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Dive Pirates launch Virtual Challenge to celebrate diving while landlocked

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In its 16th year of celebrating life after injury and changing lives through adaptive diving the Dive Pirates Foundation found a fun way to continue one of its trip traditions while awaiting the lifting of travel restrictions which delayed the annual trip to Cayman Brac.

This year we’ve kicked off the ‘Virtual Deep Down Challenge’ asking our recipients, members, and anyone who would like to play along to take a picture of how they are celebrating diving while landlocked, be creative with it, and use it to launch their own online fundraiser,” said Dive Pirates President and Co-Founder Sophie Wimberley.

Usually this time of year the Foundation hosts a large trip to Cayman Brac Beach Resort and Reef Divers II with its annual recipients (adaptive scuba divers), returning recipients, friends, supporters and family; a total crew of approximately 75 people of all abilities welcoming new recipients to the fold and rallying around them as they complete their open water certifications and explore the underwater world uninhibited by mobility issues on land.

Leading up to the trip, trip-goers rally to fundraise to pay the adventure forward and dedicate one dive to honor the pledges received in their name.  This year the Foundation is keeping connected with its base while inviting the world to join in the fun.

There will be a prize for the most creative picture, so make us laugh!  Be sure to include #DivePiratesWanderlust, and we just ask that if you use your shower, tub, sprinkler, etcetera to be safety conscious, and by all means remained clothed,” Wimberley mused after taking to her pool last week with fins on, Dive Pirates rash guard, head phones and a strategically- placed laptop to take conference calls.

The challenge runs now through July 16, 2020 and prizes for playing include:

  • Best Photo: $100 coupon to the Dive Pirates Store.
  • Raise $250 or more: Receive a Dive Pirates mask to cover your booty!
  • Raise the most by July 16th: Win an Aqualung i200c Dive Computer.
  • Raise the most as a team: Win a limited run trip shirt honoring the 2020 postponed trip. (teams up to 12 people allowed)
  • Participate in any way and receive 10% off the Dive Pirates Store.

Those participating are creating individual fundraisers on their Facebook Pages, using the virtual dive event fundraiser on the Foundation’s Facebook page, or uploading their photos and pledges on the Dive Pirates Foundation website.

The following dive centers have Dive Pirate recipients who will directly benefit from this effort:

  • Diventures (SSI) – training TSgt. Melissa Nueva and Jennifer Radil and their adaptive buddies
  • WaterDogs (PADI/HSA) — training Jared Davis and is adaptive buddy team
  • GR8 DIVN (SSI) — training  Sgt. Kamron Lopez, Jason Kelly and Sean Conroy and their adaptive buddies
  • Ocean Enterprises (PADI/DDI/HSA) — training Lance Cpl. Kenta Otawa and his adaptive buddy
  • Dive Pirates Training School (RAID) — training Gabriel Yammine, Scott Dunkel, Debbie Taylor, and Petty Officer 2nd Class Darrell Taylor
  • Dive Masters (RAID/SSI) — training Scott Wilson and his adaptive dive buddy
  • Denver Divers (SSI) — training Cpl. Jim Roos and his adaptive buddy
  • International Scuba (PADI/HSA) training Dr. Danni McMahon and Joshua Hamilton and their adaptive buddies
  • Dive Georgia (PADI/HSA) — training SSgt. Derrick McMillon and his adaptive dive buddy

For the stories behind these amazing men and women who have overcome so much and strive to enjoy a fulfilling life with their spouses, family and friends, and about the dive centers who welcome them into the mainstream world of scuba go to divepirates.org.

Gear News

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

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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.

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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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