About Harry’s Dive Shop
Our people make the difference
Of the more than 1,500 dive stores in the USA, only a tiny handful are older than Harry’s Dive Shop. None have a richer or more colorful history. To better understand Harry’s, you need to know more about the three generations behind it.
Cindy Caldwell
Cindy Caldwell, together with her family, friends, and valued employees, continues the energetic tradition of operating the oldest, largest, and most entertaining dive shop in the Greater New Orleans area. And, like her father, Cindy has become something of a legend herself.
Harry Caldwell
Harry Caldwell, founder of Harry’s Dive Shop, was a pioneer of sport scuba diving. In the late 1950s, Harry gathered up a small group of ready, willing, and able self-taught divers to go forth, experience, and learn. Scuba diving, as a sport, was in its infancy. It would not be for long.
Chelsea Umbach Yates
Harry Caldwell never had the opportunity to get to know his granddaughter the way so many of our friends and customers have. We have little doubt, however, he would be proud. Chelsea grew up in and around the dive store, accompanying us on trips and, later, helping out with classes and activities.
Avin Le Blanc
Avin Le Blanc is manager of Harry’s Dive Shop and is moving forward with her scuba education and experience. She and a some friends took class together but Avin is the one that remains active in the sport. She is interested in anything that keeps her physically motivated to stay in shape.
Steve Corcoran
Steve Corcoran is a scuba instructor at Harry’s Dive Shop and Metairie Diving School. His hobbies, outside of diving and teaching diving, are antique cars and street rides. Steve’s favorite movie is Grease and his favorite music is Oldie.
Susanne Karst
Crystal joined the staff at Harry’s Dive Shop in April, 2010. She came to us with experience as a commercial diver and swim team coach and manager. Crystal and Chelsea, Cindy’s daughter, became fast friends and together, they got Swim-Smart@Harry’s, a swim lessons program, off the ground and to a great start.
Ray Spadafora
Ray Spadafora is a scuba instructor with Harry’s Dive Shop and Metairie Diving School. He is an accomplished Organist and played regularly at his church. Ray’s favorite movie is Patton, his music preference is Oldies and his favorite marine creature is the Lobster.
Mel Richard
Mel Richard is a Master Diver, our “Bird Whisperer” and lunch time pal at Harry’s Dive Shop. His other hobbies include fishing and boating. Mel’s favorite movie is The Godfather parts I and II, his favorite music is Classic Rock and his favorite marine creature is the Dolphin, aka Porpoise.
Our “Other” Staff
They’re important, too.