News
2017 in Sharm el Sheikh
In case you have missed it, the New Year looms; we prepare to say goodbye to 2017 and eagerly look ahead with childlike eyes to 2018.
It is the time to make our New Year’s resolutions. This is something I always struggle with. What should I choose? Eat less, work out more, spend more time in nature, meditate….? The list is endless.
2018 will be different. This year I will make it my resolution to persuade scuba divers old and new, to visit Sharm el Sheikh or to come #backtosharm. However before we move forward, I would like to take this chance to look back over some of the highlights from the last year in Sharm el Sheikh…
You may think that Sharm is quiet and just for diving, this is a very deceptive idea.
Sharm el Sheikh has hosted many conferences over the years, and 2017 was no different. I think the highlight of them this year was the televised World Youth Forum. This was an engaging platform developed to send a message of peace, prosperity and harmony to the entire world from promising youths from around the globe. It was a chance for the youth of the world, who are determined to create real change, to speak to top policy makers.
The opening ceremony was spectacular with the “Triumphal March” from the Opera Aida and keynote speakers that included the Academy Award Winning Actress Helen Hunt, amongst others. With over 3000 youths from 113 countries, it was an honorable moment for Sharm, The City of Peace, to host such an event.
Another proud event was Shark Week at Camel Dive Club. This was coordinated by the Camel Dive Club’s Eco Tribe and included activities such as underwater clean ups and a shark themed quiz at Camel Bar. The highlight was the sponsored Fin Walk where guests sponsored their dive guides to walk the 0.7km from the dive centre to the jetty in their fins!
It was hysterical and with the help of our lovely guests, Eco Tribe and Camel Dive Club raised over 350 British Pounds for the wonderful charity, Project AWARE.
In 2017, Sharm el Sheikh also saw the return of many direct flights from countries including Belgium, Switzerland, Poland, Czech Republic and Scandinavia. These lucky holidaymakers have experienced Sharm at its best, with some of the best ever underwater sightings, including mola mola, sailfish and whalesharks.
The most epic event, however, was the return of the peanuts to Camel Bar. After a 7 year absence, they reappeared during a phenomenal evening in November. A celebration that featured live music from local rock band, 31 Degrees North, some roaring karaoke and dancing on peanut covered crunchy floors as well as the bar. It was a true Sharm style party.
If all of this is still not persuading you that Sharm is safe and still has a lot to offer, in 2018 I will persevere with more reasons why you should book your next holiday here.
Happy New Year to you all! See you in 2018.
Inspired? Take a look at www.cameldive.com and book your trip!
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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