News
Handicapped Scuba Association launches new website
The Handicapped Scuba Association (HSA) have launched a new website.
The new site is built on a strong foundation of intricate coding provided by Victor Grimaldi over his 7 years as HSA Web Master. Now the fresh, fun and fanciful touch comes to you through the inspiration of Web Designer Polett Villalta.
A native of Venezuela, Polett was injured while playing at the ocean’s edge when she was 12 years old. After her injury left her quadriplegic, Polett concentrated on the limitless world of computers and possesses extensive knowledge from programming/hardware/software to her specialty in graphic design. With the eye of the artist Polett has painted a depiction of HSA…past, present and future. Together, Polett and Jim Gatacre (HSA’s founder) composed a site that is quick and easy to navigate.
Traverse a clear path from the basics (i.e. “About Us”) to the specifics: HSA Course Directors (CD’s) and Instructors can effortlessly register a newly certified student and/or update the status of an existing one.
If you’re not already an HSA member the site will show you how to join, donate or find the scuba instruction you’re looking for. If you ARE an HSA CD or Instructor the new look enables you to post your scheduled classes and trips where every visitor will see them.
The site continues the functions and features for which the HSA is known worldwide. It also introduces a bold, modern styling filled with color, action and forward-thinking such as exclusive front page videos. Showing now is the irrepressible Linda Norlund, the star of HSA’s first video. Linda was certified by Gatacre 18 years ago and has since logged over 100 dives. An auto accident when she was 16 resulted in a brain stem injury that affects her muscular control and coordination. Watch her and be amazed!
HSA’s reputation as the source for scuba training and travel for people with disabilities includes their international network of specially trained and certified Course Directors, Instructors, Dive Buddies and, of course, their Open Water divers.
The motive force within the heart of HSA has always been and will be its people… a membership of 8,500 growing steadily since the organisation’s founding in 1981. HSA’s programs are currently taught throughout the USA and in 45 countries.
Visit the new site here: www.hsascuba.com
Last Thursday, Oyster Diving transformed Mercers Lake into a hauntingly unforgettable underwater realm for their inaugural Halloween Scuba Party. Approximately 20 intrepid divers plunged into the darkness, weaving through a mesmerising scene of spectral decorations, glow sticks, and eerie underwater pumpkins.
After the thrilling night dive, participants gathered to feast on a ghoulish spread of pumpkin soup, chilli con carne, and decadent fudge brownies, perfect fuel for the frightful festivities.
With a resounding success, Oyster Diving is excited to announce plans for this event to become an annual tradition. Next year, look forward to a fully licensed bar and live music, promising an even spookier celebration under the moonlit waters.
Join us next Halloween for an experience that promises to be a haunting delight!
Find out more about Oyster Diving at oysterdiving.com.
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.
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- Bigeye Thresher Shark by Janina Rossiter
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- Carcharodon carcharias by Jimmy Higgs
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- Croc VR 2030 by Tom Mead
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- Oceanic Whitetip by ATM
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- Silky Street by ScapaJoe
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
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