Meet the team

Robert Elmes Director & Instructor

I was born in 1972 and was fortunate to be brought up by the ocean. I grew up living at Eastern Beach and attended Bucklands Beach Primary, Intermediate, and Macleans College. I have always loved to swim, fish, windsurf, sail, and surf from a young age. I have been able to explore the Coromandel, including snorkelling and scuba diving as we have had a family batch (Holiday home) in Whangamata for about 40 years. I have extensive knowledge of diving in the Hauraki Gulf and its outer Islands as well. I have explored other parts of the world, but really loved Huntington Beach CA where I met my wife. I enjoyed running my business there, but like a salmon, I felt the need to migrate back to my birth place. I am now back in NZ with my wife and four kids and love teaching my passion to anyone interested.
About Us

Welcome to Epic Scuba Ltd, your gateway to exploring the mesmerizing underwater world. Established in 2000 by Robert Elmes, we began our journey as Elmesie Scuba in Los Angeles, California. Since relocating to Auckland, New Zealand, in 2011, we have continued our mission to deliver unforgettable experiences and exceptional training courses to thrill-seekers and aquatic enthusiasts alike.

As an internationally recognized snorkelling and scuba diving facility, we proudly affiliate with SSI (Scuba Schools International). We are among the largest training facilities in Auckland, and our commitment to safety and quality has earned us approval by Work Safe New Zealand as a Safe Adventure Activity/outdoor provider for snorkelling and scuba diving activities.

At Epic Scuba Ltd, we cater to a wide range of audiences, including primary, intermediate, and high/college school students and the general public. Our top priorities are safety, flexibility, good communication, and a positive, upbeat atmosphere. With us, you will learn the art of snorkelling and scuba diving and create memories that will last a lifetime. Join us today and embark on the underwater adventure you've dreamed of!

Our Partnerships and Collaborations

At Epic Scuba Ltd, we're passionate about shaping the future of underwater exploration and fostering a lifelong love of diving among students. To achieve this, we've forged strong partnerships with esteemed educational institutions and organizations.

We are proud to collaborate with NCEA (NZQA) in refining and developing the achievement credits rubrics for snorkelling and scuba diving, for year Levels 1, 2, and 3 year levels , ensuring that our courses meet the highest educational standards. Additionally, we contributed to the Mini Dippers Program, an initiative by the New Zealand Underwater Association (NZUA), which aims to promote aquatic exploration and conservation among the youth. Our engagements with Camp Quality and Top-Catch further demonstrate our commitment to spreading the joy of diving to a wider audience.

Our extensive network of collaborations with schools and colleges such as Kings College, Diocesan School for Girls College, Saint Kentigern College, St Peters College (Cambridge), Westlake Boys college, Elim College, Sacred Heart College, Glendowie College, Sancta Maria College, Takapuna Grammar, Rosehill College, Pakuranga College, Macleans College, Mt Albert Grammar, Aorere College, to name a few which, allows us to reach a diverse student population.

By working closely with these institutions, we inspire the next generation of divers and snorkelers, equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and passion to explore the underwater world safely and responsibly. Dive into a partnership with Epic Scuba Ltd and let us shape the future of diving together!