You may want to try www.meetup.com The website allows you to search TONS of topics by interest and meet up with other people in the area that have the same interest. I found a link for a scuba group out of Durham as the closest. But, you can also start your own group and get new members. It's easy! http://scuba.meetup.com/131/?gj=sj2
Fairly new dive shop opened not long ago in Surf City in building next to Food Lion. Name is Carolina Divers. Have not checked them out, but hope to do some diving next summer.