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Cayman Extends Legends and Lions into a Month-long Dive Event

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cayman 1During the month of September, divers will be able to book some of the best dive deals of the year in the Cayman Islands during its 2nd annual Legend’s and Lions scuba celebration. Building on the success of last year’s inaugural weeklong eventCayman’s dive industry is extending the celebration for a whole month. From September 5 – October 3 divers can take advantage of value-packed travel packages offered by dive operators and hotel partners using off-season rates during this traditionally slow time of year to offer the best possible prices.

“It’s a great time of year to visit Grand Cayman because the island is quiet and less crowded. The bargains help fill hotel rooms and dive boats, and our guests get the best deal possible for fantastic diving. It’s a win-win for everyone,” said Red Sail Sports Operations Manager Rod McDowall.

In addition to terrific prices for diving, participants will also enjoy topside events that range from equipment demonstrations to photo clinics to special Lionfish seminars. Those who book their dive trip during the last week of September will also attend the International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame (ISDHOF) induction ceremony, scheduled to cap off the month of activities. They’ll also have a chance to dive with the industry legends being inducted. The Hall of Fame was established by the Cayman Islands to honour men and women who have made significant contributions to the dive industry. The nominees this year include:

Peter Hughes – who helped establish several big name dive resorts and whose name is synonymous with liveaboard diving.
Dr. Jose Jones – who helped integrate diving and founded the National Association of Black Scuba Divers, which currently has 50 branches worldwide.
Bill High – the author of the book recognized as the authority on high-pressure cylinder inspection and a major contributor to each edition of the NOAA Diving Manual.
Captain Wally Muller – who explored unchartered reefs and atolls in remote areas of the Great Barrier Reef and the Coral Sea. He also established the live-aboard industry in Australia and worked with diving’s most famous videographers.
Dimitri Rebikoff (1921 -1997) – the man who developed the first portable electronic under water flash, constructed the first underwater scooters and the first remotely operated vehicle (ROV).

Legends and Lions

2014 inductees to the International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame included: (L-R) Dan Orr, Neil Watson, Alese and Mort Pechter, Bill Acker and Chuck Nicklin.

2015 LEGENDS AND LIONS DIVE PACKAGES

Sept. 5-12, Sept. 12-19, Sept.19-26 packages will include the following:
· 7 nights accommodation
· 6 two-tank dives
· Photo Clinic with the option to submit photos for the final week competition
· Scuba social – e.g. catamaran to Rum Point Club for Beach BBQ
· Lionfish seminar with Lionfish dive
· Treasure hunt or similar activity
· Equipment manufacturer’s demo

The final week, Sept 26-Oct 3 will include the following:
· 7 nights accommodation
· 6 two-tank dives, with the option to dive with ISDHF members
· Photo Clinic
· Photo competition (winners announced at Scuba street party)
· Scuba street party
· Lionfish seminar with Lionfish dive
· Tickets to the International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame Induction Dinner

“LEGIONS AND LIONS” PACKAGE PRICES

Divetech: $1,499 per diver; $925 per non-diver (double occupancy/oceanfront)

Sunset House:  $1,473.95 per diver; $921.95 per non-diver (double occupancy)

Red Sail Sports/Westin Seven Mile Beach Resort: $1099 per diver (double occupancy)

cayman 5

A tasty Lionfish dinner was the highlight of the celebration’s street party in 2014.

Cayman’s dive leaders plan to grow Legends and Lions into the destination’s signature annual dive event promoting Cayman’s spectacular diving, presented by the best dive operators in the business, and topped off with exceptional Caymanian hospitality.

“We want our annual dive celebration to be on every diver’s calendar, so we will keep coming up with creative ways to showcase Cayman’s diving,” said Sunset House General Manager Keith Sahm. “We all know it’s hard to beat the Cayman Islands as a dive destination – fantastic reefs and dive sites, great accommodations and airline service, and a dive industry that utterly believes in the dive product.”

To book a Legends and Lions package visit www.divecayman.ky.

Discuss this article in the Scubaverse Forum.

Gear News

Introducing the TR-80, IR-50 and CS-30 Regulators from DYNAMICNORD

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regulator

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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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The Workhorse – our CS-30

For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.

regulator

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.

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Octopus OP-30

The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.

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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.

www.dynamicnord.com

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Marine Life & Conservation

Paul Watson Released as Denmark Blocks Japan’s Extradition Bid

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paul watson

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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