News
15 years of Total Submersion and counting
As the sun set on the last day of Total Submersion at Sunset House in Grand Cayman, guests sipped rum punch and the local Caybrew lager while sharing stories and laughter reminiscing about their experiences over the past week. Some were bragging about the incredible boat and shore diving, others were trading email addresses with new dive buddies turned friends.
Guests celebrated 15 years of Total Submersion with special guests Rachelle Deal, Vice President of Marketing at DAN, Brian Wake, Director, DAN Education and Events, Ted Foreman, Aqua Lung Regional Sales Manager for South Florida & Caribbean, and Patricia Wuest, the Editor In Chief of Sport Diver and Scuba Diving magazines. Craig Dietrich, photographer for Sport Diver Magazine, was on hand to capture smiling faces above and below the surface during the cocktail parties, catamaran cruise, rescue challenges and Total Submersion duck hunt where guests search for toy ducks in exchange for prizes.
For the first time ever, attendees participated in the week long rescue challenge that put their rescue diver skills to the test. “The ability to assist a diver in need is so important that PADI and DAN wanted to partner to introduce some fundamental diver assist skills to the participants,” says PADI Diving Society Director, Theresa Kaplan. “The goal was to make these challenges fun while teaching some very important skills, such as how to correctly administer CPR or ways to assist a tired diver back to the shore or boat.” Tom and Nancy Linek emerged the rescue challenge victorious by taking first place in the DAN/PADI sponsored CPR challenge, Rope-in-a-bag toss and timed gear removal exercise in the Sunset House sea pool. Both of them walked away with the challenge grand prize of two Aqua Lung Mikron Regulators, plus individual challenge prizes such as Aqua Lung Impulse Free Flex snorkels, DAN Rope-in-a-bag sets, DAN pocket masks, matching Aqua Lung dive team hats and more. Others who participated in the rescue challenges walked away with DAN student handbooks, Grab & Go First Aid Kits and a multitude of DAN and PADI swag. All participants also walked away with a new found interest in earning their PADI Rescue Diver certification, along with the confidence and knowledge that they have the ability to conquer this course.
Total Submersion alumni member, Karen Upchurch, was the other big winner for the week. Karen won an Aqua Lung mask, fin and snorkel set for having the best hand of poker during the Underwater Poker Run. Each participant navigated to specified locations on the Sunset House reef to receive a playing card and Karen was lucky enough to end up with the high hand of three Kings!
Even after 15 years, Total Submersion continues to unite the diving community above and below the surface. Join the PADI Diving Society today to make sure that you don’t miss out on Total Submersion next year.
Gear News
Introducing the TR-80, IR-50 and CS-30 Regulators from DYNAMICNORD
Whether you are a beginner or a professional diver – with the three new main regulators from DYNAMICNORD, everyone will find their favourite regulator. They all look super stylish.
Excellent performance with the TR-80
Quality and performance are the be-all and end-all for regulators. It is not for nothing that the TR stands for Tec Reg. The innovative design of the TR-80 guarantees absolute reliability – even in ice-cold waters.
Perfect breathing effort at 0.8 J/l / certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / structural design made of solid brass for best cold protection / membrane-compensated design with dry seal of the first stage / reduced exhalation effort thanks to optimized exhalation membrane and bubble deflector / adjustable Venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort / innovative design of the front cover prevents free-flow in strong currents or when diving with scooters / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 LP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Amazing underwater adventures with the IR-50
The IR-50 is the top regulator for advanced and experienced divers. Natural breathing is the essence of this regulator.
Ideal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / compensated membrane / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort/ outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
The Workhorse – our CS-30
For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.
Optimal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /recommended for diving in waters above 10 degrees / non-compensated piston / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) / outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 1 HP and 3 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Octopus OP-30
The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.
The TR-80, IR-50, CS-30 (DIN & INT) regulators and the Octopus OP-30 are available from DYNAMICNORD dealers and in the online store.
DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.
Marine Life & Conservation
Paul Watson Released as Denmark Blocks Japan’s Extradition Bid
Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.
The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.
Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.
In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.
Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.
Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.
The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.
Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.
Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.
-
News2 months ago
Iconic SS United States to become the World’s Largest Artificial Reef
-
News3 months ago
Book Review – 52 Assignments: Underwater Photography
-
Gear News3 months ago
DYNAMICNORD – New German diving brand enters the British market
-
News3 months ago
Exploring Cenote El Pit: A Diver’s Dream
-
Gear News3 months ago
Try BARE drysuits (and maybe even win one!) this Friday with Sea & Sea at North West Dive Fest
-
Marine Life & Conservation3 months ago
Book Review: Coral Triangle Cameos
-
Blogs2 months ago
Dive the Egyptian Red Sea this Autumn with Regaldive
-
News3 months ago
2024 Ocean Art Underwater Photo Competition Announced