News
Get ready for DIVE 2014
The last weekend of October sees the UK’s Dive Show of the year at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham.
Even when you aren’t diving you can still have fun in the company of divers, and that’s what the Dive Shows are all about.
Enthusiasts have had a long wait since the London Dive Show took place in February, but this year’s Birmingham NEC event on 25/26 October is now taking shape and advance bookings are being taken.
Booking ahead not only saves significantly on the ticket price but puts you in the frame for the possibility of winning a three-week dive trip of a lifetime for two to Papua New Guinea worth £12,500 – the biggest Show Grand Draw prize.
KIT UP AND GO
So what can you expect to find at the NEC this year? More than enough dive-gear manufacturers, distributors and retailers to ensure that all your kit needs are covered – compare and contrast, try and buy.
The doors are open to dive centres from all over the world as well as tour operators and training agencies, all with specialists on hand to discuss your next dive-trip, whether it’s purely for fun or with a skills-boosting slant.
The Asia-Pacific Showcase, Caribbean Village and British Isles Experience (look out for free dive-computers from Suunto) help to make specific providers easy to find.
WETTER THE BETTER
Talking of skills, the PADI Village will dazzle you with possibilities for travel and training, while BSAC and SSI are among other training agencies set to have a presence at the Show, the former with its Branch Pods.
The Try-Dive Pool, which gives youngsters and others a chance to get a taste of breathing under water, is now run by staff from the Dive School at Stoney Cove, the UK National Diving Centre, so the kids will be well-supervised.
The Technical Pool, run by Midlands Rebreather Diving, provides a chance for divers to get wet with unfamiliar kit, especially the new breed of closed-circuit rebreathers.
And expect more in-water activity with Marcus Greatwood’s NoTanx freediving crew, who will also be conducting free dry breath-hold training sessions and leading you through the 3D Simulator and Total Immersion Freedive Experience.
TALKING STARS
The full special guest presentation line-up has still to be finalised, but already set to speak are divers of the calibre of TV presenters Monty Halls and Paul Rose; Australian great white shark deep cage-diving specialist Andrew Fox; and technical instructor Mark Powell, whose latest provocative presentation title is “Are Rebreathers Safe?”
Newcomers at DIVE 2014 will be crime-fighting divers Claire Gwinnett and Laura Walton-Williams, who run courses in underwater forensics; and South Africa’s Patrick Voorma, who seems to be uncovering historic wrecks by the month.
Other technical wreck-divers include the familiar faces of Jack Ingle, with his workshop on being a better wreck-diver, and Leigh Bishop, who is taking part this year in some extraordinary, deep and at the moment still secret expeditions.
At the less hairy end of the diving spectrum, we hope to have some recent Miss Scuba champions present to share their experiences, too!
IMAGE CENTRAL
Beside the two main presentation areas, the DIVER Stage and the Centre Stage, expect a powerful line-up of audio-visual presentations in the two Ocean Theatres.
Centre Stage is where you’ll be able to see presentations by PhotoZone experts dedicated to helping visitors hone their photographic and videographic talents, including the likes of Saeed Rashid, Paul Duxfield and John Carlin.
One-to-one advice on technique and equipment will also available in the PhotoZone from British Society of Underwater Photography (BSoUP) members and others.
BSoUP’s annual Prints Competition entries will be displayed, with the chance for you to get involved in the judging, and there will also be a special big pelagics photography display by Danny Kessler and Doug Perrine.
RIB-EYE VIEW
Look out too for Humber’s exciting 7m dive RIB, purpose-built for Great British Expedition leader Monty Halls, which is set to be unveiled at the Show.
BOOKING NOW
Book online for DIVE 2014 now and you save £3 per ticket – advance tickets cost just £9.50, instead of £12.50 on the door. Under 16s accompanied by an adult can enter free.
Order six or more advance tickets and save even more, paying only £8.50 per ticket – just visit www.diveshows.co.uk.
Blogs
Discover Curaçao with the Ultimate Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition
Dive Travel Curaçao is thrilled to announce the launch of the Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition, an expertly curated resource that unveils the unparalleled dive experiences and vacation possibilities awaiting you in Curaçao. Produced exclusively for the Diving Equipment & Marketing Association (DEMA) Show 2024, this special edition guide is packed with exclusive insights, travel tips, and limited-time DEMA offers that make it easier than ever to explore Curaçao’s stunning underwater landscapes and vibrant culture.
Explore Curaçao’s Unmatched Diving Opportunities
With over 70 diverse dive sites along its southern coastline, Curaçao is a bucket-list destination for divers of all experience levels. From thriving coral reefs and intricate marine ecosystems to historic shipwrecks, the island offers a variety of underwater experiences that are hard to match. The Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition provides detailed recommendations for both shore and boat diving, making it a valuable tool for divers seeking the best entry points, pristine reefs, and hidden treasures along the coastline. Whether you are an avid wreck diver, or a beginner interested in shallow reefs, Curaçao has it all.
Uncover Eco-Friendly Dive Resorts and Top Dive Operators
This DEMA 2024-exclusive Curaçao guide goes beyond diving to feature insider information on Curaçao’s eco-friendly accommodations, dive resorts, and top-rated dive operators committed to sustainable dive tourism. From all-inclusive resorts that support coral reef restoration initiatives to charming boutique hotels near prime dive locations, the guide helps travelers find the ideal stay to match their vacation goals. It also spotlights trusted dive operators on the island who prioritize environmental preservation, offering travelers a way to enjoy the underwater world responsibly.
Immerse Yourself in Curaçao’s Culture, Culinary Delights, and Adventure
Curaçao offers a vibrant Caribbean culture rich in history, music, and culinary fusion. The guide reveals Curaçao’s hidden gems, including culinary hotspots, historical sites, and eco-tourism opportunities that will appeal to both divers and non-divers. Visitors can explore the island’s iconic architecture, savor a diverse range of dishes influenced by Caribbean, European, and South American flavors, and embark on land-based eco-adventures, such as hiking, cave exploration, and visiting national parks.
Exclusive DEMA 2024 Specials and Limited-Time Dive Packages
This special edition guide features limited-time DEMA 2024 offers on dive packages, accommodations, and excursions. Travelers who book through Dive Travel Curaçao, or our Curaçao dive travel partners attending DEMA, will have access to exclusive discounts on custom dive vacation packages, making it easier to plan an affordable, high-quality dive trip that fits your preferences. The Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition is designed to simplify your travel planning and help you dive deeper into the incredible experiences that Curaçao has to offer.
It’s Time to Dive Curaçao!
Now is the time to discover why Curaçao is a top dive destination in the Caribbean! Dive Travel Curaçao invites you to experience an unforgettable dive vacation with exclusive DEMA 2024 specials tailored just for you. To secure your spot, download a copy of the Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition and contact the Dive Travel Curaçao team to start customizing your Caribbean dive adventure today.
For more information and bookings, please visit Dive Curaçao’s website or contact our reservations team directly.
News
Santa Divers take the Plunge for Charity
Ho Ho Ho! Vobster Quay’s recording-breaking charity Santa diving event returns on Sunday 15th December 2024 for another round of festive fundraising frivolities. Run in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes, this ever-popular annual fundraising event aims to raise sack-loads of cash for these two very deserving charities.
Divers of all levels are invited to grab their Santa outfits – and as much festive cheer as they can muster – and head down to Vobster Quay near Mells, Somerset for a mass sponsored Santa dive in aid of charity. In previous years, the event has attracted divers from the far corners of the UK to join in the festive merriment for a final festive dive before the Christmas and New Year break. Back in 2015, the event smashed the world record for the most Santa divers with 188 divers taking to the waters donning their festive finery – a record that remains unbeaten to this day!
Vobster Santas isn’t just about setting records – it’s also about raising some serious cash for charity. Vobster Quay encourages all divers to get into the spirit of the season to raise much-needed funds for two very deserving charities – the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes.
Through individual sponsorship and online donations, divers can invite their friends, family and work colleagues to sponsor them to plunge into the balmy waters of Vobster Quay dressed in full festive finery. Since the very first Santa dive in 2007, the event has raised over £52,000 for charity. “It’s been over 17 years since the very first charity Santa dive took place at Vobster Quay and every year the event just keeps getting bigger and better” enthused Vobster Quay owner, Amy Stanton.
“Vobster Santas is a great way for divers to say a massive thank you to the both the RNLI and Help For Heroes – two very deserving charities close to our hearts. We’re immensely proud of all that Vobster Santas has achieved and hope that even more divers will join this year’s event on Sunday 15th December. I’m confident that we can make Vobster Santas 2024 the biggest yet!”.
Divers wishing to participate can get involved by simply registering their attendance at
www.vobster.com/event-vobstersantas.php.
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