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UNEXSO Trains First Bahamian Woman Shark Feeder

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Unexso logoNot many people are brave enough to swim with the sharks, much less feed them, but Rachelle Lazarre is proving that she isn’t like many people with each new dive.

As the Underwater Explorers Society’s (UNEXSO) youngest divemaster, and after having recently completed her shark feeding training, Rachelle has become the first Bahamian woman shark feeder.

“”I am so grateful for this opportunity,” said Rachelle. “I am very excited to carry on the twenty-five year tradition of UNEXSO’s shark diving program and to belong to a company that will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year. Cristina has been an amazing role model and teacher and I am looking forward my next experiences.”

Rachelle began her career at UNEXSO in the high school dive programme at St George’s High School and joined the staff after graduation. After a brief three year hiatus from the company, Rachelle went back and completed her divemaster class as well as becoming a videographer for various dives at UNEXSO.  She also holds a level B boat captain’s license.

UNEXSO 3“As the training coordinator at UNEXSO, I’m extremely proud of Rachelle because I’ve watched her go through the ranks of training and as a fellow woman diver … I have a soft spot for her,” said Cristina Zenato, UNEXSO Diving Supervisor, Women Divers Hall of Fame inductee in 2011 and a featured shark feeder on Discovery channel’s Shark Week.

“Although I mainly conduct the upper level training, I coordinate all of the training here, and it has made me so proud to see a Bahamian woman reach this level.  It just shows Rachelle’s level of determination, as the training is rigorous and of course a little bit scary since you’re dealing with sharks!”

UNEXSO, in its almost 50 years of operation, has trained countless Bahamians to become dive instructors in The Bahamas.  They have offered a free dive training programme for students of St. Georges High School for the last twenty years, allowing senior high school students to come in one day per week to learn the basics of diving and work in the equipment room.  Students who participate in this programme are also able to participate in summer internships at UNEXSO, and those who excel are often offered jobs after graduation.

“Diving has just become a part of my everyday life,” said Rachelle. “Sure I was scared at first about feeding sharks, but with the help of Christina I have learned that I have to control the feedings and direct the sharks.  It’s very cool and I get to do this as a career and to be the first Bahamian female doing this makes me smile!”

UNEXSO hopes to continue to train Bahamians to become divemasters and other dive specialists as their achievements are always proud moments for everyone at UNEXSO. With another female shark diver on their team you can continue to expect great things from UNEXSO.

Learn more about UNEXSO and their various dive training programmes by visiting www.unexso.com.

 

Source: www.thebahamasweekly.com

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Palau Resurfaces! Visit Us at boot 2025 in Duesseldorf and Discover Why!

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palau

Following a period away, Palau – a dream destination for countless divers – is excited to rejoin the boot water sports show in Duesseldorf, Germany.

This prestigious water sports show, taking place from January 18 to 26, 2025, provides Palau with a platform to showcase its unique offerings in diving, snorkelling, and sustainable tourism.

Located in the western Pacific’s Micronesian region and part of the Caroline Islands, the Republic of Palau comprises over 340 picturesque islands. Although small in landmass, Palau is a natural wonder both above and below the water.

Palau is renowned as a global leader in environmental conservation. Years ago, the nation implemented forward-thinking measures to preserve its natural resources. In 2009, Palau became the world’s first national shark sanctuary, banning commercial shark fishing. To further protect its marine ecosystem, home to over 1,500 fish species and about 700 coral species, Palau established a fully protected marine sanctuary spanning 193,000 square miles in 2015.

Palau’s return to the boot shows marks a significant moment for the island nation, celebrated for its crystal-clear waters, pristine coral reefs, and extraordinary marine biodiversity. Visitors to the Palau booth will discover a vision of sustainable tourism, as environmental stewardship is deeply ingrained in the islanders’ way of life.

“We are thrilled to return to Germany and share the beauty and diversity of Palau with the world,” says Kadoi Ruluked, Managing Director of the Palau Visitors Authority, who will lead the delegation at the trade show. “boot provides an outstanding platform to position Palau as a premier destination for sustainable tourism and a true paradise for underwater adventures.”

Amid growing global efforts toward eco-friendly tourism, Palau continues to set benchmarks with initiatives such as the “Palau Pledge.” By signing this pledge, visitors commit to respecting and protecting the environment during their stay. These and other measures will be highlighted at the event to raise awareness of marine ecosystem conservation.

The boot water sports show offers a unique opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in Palau’s culture and natural beauty while planning unforgettable diving and snorkelling trips. The Palau Visitors Authority warmly invites all attendees to explore their booth and experience the unspoiled charm of Palau.

Learn everything there is to know about this extraordinary destination at
Hall 12, booth nr. E42.

The exhibition runs from January 18 to 26, 2025, in Duesseldorf.

For more information or to schedule interviews and meetings, please contact: Judith Hoppe, WhatsApp: +49-151-5523 1966, e-mail palau@tourism-unlimited.com

For more information about Palau, please visit: www.pristineparadisepalau.com or follow us on social media at https://www.instagram.com/visitpalau/ or https://www.facebook.com/pristineparadisepalau/

Photo credit: © Judith Hoppe

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Gear Reviews

Gear Review: SurfEars 4

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SurfEars

Let me get this out there at the start… it is not possible for me to write an unbiased review on SurfEars! Why? – because they saved my diving career. That may sound over-dramatic, but it is true. I had been told by my ENT specialist that I should stop diving. Repeated perforations, including a stint of 4 infections causing ear drum ruptures in a single year, meant that things looked very bleak. Until a friend recommended that I get in touch with the team at SurfEars and to try them out.

That was over 5 years ago, and I have not looked back. Not a single ear infection in all the dives since. If you want to read my initial review of SurfEars then you can find it here: https://www.scubaverse.com/gear-review-surfears/

So, I was more than pleased to receive the latest SurfEars 4 to try out. I took them on a recent trip to The Bahamas where I was filming for a new project all about sharks. SurfEars come in a handy pod that I secure to my BCD so that I am sure not to forget to take them on the boat and to put them in before I head into the water. The new model comes in 2 new colours and have a range of fittings to ensure a perfect fit. Once in, you can still hear what is going on around you. Vital for any last-minute instructions for your dive.

SurfEars

Underwater they do their job in keeping water out. It is still just as easy to equalise the pressure, as air movement is not restricted at all. The new fittings mean that I can change to a slightly smaller fitting to wear under my hood for cold water diving. Once in, I just forget all about them, and enjoy my diving (snorkeling and swimming) with complete peace of mind.

The new version of SurfEars is now using recycled ocean plastic and repurposed silicone so are more eco-friendly. They are said to be even tougher and will last longer. Although my previous set were still going strong.

Whatever your chosen water sport – I cannot recommend SurfEars enough. Whilst they literally enabled me to continue diving, I would suggest using them to protect your ears before any unwanted trips to the doctor. I never go in the water without them. They are at the top of my packing list for any trip.

For more information head to: https://surfears.com/

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