News
20 things to do in Sharm el Sheikh in 2020 – PART 1
With direct flights from the UK to Sharm back on offer since the end of 2019, all lovers of Sharm – both staff and tourists alike – are excited. But once you actually get here, what is there to do? 20 things are quite a few, there are only 10 here, so stay tuned for Part 2 tomorrow!
1. Dive from the boat in Ras Mohamed – Ras Mohamed National Park features one of the top ten dive sites in the world, Shark & Yolanda Reef amongst other reefs. This one reef (actually made up of four reefs) is exceptional though as it provides stunning corals combined with exciting fish sightings in one place all year round.
2. Dive SS Thistlegorm – This sometimes challenging dive (so you must have a minimum of 20 logged dives to dive the wreck) never ceases to provide divers with excitement and adventure. Exploring the locomotives and the inner holds is a must for even the most hardened wreck junkie.
3. Take your PADI Advanced Open Water certification – Don’t have enough dives for the Thistlegorm, how about completing your Advanced course with a friendly dive center like 100% Project AWARE center Anthias Divers, that specializes in tailor made dive packages, to gain more experience? In only two days, you will be certified to dive to 30 meters and discover all manner of other useful skills.
4. Post on social media – I know that you are on holiday and many of you would rather forgo technology, but on the off chance you are still connected whilst you here, don’t forget to tell your friends how great Sharm is. After the recent years, Sharm needs a team effort to help remind the world what a great place it is.
5. Dive Ras Mohamed by land – Boat diving not your bag? How about a relaxing shore dive from a Bedouin camp in Ras Mohamed? Take in the beautiful contrast of where desert meets the sea as you kit up, and then enjoy a peaceful dive with few other divers.
6. Take your PADI Open Water Course – I almost forgot, Sharm is not just for certified divers. If you are not yet a qualified diver, Sharm is the perfect place to learn to dive. The warm, turquoise waters and many shallow bays make this top diving destination ideal for taking your first underwater breathes in a stress-free environment.
7. Go ice skating – Yes, really! Fancy cooling down in the evening after a sunny day on the boat. There are even two ice skating rinks here for you to test your talents.
8. Enjoy the blue skies – Sharm el Sheikh is one of the few destinations where 365 days of sunshine is pretty much guaranteed. Even without the fabulous diving, this is a definite reason to visit, especially during Europe’s ever longer winter that seems to get colder by the day.
9. Snorkel – Lost for ideas for what to do on your non diving day before you fly home or want to pacify the non-divers in your party? Go snorkeling. The 30-meter visibility provides great views of the reef and its inhabitants, even from the surface.
10. Take a quad bike journey to the desert – If you would prefer to be dry on the last day before you fly (although I really don’t understand why), take a quad bike tour into the desert and enjoy the outstanding Bedouin tea and hospitality.
Still not enough things for you to do in Sharm el Sheikh? Don’t forget to check back for Part 2 tomorrow, where there will be even more ideas. In the meantime, sunny regards from Sharm to keep you all warm.
Inspired? Take a look at www.anthiasdivers.com to find out more!
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.
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