About
In diving, the surface interval is the time between dives — when you plan, prepare, and get ready for what's next. We named our company after that moment because it captures how we think about building in this industry.
Lake Norman Scuba founded
PADI dive center in Mooresville, NC
PADI 5-Star IDC status
Instructor Development Center designation
New ownership
Acquisition and modernization of LNS
Surface Interval Holdings formed
Portfolio structure established
Queen City Scuba launches
Private concierge scuba for Charlotte
Blue Apex Travel & AquatIQ Pro
In development
Surface Interval Co & Supply
Media, affiliate marketing, equipment & apparel
Surface Interval Holdings grew out of a simple observation: the dive industry is full of passionate operators doing great work in isolation. Training centers, travel operators, and professional development programs all serve the same community, but they rarely share infrastructure, standards, or institutional knowledge.
We started with Lake Norman Scuba — a PADI 5-Star Instructor Development Center in the Charlotte metro area. Under new ownership, LNS became the proving ground for how we think about running dive businesses: invest in the team, modernize the technology, and never compromise on training quality.
From that foundation, we've built a portfolio of brands that serve different stages of a diver's journey. A new student might start at Lake Norman Scuba, choose private instruction through Queen City Scuba, travel with Blue Apex, and eventually train as an instructor through AquatIQ Pro. Different brands, different experiences, but the same instructors, the same standards, and the same commitment.
The holding company exists to give each brand the autonomy to serve its audience authentically, while sharing the things that make all of them stronger: facility access, instructor expertise, equipment inventory, and operational systems.
How We Operate
Every certification across every brand meets PADI 5-Star IDC standards. We don't cut corners on training quality, regardless of the price point or delivery model.
Each brand owns its positioning, pricing, and client relationships. The holding company provides infrastructure and shared resources, not mandates.
Every experience we sell is delivered by a person. We invest in our instructor team's development, compensation, and career growth because they are the brand.
Modern systems, automation, and digital infrastructure are how a small team operates multiple brands without sacrificing quality or personal attention.
We train divers who understand their impact. We support research that protects marine ecosystems. We build businesses that give back more than they take. The ocean is why we exist — protecting it isn't optional.
Every brand we build is designed to bring more people into diving, develop more professionals, and strengthen the community. A rising tide lifts all boats — and all divers.
Leadership
Co-Founder
PADI Course Director. Tec Trimix Instructor Trainer. 25+ years in dive education and operations.
Co-Founder
TDI Stage Cave Instructor. Technical diving specialist. Business operations and technology strategy.
Whether you're a potential partner, instructor, or just curious about what we're building — we'd like to hear from you.
Get in touch