Dive Rite Aluminum Backplate

Dive Rite was established in 1984 by Lamar Hires and Mark Leonard; two underwater cave explorers and cave diving instructors from North Florida. In the 1970's and early 80's, technical diving gear was virtually non-existent. Most cave divers made their own gear or adapted ocean diving gear to fit the cave environment. Lamar and Mark changed that and began the first technical dive gear company in existence. Pioneering products such as the Classic wing and the canister light, they introduced to the scuba industry the very first products designed for underwater exploration. In 1991, Dive Rite became the first manufacturer to launch a Nitrox-compatible computer called the "Bridge." In 1996, Dive Rite revolutionized the dive industry with the launch of the TransPac harness. Since those early days, Dive Rite has grown from thirteen products to over three hundred products. In 1997 Lamar Hires bought the company and has grown the company from a fledgling, North Florida dive gear company to a worldwide dive equipment manufacturer with distribution in 23 countries all over the world. Twenty years after the first primary dive reel was sold, Dive Rite's pioneering spirit continues with the innovation and quality that goes into each and every product. Dive Rite has a proud history of supporting dive exploration, conservation and education, putting Dive Rite in the unique position as a leader in the worldwide technical diving marketplace.