When Willie Ross, Jimmy Warren, Dwayne Johnson, and Leon Caldwell took over Crucian Adventure Divers in Frederiksted, St. Croix, they became one of a handful of African American-owned dive shops in the country. They told The Source that one of their goals is to involve more local youth in exploring the sea, such as learning swimming skills, scuba diving, and snorkeling.
Caldwell initiated the purchase of the former Adventures in Diving STX. He was looking for a lifestyle change for retirement, and since he was an avid diver, the idea of a dive business seemed natural. Caldwell has spent time on St. Croix over the years, where he met Warren and said he has known Johnson for 10 years.
“I’ve dived all over the world and always asked, ‘Where are the people of color on the boat?” He said to The Source.
All four of the owners are seasoned divers and PADI instructors teaching everything from recreational to professional courses. The diver in their logo sports locks!
Warren is currently managing the shop. He has lived on St. Croix for several years and previously worked as the executive director of My Brothers Workshop. He relocated from Westchester County, New York, where open water dives were frequently held in a quarry.
“I’d like to see the local community have a place to feel comfortable — having to do with marine life,” he said. We’ll leave it in better shape than we found it and we found it in great shape.”
Caldwell said he hopes the business will bring in visitors to St. Croix and wants to be known as the “most inclusive” dive shop.
Warren said the others will purchase properties and move to St. Croix eventually. All four will take turns managing the establishment, instructing divers and leading excursions.
Johnson has advanced scuba ratings and serves as a dive safety officer for a nonprofit organization that encourages youth to study STEM, marine science and environmental conservation. He is a principal systems engineer by training and has 30 years of experience working with youth. His experience makes him a natural to engage with young Crucians.
Ross is vice president of the National Association of Black Scuba Divers and is an SSI and PADI instructor who also teaches first aid and CPR. He has been diving since 1999.
The shop is filled with familiar brands of merchandise — masks, fins, rash guards, T-shirts, ball caps and rental equipment. Crucian Adventure Divers are the only Garmin and Go Pro dealers on St. Croix.
Currently, there are three divers on call who will guide tours of the Frederiksted Pier, Butler Bay and Cane Bay. Sharon Rosario handles the phone, sales and bookkeeping and sales.
In addition to the usual courses, the owners are equipped to offer training for technical rescue and CPR.
After the New Year, the shop plans to conduct swimming skills and junior scuba diving for 12-15 year olds. The team also plans to hold classes for senior and/or disabled adults.
“We kind of knew the industry but the back end is something we didn’t know,” Warren said, complaining about the hours spent teaching and leading tours.
Crucian Adventure Divers plans a grand opening celebration in February. The store is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week.
