News
Diving with… Wayne B. Brown, Aggressor Adventures
In this ongoing series, we speak to 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?
Wayne B. Brown
What is the name of your business?
Aggressor Adventures
What is your role within the business?
CEO, Owner.
How long has the business operated for?
Since 1984, 36 years.
How long have you dived for, and what qualification are you?
I started diving in 1999. SSI Instructor Trainer.
What is your favorite type of diving?
Being an underwater photographer and videographer, there is not one type of diving that appeals to me over others. I enjoy every critter, large and small, and reefs covered in both hard and soft corals.
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 have understood from day one that we are in the customer service business. We make sure all our staff does also and we strive every day to deliver the highest level of customer service, along with the most innovative yachts and 5-star chef prepared cuisine.
What is your favorite dive in your location and why?
I do prefer a warm water location but am just as happy diving in my dry suit where we have cooler destinations with prolific marine life.
What types of diving are available in your location?
Having 31 locations around the world, we offer every type of diving that a diver could want!
What do you find most rewarding about your current role?
I enjoy hearing back from our guests that we have over delivered on their expectations.
What is your favorite underwater creature?
I am fascinated by nudibranchs. Their slow graceful movements and bright colors are a pleasure to find and observe.
Are there any exciting changes / developments coming up in the near future?
We are always adding new destinations every year and have three new ones that will be announced before the end of 2020!
As a center what is the biggest problem you face at the moment?
We strive every year to continue to upgrade the yachts and add new amenities to ensure we stay relevant and adding technology to every part of the business from the initial customer interaction all the way through the post charter follow up.
Is your center involved in any environmental work?
We started the Sea of Change Foundation so that we could be sure that 100% of every dollar that is donated is used for meaningful research and conservation projects.
How do you see the SCUBA / Freediving / snorkeling industry overall? What changes would you make?
As more and more of our younger generation understand how fragile our marine environment is and how amazing it is to explore it, more of them will become involved at an earlier age.
What would you say to our visitors to promote the diving you have to offer?
From a beginner to the most seasoned diver, we have something to offer everyone!
Where can our visitors find out more about your business?
Our website is www.aggressor.com. Every one of our staff has a phone number and email on our website including me!
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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