News
Hereford Sub Aqua Club goes underwater quackers for their 40th
Hereford Sub-Aqua Club in the UK has just completed an underwater cycle ride and duck race as part of the Hereford River Festival.
The club was looking for something different to do for its 40th anniversary year and this is what they came up with. Here’s what Chairman Mike Bailey had to say about the celebrations…
“The race took place on Saturday 3rd May. Three riders took part – Mike Bailey,Linda Evans and Russ Pryce. Each had a support diver and they were John Taylor, Tony Cook and Steph Kerridge. The idea was to ride bikes along the river bed, which is not much of a spectator sport in itself, but with the addition of large inflatable ducks attached to each bike, it made more of a spectacle and enabled us to have a duck race using pedal power.
“The club used standard scuba gear, but carried extra weight to compensate for the water’s natural buoyancy and for the fact that they were pushing down on the bike pedals. As far as the club knows they are the only ones to have ridden down any river in the UK, probably in Europe and maybe the whole world! The bikes are standard bikes, which were donated by Mastercraft Cycles of Hereford, although we weighted them down a bit, to ensure they sink easily. The bikes were auctioned off for charity after the race and combined they raised £140.
“The visibility was very poor (at times we could see about 6”) and it was difficult to tell which way was up, down, left, right, forward or back. Because the visibility was bad, balance also becomes an issue and we were all unseated at times, sometimes more off the bike than on it, especially as we had to deal with moving water too! The river can be a hazardous place, as there are many obstacles to overcome, including non-moving items such as shopping trolleys, tree roots, concrete blocks and the uneven river bed, but also because floating objects get washed downstream and there is always an issue with surface traffic – canoes, kayaks etc, plus much more.
“The winning pair of riders / divers was myself, Mike Bailey (rider), and John Taylor (support). The support divers help with balance and direction and were there just in case there was a problem. As winners we received a cheque for £50, which was donated by Linda Prenter (one of the club’s members) but this was then donated again to a charity called Village Water – they provide safe water, sanitation and hygiene for projects in Zambia. The winners also got a small trophy of a diver with a duck attached.
“We may have another go next year, but might change a few things based on the experience gained this time.
“Hereford Sub-Aqua Club is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. The club has been diving to many places, including Pembroke, Scapa Flow, the Orkneys, Shetland Islands, Gibraltar, Spain, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Maldives and the Red Sea, but many other places too. We have about 35 members, men and women, young and old, from all walks of life.”
To find out more about Hereford Sub Aqua Club, visit their website: www.herefordsubaqua.org.uk.
News
Palau Resurfaces! Visit Us at boot 2025 in Duesseldorf and Discover Why!
Following a period away, Palau – a dream destination for countless divers – is excited to rejoin the boot water sports show in Duesseldorf, Germany.
This prestigious water sports show, taking place from January 18 to 26, 2025, provides Palau with a platform to showcase its unique offerings in diving, snorkelling, and sustainable tourism.
Located in the western Pacific’s Micronesian region and part of the Caroline Islands, the Republic of Palau comprises over 340 picturesque islands. Although small in landmass, Palau is a natural wonder both above and below the water.
Palau is renowned as a global leader in environmental conservation. Years ago, the nation implemented forward-thinking measures to preserve its natural resources. In 2009, Palau became the world’s first national shark sanctuary, banning commercial shark fishing. To further protect its marine ecosystem, home to over 1,500 fish species and about 700 coral species, Palau established a fully protected marine sanctuary spanning 193,000 square miles in 2015.
Palau’s return to the boot shows marks a significant moment for the island nation, celebrated for its crystal-clear waters, pristine coral reefs, and extraordinary marine biodiversity. Visitors to the Palau booth will discover a vision of sustainable tourism, as environmental stewardship is deeply ingrained in the islanders’ way of life.
“We are thrilled to return to Germany and share the beauty and diversity of Palau with the world,” says Kadoi Ruluked, Managing Director of the Palau Visitors Authority, who will lead the delegation at the trade show. “boot provides an outstanding platform to position Palau as a premier destination for sustainable tourism and a true paradise for underwater adventures.”
Amid growing global efforts toward eco-friendly tourism, Palau continues to set benchmarks with initiatives such as the “Palau Pledge.” By signing this pledge, visitors commit to respecting and protecting the environment during their stay. These and other measures will be highlighted at the event to raise awareness of marine ecosystem conservation.
The boot water sports show offers a unique opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in Palau’s culture and natural beauty while planning unforgettable diving and snorkelling trips. The Palau Visitors Authority warmly invites all attendees to explore their booth and experience the unspoiled charm of Palau.
Learn everything there is to know about this extraordinary destination at
Hall 12, booth nr. E42.
The exhibition runs from January 18 to 26, 2025, in Duesseldorf.
For more information or to schedule interviews and meetings, please contact: Judith Hoppe, WhatsApp: +49-151-5523 1966, e-mail palau@tourism-unlimited.com
For more information about Palau, please visit: www.pristineparadisepalau.com or follow us on social media at https://www.instagram.com/visitpalau/ or https://www.facebook.com/pristineparadisepalau/
Photo credit: © Judith Hoppe
Gear Reviews
Gear Review: SurfEars 4
Let me get this out there at the start… it is not possible for me to write an unbiased review on SurfEars! Why? – because they saved my diving career. That may sound over-dramatic, but it is true. I had been told by my ENT specialist that I should stop diving. Repeated perforations, including a stint of 4 infections causing ear drum ruptures in a single year, meant that things looked very bleak. Until a friend recommended that I get in touch with the team at SurfEars and to try them out.
That was over 5 years ago, and I have not looked back. Not a single ear infection in all the dives since. If you want to read my initial review of SurfEars then you can find it here: https://www.scubaverse.com/gear-review-surfears/
So, I was more than pleased to receive the latest SurfEars 4 to try out. I took them on a recent trip to The Bahamas where I was filming for a new project all about sharks. SurfEars come in a handy pod that I secure to my BCD so that I am sure not to forget to take them on the boat and to put them in before I head into the water. The new model comes in 2 new colours and have a range of fittings to ensure a perfect fit. Once in, you can still hear what is going on around you. Vital for any last-minute instructions for your dive.
Underwater they do their job in keeping water out. It is still just as easy to equalise the pressure, as air movement is not restricted at all. The new fittings mean that I can change to a slightly smaller fitting to wear under my hood for cold water diving. Once in, I just forget all about them, and enjoy my diving (snorkeling and swimming) with complete peace of mind.
The new version of SurfEars is now using recycled ocean plastic and repurposed silicone so are more eco-friendly. They are said to be even tougher and will last longer. Although my previous set were still going strong.
Whatever your chosen water sport – I cannot recommend SurfEars enough. Whilst they literally enabled me to continue diving, I would suggest using them to protect your ears before any unwanted trips to the doctor. I never go in the water without them. They are at the top of my packing list for any trip.
For more information head to: https://surfears.com/
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