News
A freedivers take on the ‘Sleeveless’ Aqua Sphere Pursuit SL Universal Triathlon Wetsuit
Advertised as an ‘entry level’ triathlon wetsuit, the Sleeveless Aqua Sphere Pursuit SL Universal Triathlon Wetsuit seems to have receive an overwhelming thumbs-up by online customers for its durability, quality, fit, comfort and price. So, will it lend itself just as well to freediving?
As with all my other pool suits I like to try to arrive at a happy equilibrium . . .
1. Fit – no flushing, yet enough room to breathe (or breathe-up)
2. Flexibility – especially around chest and shoulders
3. Warmth
4. Efficiency – glide properties though water
5. Price (the stage at which equilibrium always seems to be compromised!)
So, for anyone that knows me, height is not my strong point and means that buying ‘off-the-peg’ can be a challenge. However I’m using a size ‘X-Small’ instead of the ‘Small’ (hedging my bets on the ‘Sleeveless’) which should guarantee no flushing and good glide properties. First thing I noticed once on is it’s very comfortable. Even as a slightly tighter suit there was enough give to fit my proportions comfortably and allow unrestricted movement. I usually struggle with a long-sleeved suit with my breathe-up. Often it feels restricted by the suit’s tight fit around the chest, but this was not the case with the Sleeveless Aqua Sphere. The openings for the arms are comfortably large so allowing ample free movement for chest and shoulders. What I particularly like is the soft rubber lip around the opening and on the neck collar that creates a comfortable seal to the skin.
After 1 ½ hours in the pool I was still comfortable – the soft rubber seals evidently doing a good job.
With a 3.5mm one piece, full frontal neoprene panel that covers the chest down to the legs and on the back also a 3.5mm panel but surrounded by a 1mm neoprene V shape running all the way from the lower back, up and over the shoulders, the design has great flexibility in all the right places. With a nylon inner but smooth outer, this suit glides well through water and with no flushing. On breath up if the suit does stick a little across the chest, I lightly lift the rubber seal around the arms just enough to let the water free the material from my skin.
An added bonus is that the suit works very well as a second thermal layer to the 5mm open-cell freediving wetsuit that I use for open water. The smooth outer skin of the Aqua Sphere slides easily into the wetsuit (with lubrication of course) and as in the pool the wide openings of those sleeveless arms gives me greater flexibility for a large inhale. If you’re concerned about the zip damaging the inside of a fragile custom suit, this is nicely tucked away under a collar with only the toggle hanging out.
On pricing this suit compares favourably with similar suits in this price range, but on quality, warmth, efficiency, durability… and for me the sleeveless arms, I have a suit that balances well with my ‘equilibrium’.
Photo: Frogfish Photography
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.
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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