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About Us

Who We Are

Locally owned and family operated since 1973, Neptune is Tennessee’s oldest scuba diving shop, and the state’s only professional ski and snowboard shop.

We offer a wide selection of top-tier gear for both rental and purchase, featuring leading brands in scuba and snow sports, including exclusive pro shop lines you won’t find just anywhere.

Custom boot fitting is at the core of what we do. We offer the highest level of service and decades of expertise to put you into the perfect boot. All backed by a fit guarantee, because we believe in the quality of our work and your comfort on the mountain.

Our experienced scuba and ski instructors provide lessons and certifications for all ages and skill levels, with a focus on making each sport safe, accessible, and fun.

Need a tune up before your trip? Our full-service repair and rental department has you covered with expert care and quick turnaround.

Ready for adventure? Join us on one of our world-class trips to the mountains or the ocean and explore the world with Neptune.

Our History

1972
Dennis begins running dive trips to the Caribbean
1972
1973
Dennis founds the Neptune Scuba Equipment Company
1973
1976
Skiing is added to complement the dive season and Neptune becomes a full-time business.
1976
1980
Neptune starts selling snowboard equipment and running international ski trips.
1980
1995
The store moves to it's permanent, and current, home.
1995
1997
Dennis acquires MDEA.
1997
2000
Neptune expands to a second store in Alabama.
2000
2001
The year of the inaugural Neptune Tent Sale.
2001
2012
The Alabama store is sold to focus on the original Nashville store.
2012

Meet the Team

Nashville ski and snowboard shop
Nashville ski and snowboard shop
Dennis
Dennis, along with his wife Kris, is the owner of Neptune and the global dive agency MDEA. His passion for scuba diving began in 1956 at the age of 12, sparking a lifelong love for the sport. He later earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Master of Science in Fisheries Biology. In 1970, Dennis discovered snow skiing, finding the perfect winter complement to his underwater pursuits.

He became a certified dive instructor in 1973 and soon after founded Neptune Equipment Company. By 1976, skiing had been added to the business, and Neptune became Dennis’s full-time career. Since then, he has dedicated himself not only to growing his business but also to expanding the scuba diving, skiing, and snowboarding communities throughout Middle Tennessee and the surrounding region.

Over the years, Dennis has personally certified more than 3,500 divers and remains deeply committed to serving skiers and divers across Tennessee, Alabama, and beyond.
Kris Bio
Kris Bio
Kris
Kris Salisbury is the co-owner and operations manager of Neptune Diving and Ski in Nashville, Tennessee. For over 30 years, she has led day-to-day operations and served as the lead buyer for all winter soft goods, bringing energy and expertise to the business. In addition to her retail leadership, Kris spent 20 years as a Vice President at SouthTrust Bank and has worked for more than a decade as a successful commercial real estate broker.

In 2005, she founded Sports 4 All, a nonprofit supporting sports access for children with special needs. A passionate world traveler, Kris brings curiosity and connection to everything she does. Her broad experience and involvement in various ventures have allowed her to develop a deep network within the Nashville community. Her commitment to both business and community engagement reflects her dynamic approach and strong ties to the region.
Snowboarding rentals in Nashville
Snowboarding rentals in Nashville
Ben
Originally from the UK, Ben learned to ski in the Arctic Circle while deployed there as a Royal Marine. He later became an Arctic & Cold Weather Warfare Instructor, teaching others how to ski. In 2010 he was shown the light and took up snowboarding. Best described as a "lapsed scuba diver", he completed his open water certification in Thailand, 2004 and hasn't been since. The cold waters of the Atlantic don’t quite compare to the Andaman Sea.
Neptune Diving and Ski Shop
Neptune Diving and Ski Shop
Don
Don is the wizard behind the scenes in our backshop. If you’ve had your skis or snowboard tuned at Neptune, there’s a good chance Don’s the one who made them mountain-ready. An avid skier and seasoned diver, he has logged over 170 dives. His ski adventures have taken him to Austria three times, Italy once, and he (probably) holds the world record for the most day trips to Perfect North.
Corey Bio
Corey Bio
Corey
Corey has always been passionate about the outdoors and loves just about any extreme sport — from luge and cycling to MotoGP, hiking, camping, and kayaking. He's also a huge animal lover and enjoys traveling whenever he gets the chance.

Behind the Scenes

Not all of our team members are out on the shop floor every day, but their behind-the-scenes contributions are absolutely essential to what makes Neptune the store our customers know and love. From Lauren keeping our online store running seamlessly, to Julie handling major inventory assists and making sure our dive student certifications are on point, to social media sensation Sheila filling in the gaps and keeping us fueled with a lot of cake – this crew helps keep the ship on an even keel.

Sochi & Lada Working the Sales Floor

Meet Sochi and Lada, Neptune’s beloved shop dogs – and arguably the most effective sales team on staff.

Sochi, a husky-wolf mix, is the undisputed boss. When it’s time for a walk, she’ll make it very clear. Smart enough to understand that going to the bathroom means getting a treat, she may be the only dog in North America to attempt it 20 times per day.

Her big little sister, Lada, is a malamute-wolf mix and possibly the friendliest creature on Earth. She’s always ready to greet visitors, inspect the trash can for treasures, and nap.

Customers adore them, and it’s not uncommon for people to stop by just to say hello.

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