I'm updating my review of Freeride for a couple reasons. For one, I noticed in my old review I…read moreclaim they carry Nike's 6.0 line of sneakers but not Nike SB: that has now changed, and they do carry Nike SB and are the only store in the region to do so. They have most of the SB line over at their skate shop next to Possum Creek Skatepark, which is only logical since SB stands for skateboarding, but they have a couple models at the main 13th Street location, also. They also carry sneakers by Vans, DVS, Fallen, and a couple other skate-oriented brands. Their selection of sandals is legion and includes Reef--like, really a lot of different models of Reef. Pretty much anything you could want. The second reason for writing this review is to note that Freeride, despite being an indie store, actually often has lower prices on things like boardshorts and sandals than chain stores like PacSun. You'd think it should be the other way around, that the big chains could afford better discounts, but I've picked up a pair of boardshorts here that were around $55 when the MSRP was about $65. Don't expect everything to be that great a deal, but know that they will not be more expensive, at least, and may in fact be less-expensive than mall stores. The owner, plus the young couple who run the day to day operations of the store, are really chill and all the staff are pretty cool. They won't try to sell you something but are more than willing to help and are also able to do so. We're fortunate in Gainesville to have a surf shop of this caliber, seriously.

Went to build a board for the first time, service was amazing and the staff was so helpful. Came…read moreout with a sick board and was so grateful for the welcoming experience!

Had to replace 10 year old Merrill hiking boots and bought the new Merrill MOAB 2s. They had wide…read moresizes in stock and even offered me a discount as a frequent customer (certainly not for my good looks). I'm bringing my wife down for her replacements b/c they're knowledgable and friendly. I use the internet to price things but always buy from them locally.

I had not been to this business for several years, upon returning today i remembered why quickly…read more The attitude of the person i spoke to was a combination of disinterest and some weird version of elitism. Never again ! All this after first talking to someone there on the phone that assured me they had several options for me, literally 10 minutes before I arrived! Not worth being subjected to the condescension.

Be very careful with this dive company. Once you contact them they will hound you to clean the…read morebottom of you boat. When you tell them that you do not want their services they will claim they cleaned the boat anyway and then start charging you late fees if you don't pay for services they did not do. They will take a video of a diver pretending to clean the boat when they do nothing. I have seen other boats that they claim to have cleaned when they do nothing. Be careful. Dive on the boat after they claim to clean it just to be sure, just like I did.

From the owner: We have the best customers in North Florida! Solving their underwater needs is what we do. From…read morekeeping vessels barnacle free and ready to preform to restructuring the pilings on the dock. We especially enjoy taking the video of a job well done to share with the customer.

I originally called Lloyd because I wanted to do a refresher course. Unfortunately he was booked…read morefor the time I needed, but we then started talking and he gave me a lot of information on where I might go to do The course. I then told him I was going on a trip, and he recommended that I come to the shop and get a mask and snorkel. As soon as I walked in he was so kind and inviting. And to make it even better the dog, Rusty, was the best greeter ever! I've actually never been in a scuba store so I had no idea what was in there. Lloyd gave me a tour of the facility and even gave me a brief history of his over 30 year stint in Gainesville. He is beyond knowledgeable! He has been a master cave dive instructor for 25 years. What's great about this shop is that Lloyd has tested everything that he sells. He immediately was able to place me in 3 masks and then walked me through which one might be the best for me. He has a 100% satisfaction guarantee and told me that if that mass prove to be not the best fit then I would be able to return it and he would fit me for another. That makes shoving out 70 bucks for a mask a little less daunting. I really enjoyed his shop and he comes highly recommended. I will definitely be going back!

Best Scuba shop, owner also an old school local cave diver, very knowledgable. Extensive and…read morewonderful inventory. All the good things others say are true!

I came to Robert for ReActivate after 5 years out of the water. I really didn't know what to…read moreexpect, and I had never been to the springs. Robert started with us sitting down and having a conversation-getting to know about each other and my goals, past experiences, etc. That was SUPER helpful. He has excellent communication skills, in and out of the water. We did the skills and then did a little fun diving. He is not only an excellent diver with tons of experience, he emphasized safety-for both of us, leading by example. Overall, a great day! I can't wait to dive with Robert again. Thank you for showing me the joy in diving again!!!

We were so impressed with our scuba cert program through SpringAdventures!…read more Honestly, when we hit the targeted ads, we were a little dubious because of some of the web design choices, and how low the prices were. SO GLAD we took a chance. It's a one-man operation, and he's incredible. His prices are all in, and he really does knock it out in just 2 days with great flexible local dives near the High Springs area. If you have a special request, just call him - he was able to add our NitrOx cert as well on the fly. I was blown away watching this man transition from charismatic comedy, making learning fun but still hitting all the key points, right into suddenly supportive teacher mode when we were in the practical portions and he was helping a student who was struggling, using a disarming compassionate demeanor. At least in our session, class sizes were very small, and he not only equipped us mentally for our scuba expeditions, but he gave us incredible insight and recommendations beyond the certification on what kind of gear to look for, good habits, inside tips for the industry. Just 11/10. He also does have gear available for sale, customized to the diver, which is I assume how he keeps his prices so low, but he wasn't pushy at all and advised us for what we NEEDED not what he sold. I was actively trying to buy gear from him, and he advised me that I might need something special and that also some other websites unrelated to him are having a pretty good sale right now so he chose our equipment and savings over his own revenue. Just couldn't be more impressed. (Also, if you come down here for just the class from out of town, I highly recommend the "getaway" tiny home cabins nearby for lodging. They're clean, super cheap, nice close by, and easy. Including two nights lodging, you could get your scuba cert here for like a thousand or $1,200 cheaper than you can in most major cities.)

I took my open water certification with SCUBA Monkey back in October 2020, and had an amazing…read moreexperience! Tommy was an incredible instructor, so much so, that I'm considering a trip to Florida when I am ready for my AOW course (currently living in the PNW). I have done several dives since my certification, and have already used so many of the safety skills I learned. Mask flooding at 60 ft? - check! Regulator falling out of my mouth? - check! Buoyancy struggles? - check! We're any of these a major issue? No, because I have been taught well! Having now gone out with other DMs and Instructors, I can confidently say Tommy is one of the best in the business. I highly recommend SCUBA Monkey for your diving needs!

I was looking for someone to teach me how to swim which is no easy undertaking when you are 57…read moreyears old. The wonderful instructors at Scuba Monkey ( Amber and Tracy) helped me and guided me every step of the way. They are kind,patient,resourceful and can think outside the box which is exactly what I needed. Wonderful people and a beautiful state of the art facility! If you or your kids need swimming lessons, there is no better place. Thank you,Alex.