Garfield Street, a community known for its charm and diversity, never ceases to surprise. Among the hustle and bustle, YSS Dive (YSS) stands out as an unexpected gem among local businesses. This dive equipment store caters to both adventurers and enthusiasts, adding a unique twist to Garfield’s commercial scene. While the area has many local attractions, YSS provides a unique opportunity to experience the underwater world right at home.
Katherine Yackel and her husband began their journey by teaching people the ins and outs of the underwater world and proper marine etiquette. This passion opened up opportunities for the Yackels, leading them to purchase and open their first store in Hoodsport, Washington, in 2020. Their success continued in 2021 with the opening of a charter business at Hood Canal and Katherine’s hiring as the Skin and Scuba instructor at Pacific Lutheran University. The location of the scuba dive store proved to be ideal, especially considering Katherine’s role as a teacher at the university.
When asked about the most significant challenge YSS faces, Katherine responded, “Parking… parking’s the biggest challenge, but otherwise, the community is really cool!”
Beyond simply offering quality scuba gear and expertise, YSS is heavily involved in the local community. In March, YSS hosted donation drives for the Franklin Pierce School District, and on April 6, they held a community barbecue to introduce themselves to the community.
When asked about YSS’s mission, Katherine answered, “Our mission is to make sure people really understand why we need to conserve… because out of sight and out of mind is not going to help generations on this planet.” With this statement, YSS Dive demonstrates its dedication to making a difference above and below the surface.
