News
DEMA reveals the latest recipients of the Reaching Out award 2014
On Monday 7th July, this year’s recipients of DEMA’s ‘Reaching Out’ Award for 2014 were announced. The award presentation itself will take place at a dinner event on November 21, 2014, to celebrate the achievements of three individuals who have contributed greatly to the world of diving as each has a strong passion for the sport.
Each year this celebration of scuba is built around a theme. This year that theme happens to be ‘Hitsville, USA‘ taking those present back to the many glorious hits of Motown. The Joint, a wildly entertaining venue at The Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas, will be the setting for the event. An energetic crowd is sure to be on hand to give their support and appreciation to the winners.
Patrick Hammer was so enthralled with diving at an early age that he became a dive instructor in the 70’s and enjoyed it so much that he formed his own dive club, drawing in over 150 members to enjoy the sport with him. From then on he was addicted to diving and went on to open his own dive store which turned into five stores by 1982. He found his niche in the industry with search and recovery. It so intrigued him that he went on to work for several fire departments which then led into developing safety procedures on proper search and body recovery techniques. It has been a long and exciting road for Patrick Hammer and he has written over 40 specialty dive programs. The accomplishment that he may be most proud of is his ‘Our World Underwater‘ consumer show that has become a tradition year after year, and over time, it has been labelled as the largest consumer dive event in the Midwest. He encourages kids to explore the world of recreational diving and he is a generous contributor to the Tim Early Foundation which is a very active non-profit organization promoting educational dive programs for children and supporting various dive programs, such as research of Lake Michigan shipwrecks.
Hammer’s contributions don’t stop there. He has also co-founded the Ralph Erickson Foundation whose goal has been to help diving enthusiasts in underprivileged areas start their scuba career through a grant program that helps provide access to equipment and training. Underprivileged youth and young adults, in multiple locations in the Caribbean, have reaped the benefits of Hammer’s philanthropy. He has written 2 skin diving manuals, two operations and resort training manuals, other articles and has contributed to worldwide diver training programs including serving on the board of the PADI Retail Association Board, Coral Reef Alliance, Aqua Lung Advisory Board and DEMA Board of Directors. Patrick Hammer can look back with self-satisfaction and deep fulfillment for all that he has done and how far he has come with more adventures ahead of him.
The other recipients are a duo that have traveled extensively together all over the globe with a passion for sharing their underwater explorations through photographs, lectures and all things ‘scuba diving.’ Alese and Mort Pechter have fervently shared their years of findings with scientists and writers. They have made scuba diving the family sport that it is today. The couple are special teachers, creating a curiosity in children to draw them into the world of scuba diving and all that it has to offer. They work extra hard to promote ocean conservation and the Pechters’ children’s book, What’s In The Deep, has received newsworthy acclaim including being chosen as a Public Broadcasting System Reading Rainbow selection. It was the first ocean-oriented book directed towards young children using actual photographs of the underwater world. You can’t miss their names as authors in popular publications of Underwater USA, Caribbean Travel & Life, Dive Training and Sport Diver. Their scientific explorations have taken them to serve as Fellow National members in the Explorers Club. The Pechters belong to the National Marine Education Association, Historical Divers Association and Oceanography Society. Alese was even chosen as a charter member for the highly prestigious Women Divers Hall of Fame. Honors over the course of their careers include the United Nations Environment Program, and they were even recognized by the US Navy as Honorary Deep Seas Divers. They were also honored by the South Florida Police Search & Rescue Teams, were selected as the Photojournalists of the Year in 1996, and were awarded the 2003 NOGI for Distinguished Service.
These individuals come with highly expert qualifications and a desire to share scuba diving with the entire world. They are shining stars with a love of the ocean and we all celebrate their successes.
For more information, visit www.dema.org.
Source: www.examiner.com
Dive Travel Curaçao is thrilled to announce the launch of the Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition, an expertly curated resource that unveils the unparalleled dive experiences and vacation possibilities awaiting you in Curaçao. Produced exclusively for the Diving Equipment & Marketing Association (DEMA) Show 2024, this special edition guide is packed with exclusive insights, travel tips, and limited-time DEMA offers that make it easier than ever to explore Curaçao’s stunning underwater landscapes and vibrant culture.
Explore Curaçao’s Unmatched Diving Opportunities
With over 70 diverse dive sites along its southern coastline, Curaçao is a bucket-list destination for divers of all experience levels. From thriving coral reefs and intricate marine ecosystems to historic shipwrecks, the island offers a variety of underwater experiences that are hard to match. The Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition provides detailed recommendations for both shore and boat diving, making it a valuable tool for divers seeking the best entry points, pristine reefs, and hidden treasures along the coastline. Whether you are an avid wreck diver, or a beginner interested in shallow reefs, Curaçao has it all.
Uncover Eco-Friendly Dive Resorts and Top Dive Operators
This DEMA 2024-exclusive Curaçao guide goes beyond diving to feature insider information on Curaçao’s eco-friendly accommodations, dive resorts, and top-rated dive operators committed to sustainable dive tourism. From all-inclusive resorts that support coral reef restoration initiatives to charming boutique hotels near prime dive locations, the guide helps travelers find the ideal stay to match their vacation goals. It also spotlights trusted dive operators on the island who prioritize environmental preservation, offering travelers a way to enjoy the underwater world responsibly.
Immerse Yourself in Curaçao’s Culture, Culinary Delights, and Adventure
Curaçao offers a vibrant Caribbean culture rich in history, music, and culinary fusion. The guide reveals Curaçao’s hidden gems, including culinary hotspots, historical sites, and eco-tourism opportunities that will appeal to both divers and non-divers. Visitors can explore the island’s iconic architecture, savor a diverse range of dishes influenced by Caribbean, European, and South American flavors, and embark on land-based eco-adventures, such as hiking, cave exploration, and visiting national parks.
Exclusive DEMA 2024 Specials and Limited-Time Dive Packages
This special edition guide features limited-time DEMA 2024 offers on dive packages, accommodations, and excursions. Travelers who book through Dive Travel Curaçao, or our Curaçao dive travel partners attending DEMA, will have access to exclusive discounts on custom dive vacation packages, making it easier to plan an affordable, high-quality dive trip that fits your preferences. The Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition is designed to simplify your travel planning and help you dive deeper into the incredible experiences that Curaçao has to offer.
It’s Time to Dive Curaçao!
Now is the time to discover why Curaçao is a top dive destination in the Caribbean! Dive Travel Curaçao invites you to experience an unforgettable dive vacation with exclusive DEMA 2024 specials tailored just for you. To secure your spot, download a copy of the Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition and contact the Dive Travel Curaçao team to start customizing your Caribbean dive adventure today.
For more information and bookings, please visit Dive Curaçao’s website or contact our reservations team directly.
Ho Ho Ho! Vobster Quay’s recording-breaking charity Santa diving event returns on Sunday 15th December 2024 for another round of festive fundraising frivolities. Run in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes, this ever-popular annual fundraising event aims to raise sack-loads of cash for these two very deserving charities.
Divers of all levels are invited to grab their Santa outfits – and as much festive cheer as they can muster – and head down to Vobster Quay near Mells, Somerset for a mass sponsored Santa dive in aid of charity. In previous years, the event has attracted divers from the far corners of the UK to join in the festive merriment for a final festive dive before the Christmas and New Year break. Back in 2015, the event smashed the world record for the most Santa divers with 188 divers taking to the waters donning their festive finery – a record that remains unbeaten to this day!
Vobster Santas isn’t just about setting records – it’s also about raising some serious cash for charity. Vobster Quay encourages all divers to get into the spirit of the season to raise much-needed funds for two very deserving charities – the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes.
Through individual sponsorship and online donations, divers can invite their friends, family and work colleagues to sponsor them to plunge into the balmy waters of Vobster Quay dressed in full festive finery. Since the very first Santa dive in 2007, the event has raised over £52,000 for charity. “It’s been over 17 years since the very first charity Santa dive took place at Vobster Quay and every year the event just keeps getting bigger and better” enthused Vobster Quay owner, Amy Stanton.
“Vobster Santas is a great way for divers to say a massive thank you to the both the RNLI and Help For Heroes – two very deserving charities close to our hearts. We’re immensely proud of all that Vobster Santas has achieved and hope that even more divers will join this year’s event on Sunday 15th December. I’m confident that we can make Vobster Santas 2024 the biggest yet!”.
Divers wishing to participate can get involved by simply registering their attendance at
www.vobster.com/event-vobstersantas.php.
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