By Maureen Werther
Waterhorse Adventures LLC is a new business that offers training and instruction in scuba diving, with classes for students of all ages and levels of ability.
Owners James and Kimberly VanHeste opened Waterhorse, at 6 East Washington St., Glens Falls, in January. They have both been scuba diving for 30 years.
They also perform commercial underwater work, repairing moorings, docks and boat lifts. The sell and service equipment.
Classes are held at the Washington Street building. The schedule is available on the website, www.waterhorseadventures.com.
James, who recently retired from the Army, first received his scuba certification in 1982. He has been diving recreationally and professionally ever since. He received his professional association of diving instructors(PADI) certification in 2016.
Kimberly is also certified and handles the sales and travel components of the business. In addition to teaching and commercial work, the VanHestes sponsor scuba and snorkeling trips locally and in the Caribbean. The business coordinates the entire trip, from arranging the air travel and accommodations, to setting the dive locations.
“A regular travel agent can’t do everything that we do,” he said.
They have three scheduled trips for the 2018 season and may add a fourth trip. The first trip is in Kittery, Maine, at the end of June. In October, they will take 12 divers to Grand Bahama, where they will spend a week on a 65-foot sailboat, which they chartered through Lost Island Voyages.
“We’ve worked with the captain of this boat for the last five years and it’s a very friendly, close-knit trip,” said VanHeste. The trips are open to both divers and non-divers. People can come on the trip to snorkel or just lounge on the deck, he said.
In April 2019, Waterhorse will sponsor a trip to Honduras.. The trip will accommodate 16 guests.
Also on staff at Waterhorse are two dive professionals, Kurt Riley, a master instructor and technician who has been diving for more than 14 years; and Martin Biddell, a dive master and technician who has been diving for approximately 12 years.
For more information visit waterhorseadventures.com