standards while fostering a culture of lifelong learning. From local lakes to international expeditions, Diversions Scuba empowers divers to explore confidently. Our staff's extensive experience, including scientific and technical diving projects, ensures clients receive expert knowledge tailored to their goals. Join us to experience why we remain Wisconsin's trusted authority in underwater adventure.
Services
PADI Open Water Diver
Technical Diving Courses
Equipment Sales
Regulator Servicing
Tank Fills
Highlights and features
- We pioneered nitrox and trimix training in Wisconsin, setting industry standards since 1985.
- Our staff includes PADI Master Instructors and technical diving specialists with global experience.
- We offer the only cave diving courses and Spanish-language instruction in Wisconsin.
- All equipment sold is personally tested by our diving professionals for performance and reliability.
- Our service center provides factory-trained regulator and BCD maintenance with full insurance coverage.
Associations and certifications
- PADI
- TDI
Services
PADI Open Water Diver
Our PADI Open Water Diver course introduces beginners to safe scuba diving practices through classroom learning, pool training, and open-water dives. Certified instructors guide students through essential skills, equipment use, and dive planning. Graduates gain global recognition to explore underwater environments confidently.
Technical Diving Courses
We offer specialized technical diving programs including trimix, cave diving, and rebreather certifications. Courses emphasize extended bottom times, complex decompression procedures, and equipment configuration. Training prepares divers for challenging environments beyond recreational limits with strict safety protocols.
Equipment Sales
Our shop sells premium scuba gear tested by professional divers, including regulators, BCDs, wetsuits, and dive computers. Staff provide personalized fittings and advice to ensure equipment matches divers' skill levels and intended use, from local lakes to tropical expeditions.
Regulator Servicing
Factory-trained technicians perform annual regulator inspections and repairs using manufacturer specifications. Services include replacing worn parts, corrosion removal, and performance calibration. Regular maintenance ensures reliable operation and extends equipment lifespan while meeting safety standards.
Tank Fills
We provide high-pressure air fills for aluminum and steel scuba tanks with optional oxygen cleaning for nitrox-compatible cylinders. Our facility maintains proper storage and handling procedures for enriched air mixtures used in technical diving applications.
People
Tamara Thomsen
Owner
PADI Master Instructor with expertise in advanced trimix and cave diving. Primary diver on the Piquette Mine Project. Combines academic research with hands-on training experience to advance underwater exploration techniques.
Sofia Noguera
Instructor and Manager
Certified PADI Open Water Instructor managing daily operations. Enthusiast of water sports with extensive lake and ocean diving experience. Coordinates training schedules and equipment inventory while maintaining customer service standards.
Craig Carlson
Instructor and Gear Technician
PADI IDC Staff Instructor specializing in gear maintenance. Provides technical support for equipment repairs while teaching safety courses. Combines mechanical expertise with instructional skills to ensure proper gear functionality and diver preparedness.
Andrew Thompson
Instructor
Fifteen-year veteran PADI instructor teaching diverse courses including underwater hunting specialties. Shares expertise in local and tropical diving environments while emphasizing safety protocols and environmental conservation practices.
Gayle Orner
DAN Instructor and Divemaster
Scientific diver with aquarium research experience. Teaches first-aid courses while participating in local dive community leadership. Applies academic background to practical training scenarios for improved diver safety and emergency response.
Questions
What scuba certifications do you offer?
We provide PADI Open Water through professional-level courses, plus TDI technical certifications including cave diving and rebreather training.
Can I service my dive gear at your shop?
Yes, our factory-trained technicians perform regulator servicing, BCD maintenance, and tank inspections with full insurance coverage for your equipment.
Do you sell scuba equipment?
We retail premium diving gear including regulators, dive computers, and exposure suits that our staff personally tests for performance and reliability.
Are evening or weekend appointments available?
While our regular hours are Monday-Friday 10am-6pm, we offer appointments outside these times for training and equipment services.
Do you offer Spanish-language instruction?
Yes, we provide scuba training in Spanish, making us the only Wisconsin dive center with bilingual instructional capabilities.
Reviews (6)
Paul Bill
Nov 08, 2019
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This place is awesome! I did my Open Water and AOW certifications at Diversions and couldn't be happier. The experience and knowledge of their staff is second to none in Madison - they've made me feel comfortable throughout and inspired me to keep learning more. I'm a customer for life!
Debora Gilrcasado
Aug 24, 2019
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I have been 3 or 4 times to ask questions and they have been super helpful. Inended up getting snorkle from them. Since I dont know how to use one after trying in the pool, I went in and they checked it for leakage, gave advice could not be happier. I'm thinking about scuba certification this summer in the lakes if my snorkle experience goes well.
Luray Hovey
Sep 29, 2018
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Diversions scuba is a GREAT place to get certified! Issac was very great to work with and motivated to make sure every participant passes the class with ease and comfort! Couldn't recommend this place more!
Greg Stilwell
Feb 05, 2018
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Beginner to tech and beyond - you just can't find a better shop. Plenty of events to keep everyone engaged, and growing. The staff here doesn't try selling you gear you don't need, but they do a great job making sure you're properly equipped for what you're doing. They offer ideas for furthering your path - and then take you there. Very professional FUN shop!
Spooky
Jul 04, 2017
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I went in for snorkel gear and was pleased with how eager they where to help me. I was fitted with a mask, snorkel and flippers. They had an opertunitie to upsell me and instead gave me honest edvice. They seemed like they truly cared and work there for the love of the hobby.
Edie Swift
Feb 08, 2017
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They took time out to help me with an equipment problem that wasn't even their equipment. I was really impressed and would go back there as shopper in a heartbeat.