Copeland’s Dive Shop, the oldest in Texas, is preparing to close after nearly seventy years of serving the Coastal Bend community.
A Longstanding Family Legacy
- Jim Copeland founded the business in 1957 as the Pescadores Dive Club.
- He was inspired to start the shop after encountering unsafe conditions with air tanks, which fueled his passion for diving.
- The shop has remained a family-run business for over 50 years, with multiple generations involved.
A Pioneer in Coastal Texas
- It was among the first dedicated dive shops in the region.
- Over time, the shop expanded its offerings to include:
- Surfboards
- Ski equipment
- It became a staple for outdoor and water sports enthusiasts in Corpus Christi.
Challenges and Resilience
- The business survived major setbacks, including:
- Burglaries at early locations
- Hurricane Celia in 1970
- Despite changing market conditions and niche demand, the shop continued to adapt.
Closure Plans
- Owner Jim Copeland has given the business thirty days to find a buyer.
- If no buyer is found, the shop is expected to close permanently.
Community Impact
- The closure marks the end of a historic, first-of-its-kind business on the Texas coast.
- This will leave a gap in the local market, particularly for specialty outdoor and dive equipment.
Final Reflection
The Copeland family described the business as more than a store; it was a shared lifelong journey built on passion, resilience, and community.
Source: Drew Bishop, KRIS-TV
https://www.kristv.com/news/local-news/in-your-neighborhood/corpus-christi/southside/texas-oldest-dive-shop-prepares-to-close-its-doors-after-serving-the-coastal-bend-for-nearly-70-years