It Doesn’t Stop at the Store
As if Rick’s store is not impressive enough in itself, there’s one more aspect of Rick’s business that bears mention. Much of the local diving that takes place in north-central Arkansas does so at Lake Ouachita. Because shore access at the lake is limited, several local dive centers operate pontoon boats for training and fun dives. Rick’s is no exception. However, just as Rick’s store stands out from others in the area, so does his dive boat.
The experience starts before you even get to the lake. The map Rick’s provides not only gives clear directions, it tells divers how much fun they will have — and how their open-water training dives provide a great preview for the fun they will have when they progress on to their Advanced and other continuing education courses. (This integral, assumptive promotion of travel and continuing education is a key to why Rick’s travel and education programs are so successful.)
Arriving at the lake, you discover that the boat is larger and roomier than what you expected. The hull was originally designed as a drive-aboard platform for recreational vehicles (i.e., turn your RV into a houseboat). As such, it is unusually sturdy and stable. Throughout the boat, Rick has added a number of touches, such as ample overhead lighting to make it easy to suit up for night dives.
Among the boat’s most innovative features is a training platform that nestles between the pontoons when the boat is under way. Once anchored, the platform can be lowered (without anybody having to get in the water or under the boat), providing a stable base of operation for training that keeps students from stirring up the bottom.
If your travels take you anywhere near the central Arkansas area, Rick’s Dive ‘N’ Travel Center is a worthwhile visit. You can also visit Rick’s on the Web at RicksDiveCenter.com.
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