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Join MCS on a kayak expedition around the Isles of Scilly

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The Isles of Scilly archipelago lies 26 miles off the tip of Cornwall. It’s made up of over a hundred islands, only five of which are inhabited. Its sheltered crystal-clear water and white beaches have earned it a reputation among kayakers as one of the best places to paddle around the UK.

This is why, for the sixth year, the UK’s leading marine charity, the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) is again running its incredibly popular Kayak Challenge, from the 18th to the 22nd of May.

The Challenge gives up to 12 people the chance to experience this magical environment from a unique perspective – from a kayak. Paddlers will take in sheltered coves and little-visited beaches, steer under soaring cliffs and jutting headlands. Kayakers will get up close to wildlife – grey seals, and possibly visiting leatherback turtles, jellyfish, dolphins and porpoises. There’s the opportunity take part in a beach clean and get first-hand experience of the shocking rubbish that’s washed up, dropped or blown on to our beaches day after day. All the while you’ll be progressing sea kayaking skills and, most importantly, raising funds for MCS!

Leading the expedition is Nick Arding OBE who has worked with MCS since 2013 when he and wife Philippa sea kayaked the length of Britain for MCS, raising almost £4,000 and winning the charity’s Fundraiser of the Year award. The following year they ran the first Kayak Challenge around Cornwall and since 2015 have run the Scilly challenge.

Nick spent 23 years as an officer in the Royal Marines and led a Royal Navy expedition to climb the North Ridge of Mount Everest. He’s a highly experienced rock climber and mountaineer, having climbed and ski toured in many areas across the world during the past 30 years. Nick is a trainer and coach in Remote First Aid and a BCU 5-star leader and Level 2 coach and ISKGA guide.

Last year, Brad Olde, 24, took on and completed the Cornwall Kayak. Brad, who says he’s always enjoyed outdoor adventurous activities, took on the challenge after seeing it featured in a local newspaper: “The coastal environment is interesting, unpredictable (although you always felt safe with your leaders), beautiful and inspiring. Nick is always there to help you and give you accurate advice on paddling techniques and how to stay safe. I would highly recommend it but I’d say that it is worth putting in the training beforehand – then it couldn’t be any more worth it once you’re taking part in the challenge!

Paddlers can either self-fund the expedition at £995 or agree a minimum sponsorship pledge of £745. Both require a deposit of £250 and the closing date for people wanting to take part is March 31st 2019.

To find out more about the expedition visit: www.mcsuk.org/fundraising-for-us/kayak-challenge  

Gear News

Introducing the TR-80, IR-50 and CS-30 Regulators from DYNAMICNORD

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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.

Excellent performance with the TR-80

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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The Workhorse – our CS-30

For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.

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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.

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Octopus OP-30

The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.

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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.

www.dynamicnord.com

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Marine Life & Conservation

Paul Watson Released as Denmark Blocks Japan’s Extradition Bid

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paul watson

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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