GRATEFUL DIVER'S STORY

Grateful Diver was created in 1995 when Grateful Dead co-founder and drummer Bill Kreutzmann, an avid diver, had the inspiration to design a Grateful Diver logo by placing the iconic Grateful Dead lightning bolt on a red dive flag. Kreutzmann then granted Coral Forest, a nonprofit coral reef conservation organization, the rights to use it for marine conservation fundraising initiatives. Bob Weir, Grateful Dead co-founder and rhythm guitarist, was a member of the Coral Forest board of directors.

In 1998, Coral Forest merged with Reef Relief, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and protecting the coral reef ecosystem through education and outreach in the Florida Keys and approval to use the Grateful Diver logo was passed to them. Over the years, Grateful Diver merchandise has been sold online and used for many events and fundraisers to generate revenue to assist in Reef Relief’s conservation efforts. These items have proudly displayed the Grateful Diver flag, connecting ocean lovers, dive enthusiasts, and outdoorsmen from around the globe while raising thousands of dollars to help save coral reefs, a vital part of our ecosystem.

In the fall of 2020, Coley Faircloth, a small-business owner based in Key West, began expanding the apparel and gear selection to generate more revenue for Reef Relief and the many conservation initiatives that so desperately need it. Grateful Diver’s core mission is to preserve and protect our vulnerable environmental resources by bringing together determined, passionate, outdoor enthusiasts who share a deep value and appreciation for the natural world. With your help, Grateful Diver and Reef Relief can make giant strides to help educate individuals about the importance of environmental conservation and to preserve the environment around us, now and for future generations. Join us and be a Grateful Diver!