by Josh Carpenter



MOORESVILLE – Danielle and Andrew Katsamas, of Mooresville, have owned Lake Norman SCUBA, 482-E River Hwy., since 2002. They’ve awarded more than 3,000 diving certifications.

“With them, it’s personal,” said Kelly Kent, a certified diver by way of Lake Norman SCUBA. “They’re going to make sure that you’re safe and educated on what you need to do to be a safe diver. That’s everything to me.”

The couple started Lake Norman SCUBA after their favorite scuba shop, The Sea Diver, closed in downtown Mooresville. Longtime diver Andrew Katsamas taught classes there.

“They still owed him some teaching money but didn’t have any, so they gave us their compressor and some other scuba gear instead,” Danielle Katsamas said. “That’s what we used to start our place. It wasn’t much at first, but we’ve kept it going.”

Lake Norman SCUBA provides education, equipment, service and advice. The Katsamas will train beginning divers or those looking to become professionals.

“We just try to get as many people as possible in the water,” Danielle Katsamas said. “There’s nothing like it (diving). You get to see part of the world that no one else gets to see. Two-thirds of the earth is covered in water, and North Carolina has some of the most amazing places to dive off the coast.”

The Katsamas practice and teach open dives at the Piedmont Dive and Rescue Association Quarry, located just off N.C. 150 across from Big Daddy’s of Lake Norman.

In addition to weekly dives and classes, Lake Norman SCUBA offers diving camps in June, July and August.

The Katsamas also try to arrange about six diving trips a year for their customers. They’ll visit the Florida Keys in mid-May.

“There are some amazing (ship) wrecks off the Outer Banks, Morehead City and Wilmington,” Danielle Katsamas said. “It opens up every place you go worldwide. If diving is an option, you can do it. It gives a different perspective on places you go.”

Jeff Buchholz, of Mooresville, just got his diving certification in mid-March.

“They were very personable, were willing to sit down and work with me on whatever was needed,” Buchholz said. “I’m looking forward to going back up there.”

Plenty of business comes from Mooresville, but they’ve also seen interest from areas like Cornelius, Davidson, Denver, Huntersville and as far as Shelby.

Kelly and Jeff Kent spent spring break getting certified with their 17-year-old daughter, Kaitlyn, who has gone on more than 150 dives since her certification at age 13.

“Kids love doing it, and they love doing it with their parents,” Danielle Katsamas said. “It’s a lot of fun and is pretty easy to do. You can do it with your family and just get everyone involved.”

Details: 704-660-3483 or www.lakenormanscuba.com.

Upcoming camps

Lake Norman SCUBA will offer summer camp sessions for ages 10 to 19. Beginner, advanced and fun diving camps will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday. The camp costs $399. Camp dates are June 11-15, 18-22, 25-29, July 9-13 and July 30-Aug. 3.