Introduction

In the picturesque landscapes of Idaho, a revolutionary project is taking shape that promises to redefine the SCUBA diving experience in the Mountain West region of the United States. Idaho Underwater aims to bridge the gap between the diving community and the pristine underwater environments that have remained largely inaccessible due to geographical and climatic constraints.

 

The Problems

The current SCUBA diving landscape in the US is marred by several challenges:

• Limited availability of warm, clear waters, particularly outside tropical regions, discouraging enthusiasts.

• A significant decline in diving competency among new divers, leading to environmental harm in aquatic ecosystems.

• Cold and murky water environments, which deter non-divers from exploring the sport.

• People’s busy schedules don’t provide time to travel to tropical places.

 

The Solution

Idaho Underwater is envisioned as a state-of-the-art facility offering a multi-tiered, warm-water scuba destination where individuals can dive and train year-round amidst recreations of Idaho’s natural landscapes. The facility, spearheaded by visionary founder Michael Jensen, a PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer and U.S. Air Force retiree, promises an unparalleled underwater experience with depths reaching up to 105 feet.

 

Market Analysis

The project targets the burgeoning outdoor recreation sector in Idaho, aiming to attract new and certified divers from the ten-state Northwestern United States area. As of 2022, the US housed 65 million certified divers, with 2.5 million actively participating in scuba activities, presenting a significant market opportunity.

 

Project Details

The project is structured in phased development, encompassing design concept creation, land acquisition, and facility construction. The initial phases involve collaborations with Cole Architects for design and Stoltz Marketing Group and Capital City Law Group for marketing and legal guidance.  The cost estimates for each phase are being recalibrated to incorporate recent expansions in building and pool dimensions.

 

Financial Overview

While the new estimated costs are under calculation, the project promises diverse revenue streams, including scuba experiences, equipment sales, and facility rentals, ensuring a sustainable and profitable business model.

 

Key Team Members

• Michael Jensen (President & COO): A veteran with extensive leadership and training experience, bringing his passion for underwater exploration to the forefront.

• Kathryn Love (Vice President): A seasoned educator with strong interpersonal skills, contributing to the project's dynamic training environment.

• Vicky McIntyre (CEO): A business maven with a rich background in business administration and public service, steering the project as the Chief Executive Officer.

 

Conclusion

Idaho Underwater stands as a beacon of innovation in the outdoor recreation sector, promising not only a boost to the tourism industry but also fostering a community of environmentally conscious divers. The project is open for collaborations and investments, inviting stakeholders to be a part of this groundbreaking initiative.

 

For further inquiries and detailed project insights, please visit our website at www.idahounderwater.com.