Ted Fitzsimmons (otherwise known at the store as "Uncle Teddy Bear") has been diving for several years. A man of many talents, Ted serves as our built-in bouncer since, in his other life, he is a deputy sheriff. Ted shares his love of diving with his 15-year-old daughter, Hallie. He is also a private pilot and enjoys being in the air when he's not under water. His certifications include Advanced Open Water, Rescue Diver and Divemaster. He became certified while in Hawaii and has been hooked ever since. He also works as a service technician and, when he's caught up, in the retail store. Uncle Teddy Bear only dives cold water because he is always packing heat.
Pool Instructor Gear:
- Oceanic Islander 2 BC
- Atomic Titanium SS1
- Atomic B2 Regulator
- Suunto Viper 2 computer
- Atomic Mask
- Atomic Smoke Fins
- Atomic Snorkel
- Pinnacle Boots
Travel Gear:
- Zeagle Stilletto LTD BC
- Atomic Titanium SS1
- Atomic B2 Regulator
- Atomic Mask
- Atomic Smoke Fins
- Atomic Snorkel
- Suunto Vyper 2 Computer
- Pinnacle Boots & Wetsuit
What is your favorite place to dive?
Gilboa Quarry is an old limestone quarry, located near Findlay, Ohio. There are wooded campgrounds encompassing the quarry's perimeter. Gilboa provides two great diving areas: the shallow side at 5-65 feet provides great recreational diving, while the deep side of the quarry reaches depths of 130 plus feet suitable for technical training. A real Instructor's paradise.
The diving is for all types of divers. There are large training platforms, or many sunken wrecks such as: Grumman airplane, Sikorsky helicopter, boats, motorcycles, and the school bus. If you get thirsty or just need a snack to get you through your dive, there are underwater vending machines. There is certainly something of interest for everyone. The visibility ranges from approximately 40 feet on the weekends to 60-80 feet during the week.
The aquatic life is second to none with approximately 15-20 different species. Fish range in size from minnows to 6 feet long Paddlefish. Recommend purchasing some "Trout Chow" and feed the fish on top of the school, but hang on to your mask the fish get pretty aggressive.
What got you into diving?
It's just another way to meet awesome people. I have always been fascinated with underwater habitats with little to big fish! I can dive and I can fly...all that's left is the final frontier - SPACE!
What is your favorite part of teaching?
I recently taught my first Scuba Rangers class and I'm hooked on teaching the kids. It's exciting to take them form snorkeling to diving underwater at such a young age.
