News
Diving with… NEW Euro-Divers Dhigali, Raa Atoll, Maldives
In this ongoing series, we speak with the people who run dive centres, resorts and liveaboards from around the world about their businesses and the diving they have to offer…
What is your name?
Natalie Skipworth
What is the name of your business?
Euro-Divers Dhigali
What is your role within the business?
Dive Centre and Watersports Manager
How long has the business operated for?
1 Month!
How long have you dived for, and what qualification are you?
12 years, PADI IDC Staff Instructor and Freediving Instructor
What is your favorite type of diving?
Wreck diving and drift dives
If you could tell people one thing about your business (or maybe more!) to make them want to visit you what would it be?
We are based on a brand new luxury resort in an untouched area of the Maldives. 1 hour away we have the world famous UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Hanifaru Bay where you can find manta rays and whale sharks feeding together, and dive some of the most unexplored reefs in South East Asia.
What is your favorite dive in your location and why?
Kinolhas Reef – because it splits into two sections so is suitable for both experienced and beginner divers depending on which section of the reef you choose you dive. You have a great chance of spotting reef sharks, octopus, eagle rays, napoleons and much more.
What types of diving are available in your location?
Drift dives, channel dives, thila dives, house reef, manta spotting and whale sharks.
What do you find most rewarding about your current role?
Seeing the beginning of a brand new resort and dive centre.
What is your favorite underwater creature?
Any kind of ray or shark.
Are there any exciting changes / developments coming up in the near future?
Watch this space! We have just opened so every day is exciting!
As a center what is the biggest problem you face at the moment?
Inclement weather during monsoon season!
Is your center involved in any environmental work?
Every day! We are always cleaning up the reef and surrounding area. We will also be taking part in the Dive Against Debris Day in September.
How do you see the SCUBA / Freediving / snorkeling industry overall? What changes would you make?
Full of exciting possibilities. More young people are starting to get involved and with all the new innovations in comfort and luxury, people are continuing diving later in life. I would consider making learning to dive a little less theory-based and more practical, with longer in-water sessions to achieve greater levels of mastery before certification.
What would you say to our visitors to promote the diving you have to offer?
Diving here is a unique opportunity to experience some of the best and most untouched diving the Maldives has to offer. Try fluo night diving or snorkeling, ride at top speed on a diver propulsion vehicle, snorkel with mantas and whale sharks, all on a world class made to measure high speed dive boat.
Where can our visitors find out more about your business?
You can check out our website at www.euro-divers.com, email me on Dhigali@euro-divers.com, call on +9606586060, or message on Facebook after liking our page Euro-Divers Dhigali
Marine Life & Conservation
Shark Trust launches Oceanic 31 Shark Art Auction
After a two-year tour of UK art galleries, community spaces and aquariums, the Shark Trust’s acclaimed Oceanic31 exhibition takes its final bow at the Royal Geographical Society later this month. And the unique collection of artwork, depicting 31 species of oceanic sharks and rays, donated by 31 artists, is now open for bids from art lovers and shark enthusiasts. The online auction, launched today, will close on the 7th December at 8pm (BST). The money raised will support the Shark Trust Oceanics Programme.
People can now bid on 27 of the artworks by visiting this website:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction
It is a chance to own a beautiful piece of original art and to support the Shark Trust. The timing of the auction also means that these would make a very special Christmas gift for any shark-lover.
The diversity of pieces mirrors that of the sharks and rays they represent. You can bid on paintings, digital creations, sculptures, mixed media and more. You can pick your favourite artist or species of shark. Or you can select the perfect artwork to make a statement in your home or office. Whichever you choose, you will be supporting the work to protect these amazing animals.
One of the pieces of art has been selected to be auctioned live by Steve Backshall at the For the Love of Sharks event at the Royal Geographical Society in London on the 29th November. In addition to this, two further pieces will be raffled at this event, giving people a chance to win an incredible piece of shark art. For the Love of Sharks is the Shark Trust’s flagship evening. A night to celebrate sharks. Steve Backshall is the headline speaker at this event that will see other prominent shark advocates join him on stage.
Tickets for the event can be snapped up here:
https://thesharktrust.org.uk/Event/flos24
Those that would like to see the Oceanic 31 exhibition have one final chance. It is being displayed at the Pavilion at the Royal Geographic Society from 26th November until the 7th December. Entry is free.
Find out more here:
https://www.rgs.org/events/upcoming-events/oceanic-31
Paul Cox, Shark Trust CEO, Said “This exhibition has given us the opportunity to reach out to a new audience. And inspire more people with the wonderful sharks and rays on which our Big Shark Pledge campaign is based. We are immensely grateful to the 31 artists who have worked so hard to create these works.”
Bid for your favourite Oceanic 31 artwork here:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction
Banner Image: Smooth Hammerhead by Alicia Hayden
Gear News
Introducing the RS Series Drysuit from DYNAMICNORD
Cozy and warm in cold water.
It’s drysuit season all year round. With the new RS series premium drysuits from DYNAMICNORD, divers are perfectly equipped for all cold waters.
The sophisticated cut of the RS drysuits allows complete freedom of movement, providing maximum comfort. The high-quality 350 g/m² ripstop material with double ripstop zones on the elbows, knees, and crotch protect ensures extreme robustness as well as long life.
The suit’s features leave nothing to be desired: A high-quality TiZip zipper, easily adjustable inlet and outlet valves, upgradeable with electrically heated underwear, HP bottleneck cuffs made of high-strength latex on the wrists, a 3mm neoprene neck cuff for maximum comfort, a 7mm hood with air outlet and 3mm boots made of double-sided, cross-layered neoprene with ankle straps and fin strap stoppers and a protective but very flexible sole.
Noteworthy is the Molle fastening system, which can be used in a variable and compatible manner. This way, the two detachable leg pockets can be attached easily, safely and comfortably.
Alterations of boots to a different shoe size or adjustments to neck or wrist cuffs are done free of charge at the own DYNAMICNORD service centre in Germany in only a couple of days.
The matching Dynaskins made with high-quality Polartec® technology are available in various designs. As an undersuit under the drysuit, as a single suit in warm waters or as a two-piece suit. Polartec® technology’s main features are neutral buoyancy, breathablilty and quick-drying.
Dynaskins are made largely from recycled plastic bottles.
The drysuit RS-351 for men and RS-352 for women are now available at your DYNAMICNORD dealer and in the online store.
Colors men and women: Black-Blue and Black-Burgundy
Sizes men: XS-4XL incl. intermediate sizes MS, MT, MLS, MLT, LS, LT, XLS, XLT, 2XLS, 3XLS, 4XLS
Sizes Women: XS-XL incl. intermediate sizes MS, MT, LS, XLS
DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.
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