The waters of the Oregon Coast may look turbid as waves crash into the rocky coastline, but Michael Hollingshead and Ron Vearrier have had remarkable experiences with wildlife while diving, and they’re eager to prepare others for similar underwater encounters.
Hollingshead and his wife, Diana, represent the second generation of owners at Eugene Skin Divers Supply. Established in 1956, Hollingshead said he grew up in the shop his father ran. Seventy years later, the shop is still serving divers.
Hollingshead started diving with his dad in pools at age 4, before regulations became commonplace in the sport. By 6, he was open-water diving. Hollingshead took over the store at age 19 and has since outfitted, educated and supported countless divers…