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!
Marine Life & Conservation
Shark Trust launches Oceanic 31 Shark Art Auction
After a two-year tour of UK art galleries, community spaces and aquariums, the Shark Trust’s acclaimed Oceanic31 exhibition takes its final bow at the Royal Geographical Society later this month. And the unique collection of artwork, depicting 31 species of oceanic sharks and rays, donated by 31 artists, is now open for bids from art lovers and shark enthusiasts. The online auction, launched today, will close on the 7th December at 8pm (BST). The money raised will support the Shark Trust Oceanics Programme.
People can now bid on 27 of the artworks by visiting this website:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction
It is a chance to own a beautiful piece of original art and to support the Shark Trust. The timing of the auction also means that these would make a very special Christmas gift for any shark-lover.
The diversity of pieces mirrors that of the sharks and rays they represent. You can bid on paintings, digital creations, sculptures, mixed media and more. You can pick your favourite artist or species of shark. Or you can select the perfect artwork to make a statement in your home or office. Whichever you choose, you will be supporting the work to protect these amazing animals.
One of the pieces of art has been selected to be auctioned live by Steve Backshall at the For the Love of Sharks event at the Royal Geographical Society in London on the 29th November. In addition to this, two further pieces will be raffled at this event, giving people a chance to win an incredible piece of shark art. For the Love of Sharks is the Shark Trust’s flagship evening. A night to celebrate sharks. Steve Backshall is the headline speaker at this event that will see other prominent shark advocates join him on stage.
Tickets for the event can be snapped up here:
https://thesharktrust.org.uk/Event/flos24
Those that would like to see the Oceanic 31 exhibition have one final chance. It is being displayed at the Pavilion at the Royal Geographic Society from 26th November until the 7th December. Entry is free.
Find out more here:
https://www.rgs.org/events/upcoming-events/oceanic-31
Paul Cox, Shark Trust CEO, Said “This exhibition has given us the opportunity to reach out to a new audience. And inspire more people with the wonderful sharks and rays on which our Big Shark Pledge campaign is based. We are immensely grateful to the 31 artists who have worked so hard to create these works.”
Bid for your favourite Oceanic 31 artwork here:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction
Banner Image: Smooth Hammerhead by Alicia Hayden
Gear News
Introducing the RS Series Drysuit from DYNAMICNORD
Cozy and warm in cold water.
It’s drysuit season all year round. With the new RS series premium drysuits from DYNAMICNORD, divers are perfectly equipped for all cold waters.
The sophisticated cut of the RS drysuits allows complete freedom of movement, providing maximum comfort. The high-quality 350 g/m² ripstop material with double ripstop zones on the elbows, knees, and crotch protect ensures extreme robustness as well as long life.
The suit’s features leave nothing to be desired: A high-quality TiZip zipper, easily adjustable inlet and outlet valves, upgradeable with electrically heated underwear, HP bottleneck cuffs made of high-strength latex on the wrists, a 3mm neoprene neck cuff for maximum comfort, a 7mm hood with air outlet and 3mm boots made of double-sided, cross-layered neoprene with ankle straps and fin strap stoppers and a protective but very flexible sole.
Noteworthy is the Molle fastening system, which can be used in a variable and compatible manner. This way, the two detachable leg pockets can be attached easily, safely and comfortably.
Alterations of boots to a different shoe size or adjustments to neck or wrist cuffs are done free of charge at the own DYNAMICNORD service centre in Germany in only a couple of days.
The matching Dynaskins made with high-quality Polartec® technology are available in various designs. As an undersuit under the drysuit, as a single suit in warm waters or as a two-piece suit. Polartec® technology’s main features are neutral buoyancy, breathablilty and quick-drying.
Dynaskins are made largely from recycled plastic bottles.
The drysuit RS-351 for men and RS-352 for women are now available at your DYNAMICNORD dealer and in the online store.
Colors men and women: Black-Blue and Black-Burgundy
Sizes men: XS-4XL incl. intermediate sizes MS, MT, MLS, MLT, LS, LT, XLS, XLT, 2XLS, 3XLS, 4XLS
Sizes Women: XS-XL incl. intermediate sizes MS, MT, LS, XLS
DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.
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