News
Announcing the Winner of Scubaverse.com’s Video of the Year 2021
2021 has been an incredible year for entries into the Scubaverse monthly video competition. There has been quality as well as quantity. Judging each month has been difficult as all the films were excellent in one way or another, be it the story telling, camerawork, narration, lighting, animal behaviour, artistic flare, editing. All were great to watch and I look forward to seeing entries in 2022.
To pick an overall winner for 2021 I have had help from Sven Harms and Lindsay Lynch from SeaLife Cameras and also Jake Davies, marine biologist and videographer.
Winner of Scubaverse.com’s Video of the Year 2021
Winner: Tiger (Shark) King by Clayton Conn
Clayton Conn, freelance journalist and film maker who won the November competition wrote: ‘It was a great experience and privilege to participate in the Scubaverse monthly video contest. There are very few dedicated places online that underwater filmmakers, novice to experienced, can share their videography and cinematography with such accessibility and receive positive yet critical feedback. No sense of negative competition here, rather a place where all underwater filmmakers can level up together’.
Jake Davies wrote of the film: ‘A very well produced video using a huge amount of production skills throughout. The video is full of high quality camera work above and below water and beautifully edited. Having an interviewee is great in telling a personal storyline and gets lots of messages across more efficiently along with keeping engagement. Top quality and very well produced – great work on creating such an informative piece with lots of important information and messaging’.
There was a special note from Sven Harms and Lindsay Lynch about ‘Breathing under the sea by Noemie Stroh’ our March winner: ‘We loved March for the really flowing and lively wildlife. The editing was very good and it kept us engaged for the entire video – this was the deciding part’.
Thanks again to all those who took part and I wish you a great filming 2022. That you to all the competition sponsors.
The winner of the 2021 competition takes away an incredible assortment of prizes:
7 Nights at Bunaken Oasis Dive Resort, Indonesia
Bunaken Oasis redefines diving in Bunaken. Positioned very much at the luxury end of the spectrum, Bunaken Oasis’ aim is to provide a 5-star luxury diving experience whilst keeping its ecological footprint to a minimum.
Find out more about Bunaken Oasis Dive Resort at www.bunakenoasis.com.
Suunto D5 Dive Computer
The Suunto D5 is designed to be so clear and easy-to-use that you can just enjoy and focus on exploring the wonderful underwater world.
Find out more about the Suunto D5 dive computer here.
Paralenz Vaquita Underwater Camera
Paralenz Vaquita is a small and powerful underwater camera with a simple mission: to enable you to seamlessly capture and share brilliant underwater videos.
Find out more about the Paralenz Vaquita Underwater Camera here.
Mares Dual ADJ 62X Regulator
The Dual Adj 62X scuba diver regulator is the smallest and most compact first stage ever made by Mares. That’s why it’s the perfect travel companion for divers all over the world.
Find out more about the Mares Dual ADJ 62X Regulator here.
Sharkskin Titanium Chillproof
The Titanium Chillproof has FIR reflective technology that reflects and retains the Far Infrared Heat Energy from our bodies back into our bodies subsequently causing a rise in temperature, increased blood flow and improved metabolic function – i.e. we will be warmer.
Find out more about the Sharkskin Titanium Chillproof here.
XDEEP Radical Mask
The XDEEP Radical frameless mask allows you to take in more of what is around you, enhancing both the dive experience and your situational awareness of you, your team and the environment.
Find out more about the XDEEP Radical Mask here.
Northern Diver Varilux Zoom 1000 Lumen Rechargeable Dive Torch
The three white light settings make the ‘Varilux Zoom’ a fantastic multi-purpose dive torch.
Find out more about the Northern Diver Varilux Zoom 1000 Lumen Rechargeable Dive Torch here.
Fourth Element Expedition Series Duffel Bag
The Fourth Element Expedition Series Duffel Bag is made from tough and enduring heavy-duty mesh PVC and the base is double lined for durability.
Find out more about the Fourth Element Expedition Series Duffel Bag here.
Pandora-Lab Multi Tool
Pandora Multi Tool is a diver’s ‘Swiss Army knife’ designed to ease field maintenance where and when it matters.
Find out more about the Pandora-Lab Multi Tool here.
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.
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