News
Don’t miss the North of England’s first AIDA Freediving Competition on the 17th November
As Freediving grows steadily in the North of England, Apneists UK ( www.learn2freedive.com ) has had groups running all over the North West, starting in Manchester and Liverpool, and in Yorkshire for well over a decade. In Yorkshire, Sheffield and Huddersfield currently have clubs, as does Leeds on a less regular frequency. In order to facilitate the ability of Freedivers to regularly train and increase the number of sessions, we are going to promote the sport in the area with its first AIDA Freediving competition on the 17th November 2013, and we have picked our club in Huddersfield to host the event.
A number of athletes from around the UK will compete in one of three disciplines. Dynamic Apnea, swimming horizontally as far as one can. Dynamic no fins, swimming as far horizontally as one can with… (yes you guessed it). And Static Apnea, lying stationary holding your breath for as long as you can. The highest point score wins, so you can pick your favourite event to try and win it. It is like the mini version of the International competition we have run every year now for five years, which is attempting all three disciplines and total point score decides the winner.
Some details here of location and timing: http://www.freedivingcompetition.com/huddersfield-2013.html
The competition holds something for the whole club, and for those travelling. Some athletes are in almost full time training trying to get National records and win the event, some athletes are there to get one step closer to that goal and simply be the best they can be, and some are there for their first taste of competition to see if they like it. In any case its a good reason to get fit and healthy both physically and mentally. Freediving is an extremely personal sport; you do your own dive on the day, but at the same time you never dive alone without someone properly looking after your safety. I think this, in part, is one of the reasons for the strong community spirit within the sport and, despite it being a competition, all athletes encourage the best out of their peers.
An event on the horizon is a good reason to train; an extra impetus to improve yourself and diving in some way. You don’t need to start the sport looking like an Olympian, but if you want a sport that will improve your health and fitness this certainly is a good one to take up. Improvements come over time with regular diving.
This competition will also be a good opportunity to make sure every wrinkle is ironed out of the background organisation for the International competition we have on the 22nd/23rd March 2014. We have some camera testing to do to make it really special. Here is the intro video from last year’s competition: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZcgHwawzYE0 . A good opportunity to make the next competition better than the last, we always try and improve. Just before the International will have an opportunity for those wishing to judge in the future to do the AIDA International judges course with an experienced Judge trainer.
http://www.freedivingcompetition.com/2014-competition.html
Please feel free to come along and see the event. And if you are a Freediver, enter or help out if you want.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
The Workhorse – our CS-30
For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.
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.
Octopus OP-30
The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.
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.
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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