News
Learn to Dive: Oonasdivers share their top three destinations for newbies
The team at UK-based Tour Operator Oonasdivers share their top hotspots for learning to dive. What are you waiting for?!?
The team at Oonasdivers all agree that learning to dive is one of the best decisions we have ever made. It has opened up our lives to countless opportunities, allowed us to travel to countries we would probably have never considered, and made lifelong friends simply because of this shared passion.
Diving brings people together, people that may never cross paths in normal day to day life, people that have an innate love of the ocean and understand how privileged they are to be able to experience the beauty of the underwater world and all of its treasures. So get diving and join us on this wonderful adventure!!
The first destinations in our Top Three is The Red Sea… Our resorts in the Red Sea are the perfect place to take your first breaths underwater. Enjoy incredible visibility and an abundance of marine life along with beautiful corals. Marsa Shagra and Marsa Nakari both have stunning house reefs giving you unlimited diving at your fingertips. They cater for everyone from beginners to the seasoned pro. The large sandy bottom bays offer pool like conditions which are excellent for teaching, the water is warm and there is so much to see even in the shallows. For an authentic experience stay in a Royal Tent on the beach under the stars!
And now onto our next choice, Malta… Malta has for many years been a firm favourite for the British diver! The destination boasts natural harbours, bays, sheltered creeks, cliffs, reefs and wrecks. Marine life flourishes here. There is a mixture of both shore and boat diving and the clear blue sea is perfect for those wanting to learn to dive as it offers calmness and excellent visibility. Grab a group of friends and come and stay in one of our self catering apartments. Maltaqua Dive School is close by and has an excellent reputation having trained thousands of divers and hundreds of highly skilled instructors.
And last, but by no means least, Cyprus… Cyprus is one of the best places to dive in the Med all year round, there is a lovely mix of shore diving, boat diving, a choice of wrecks, the Zenobia and wall and reef dives. Cyprus Diving Adventures are an established PADI 5-star Dive Centre that offers a full range of courses, lessons and daily trips to the top dive sites in Cyprus including the Zenobia, one of the best wreck dives in the world! There is a wide range of accommodation to choose from and close by Pissouri Bay has lively restaurants, bars and tavernas. The ‘blue flag’ beach is great for water sports and lazy days sunbathing.
Check out these destinations and more at www.oonasdivers.com.
Gear News
Introducing the TR-80, IR-50 and CS-30 Regulators from DYNAMICNORD
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.
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.
Marine Life & Conservation
Paul Watson Released as Denmark Blocks Japan’s Extradition Bid
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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