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Cayman is Making a Splash as Sponsor for DEMA’s ‘Go Dive Now’ US Pool Tour

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Cayman Islands Department of Tourism sponsorship of tour boosts marketing outreach for Cayman’s dive operators through relationship building and media coverage

As principal sponsor of the Dive Equipment and Marketing Association’s (DEMA) Go Dive Now Pool Tour, the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism (CIDOT) is ensuring great media exposure for Cayman in major US markets, and the island’s dive operators are piggybacking on the promotion to reach more customers. The pool tour travels the U.S. attending large scale indoor and outdoor sports events and dive shows with a portable 4-foot deep pool that allows show attendees to try diving.

“I just love to see the excitement in their faces when they realize how easy it is to dive – sometimes it just shocking to them,” said tour coordinator ‘Big Wave’ Dave Reidenbach who actively promotes Cayman to people whose interest has been piqued. “You always want to tell someone about a cool place to dive, and Cayman is one of the best. They’ve got everything – Stingray City, the Kittiwake, the wall dives.”

The pool tour includes cities like Dallas, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Long Beach and Denver, and Cayman’s banners are well displayed and a poolside booth stocked with information. The sponsorship gives Cayman dive operators an opportunity to meet and mingle with local DEMA dive center members manning the pool.

“I think it’s great! The pool experience connects the new divers to local dive shops who certify them and then send the new divers to us in Cayman as referrals,” said Emma Jane Fisher, Sunset House Sales and Marketing. “We meet these U.S. dive shop staff face to face and it’s a really good start to these relationships.”

Red Sail Sports Sales and Marketing Manager Sarah Jane Harlan says building relationships with the local dive centers is important because everyone wants new divers to remain active in their new sport, this often requires working together.

“When we conduct a try-diving session in Cayman, we like to refer our customers back to their local dive center to pursue this new interest further,” she said. “The owner of a dive shop sought me out at Beneath the Sea Dive to let me know how much he appreciates our referrals. He’s managed to convert several of them into new divers, and these are the stories that we love to hear.  We’re all in this together and we want to share our passion with others.”

Tom Ludington, General Manager of the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism in the U.S. says when space permits the poolside Cayman booth is open to all the island’s dive operators who are members of DEMA. Tour pool stops generally attract coverage from local television news outfits, newspapers and radio stations.

“We are getting a tremendous amount of media exposure,” said Ludington. “We’ve designed the branding on the pool and our popup tent to ensure we maximize the exposure for the Cayman Islands when media cameras are around.”

In addition to Red Sail Sports and Sunset House, Divetech, Ocean Frontiers and the Southern Cross Club are also busy attending dive and travel shows in these major U.S. markets. The pool tour is an added attraction in a competitive market, and a reminder that it takes the whole of Cayman to recruit and nurture new scuba divers for the future.

“It allows me to speak to divers and non-divers so we reach a broad customer base over the weekend of these events,” said Sarah Jane Harlan. “This year I have been promoting our “Back to the 80s” dive package as Red Sail Sports is celebrating its 30th anniversary. The package is well received by visitors to the pool, and I’m even taking bookings right there on the spot!”

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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