News
Dive into the Cayman Islands this October with Legends and Lions: a weeklong celebration of Cayman diving
Long recognized as the birthplace of recreational diving and renowned for its exceptional and diverse diving, the Cayman Islands’ dive industry is inviting all divers to join them in a weeklong celebration of the sport called Legends and Lions.
Taking place from the 4th – 11th October 2014, the inaugural dive festival will showcase Cayman’s superb dive product, honor dive legends being inducted into the International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame, give attendees the chance to join the fight against invasive Lionfish and feature incredible savings in dive packages offered by Cayman’s top dive operators Red Sail Sports, Divetech, Ocean Frontiers and Sunset House.
“It is only logical that one of the world’s top scuba diving destinations should have an annual festival celebrating the sport and highlighting Cayman’s fantastic marine world,” said Red Sail Sports Operations Manager Rod McDowall.
Teaming up with the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, the dive industry leaders are bringing together several existing scuba promotions during this traditionally slow time of year to take advantage of excellent off-season rates for this scuba week. Legends and Lions will feature plenty of excellent diving and a number of special topside events. Conservation-minded divers can join the frontline in the battle against the invasive Lionfish – threatening all Caribbean reefs – with a Lionfish culling certification and then removing the pesky predators from local reefs. But that’s not all – the day’s fresh Lionfish catch will be cooked up and enjoyed during a street party hosted by local artist and environmentalist Guy Harvey.
To cap off this scuba week celebration, participants will attend the International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame Induction Dinner, where some of the biggest names in the dive industry will be honored. Cayman is host to the International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame and all Legends and Lions participants will be invited to attend. These year’s inductees are Alese and Mort Pechter, Bill Acker, Chuck Nicklin, Dan Orr and Neal Watson.
“Divers from around the world will have the opportunity to dive with a dive legend who helped create the sport we all love, and diving with a legend is something you cannot do anywhere,” said Sunset House General Manager Keith Sahm. “Here in the Cayman Islands each attendee will not only be able to dive with them, but they’ll also get a chance to mingle with these dive pioneers when they attend the Awards Night dinner as part of their Legends and Lions package.”
Also invited to attend the festival on a familiarization trip are the top performers from dive shops and booking agents who have participated in Cayman’s Tanks A Lot Rewards Program.
Taking advantage of shoulder season rates, Legends and Lions dive packages offer an excellent price for a 7-day stay. The packages include six daily 2-tank dives to the island’s top dive sites, a dive on the ex-USS Kittiwake wreck, a Lionfish certification with Lionfish Hunt Dive Competition, Lionfish Dinner with Underwater Photo Competition, International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame Induction Dinner and assorted on-island discounts.
Cayman’s leading dive operators are pulling out all the stops to ensure everyone enjoys an unforgettable dive vacation. Red Sail Sports is adding a free Sunset Sail aboard a luxury Catamaran and a 20% discount on beach toys at all its beach locations. Divetech’s package offers a full meal plan, unlimited shore diving, a dive on the underwater sculpture ‘Guardian of the Reef’, and a pool rebreather test and demonstration. Sunset House’s perks include a Stingray City dive, an afternoon dive on the USS Kittiwake, unlimited shore diving, DAN insurance for an additional $40, plus a welcome drink and gift. Ocean Frontiers’ package added-value offerings include a car rental for the entire stay, shore diving, a catamaran sail and a bottle of wine.
Leading dive operators hope to grow Legends and Lions into the destination’s signature annual dive event promoting its best natural resources – Cayman’s spectacular underwater world, presented by the best dive operators in the business, topped off with exceptional Caymanian hospitality.
“It should soon be on every divers calendar – fantastic diving and accommodations, great air connections, the chance to meet industry celebrities and greats, help the environment by culling and eating the dreaded Lionfish, party and have fun in the Caribbean – what more would you want?” asked Rod McDowall.
To book a Legends and Lions package visit www.divecayman.ky/scubaweek.
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.
-
News2 months ago
Iconic SS United States to become the World’s Largest Artificial Reef
-
News3 months ago
Book Review – 52 Assignments: Underwater Photography
-
Gear News3 months ago
DYNAMICNORD – New German diving brand enters the British market
-
News3 months ago
Exploring Cenote El Pit: A Diver’s Dream
-
Gear News3 months ago
Try BARE drysuits (and maybe even win one!) this Friday with Sea & Sea at North West Dive Fest
-
Marine Life & Conservation3 months ago
Book Review: Coral Triangle Cameos
-
Blogs2 months ago
Dive the Egyptian Red Sea this Autumn with Regaldive
-
News3 months ago
2024 Ocean Art Underwater Photo Competition Announced