Dive Rite

Our Story

Dive Rite has been outfitting underwater explorers since the early 1980s. In a time when exploration-grade dive equipment was not readily available for purchase, Lamar Hires and his dive buddies set out to change that by producing high-quality dive gear in a small workshop. This led to the establishment of Dive Rite in 1984, and since then, our equipment line has expanded from thirteen tools for cave exploration to recreational and technical equipment lines that now include over 200 products.

From its humble beginnings as a family business based in North Florida's Cave Country, Dive Rite has grown into a prominent global brand. We have pioneered some of the first commercially available products for underwater exploration, including the canister light, the backplate, and the Classic doubles wing. In 2004, we entered the early rebreather market with the O2ptima CCR. This has since evolved into a more modular unit designed for exploration and travel, the O2ptima Chest Mount.

At Dive Rite, our employees are actively involved in every aspect of the dive industry, from exploring and teaching to testing the equipment we sell. Our team enthusiastically participates in diving in various underwater environments worldwide, including caves, wrecks, reefs, and ice diving. Insights from these experiences are brought back to our research and development team, allowing us to continue the process of continuous innovation.

Serious divers prefer the Dive Rite brand because of its rugged reliability. Our equipment is trusted on the most extreme dives and consistently exceeds expectations in any environment, whether it's reef, wreck, cave, or quarry.

In Memory of Jared Hires

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved General Manager, Jared Hires. Jared tragically left us while doing what he loved most - diving into the underwater world to explore its hidden wonders. We will remember him for his boundless enthusiasm, warmth, and genuine care for his team. Jared was an irreplaceable part of our dive community, and we collectively mourn his loss while celebrating his remarkable life and the legacy he leaves behind.

Meet the Team

Our team at Dive Rite is made up of experienced professionals who are passionate about diving. Here are some of the people who make up our team:

1. Lamar Hires - President/CEO

2. Lee Ann Hires - CFO

3. Jared Hires - General Manager (In Memory)

4. Daniel Vickers - Engineering

5. John McCain - Sales

6. Steve Lambert - Design/Marketing

7. Justin Judd - Sales

8. Grace Lambert - Marketing Coordinator

9. Shelby Brown - Sales

Our Products

Dive Rite offers a wide range of products designed for serious divers. Our offerings include:

1. Accessories: We offer various accessories, including backplates and harnesses, bands, staging, valves, reels, regulators, and sidemount equipment.

2. BCDs and Wings: Our BCDs and wings are designed for maximum performance and durability, and we offer a range of options to suit different diving needs.

3. Drysuits: Our drysuits are made from high-quality materials and are designed to keep divers warm and dry in any environment.

4. Gauges: We offer a range of gauges for divers who demand precision and reliability.

5. Hoses and Hardware: Our hoses and hardware are built to withstand the rigors of extreme diving.

6. Lights: We offer a range of lights, including canister lights, handheld lights, and video lights.

7. Masks and Fins: Our masks and fins are designed for maximum comfort, performance, and durability.

8. Rebreathers: Dive Rite is a leader in the rebreather market, with a range of units designed for exploration and travel.

9. Swag Shop: Our Swag Shop offers a range of clothing and accessories for Dive Rite fans.