Business Close Up: Timber Bay Sport and Dive
With the variety of lakes in northern Wisconsin, it’s only
natural to wonder what’s underneath all that water, and scuba diving is a great
way to find out.
Timber Bay Sport and Dive in Woodruff is a diver’s dream for both the novice and
experienced. This business is owned and operated by Linda and Bill Nichols, who
are avid divers themselves so they know the sport inside and out. In fact, Bill
is the leader for the Oneida County Dive Team.
One important service Timber Bay provides are lessons. To
become certified in this sport a written test must be taken in addition to
practice dives and the Nichols’ provide personalized instruction for each of
their pupils with certification the focus. They even sponsor a diving trip to a
warmer climate every year.
In addition, Bill is available to recover lost items that
accidentally go overboard or through the ice.
“He’s recovered jewelry, dentures, money, boat motors, even
snowmobiles and trucks,” said Linda.
Scuba diving requires specialized equipment and at Timber
Bay, divers will find everything they need.
Of course, scuba tanks are in good supply for certified
divers. There are also lots of necessary outer wear such as wet and dry suits
in many styles and models to choose from. Regulators are also available and the
Nichols’ make sure each piece of equipment is fitted precisely to the diver who
will be using it.
One wall display is covered with a comprehensive array of fin
varieties and styles, including sizes for kids. There is replacement regulator
and tank parts, weights, and even specialized foot and hand clothing
For those interested in snorkeling, there is plenty of gear
for that too. Fins, snorkels, face masks and much more is available.
“Diving is really popular in the Northwoods,” said Linda.
“While sometimes visibility is a problem on some lakes you can see really
interesting things. Many times it’s like an aquarium.”
People have a wide variety of reasons why they dive.
“Sometimes people learn scuba diving to get a job pulling AIS
weeds,” Linda said. “Sometimes they even scout for fish or they just want to
see what’s in the water. We even have students who learn because it is a
lifelong dream.”
Linda and Bill will also accommodate groups wanting to learn
the sport and they hold scheduled classes throughout the year. In fact, they
are hosting an area dive class this weekend, Aug. 23 and 24. Call for more
details.
Another interesting side business attached to this beautiful shop
is Linda’s Uniform Outfitters clothing store. Nurses, dental personnel and
other technicians will find a large array of colorful and professional tops and
comfortable pants. There are clog-like comfy shoes in addition to clothing for
chefs and wait staff. Linda will even take her clothing to area hospitals and
clinics as a convenience to her clientele.
Timber Bay and Uniform Outfitters is located at 714 Hwy. 51
in Woodruff. It is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on
Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The website address is timberbayscuba.com and
they have a Facebook page at Timber Bay Sport and Dive Center. The phone number
for Timber Bay is 715-358-7529 and the number for Uniform Outfitters is 715-358-6599.
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