News
Manta-tastic Socorro
We sailed over night from San Benedicto to Socorro, and once again woke up to see flat calm seas and only a single other boat for company. Today we are diving Cabo Pearce, a series of volcanic pinnacles that descend deeper as you move away from the leeward side of the island. The topography is astonishing and worth diving, regardless of the marine life. But as we sat down for our briefing on the top deck of Belle Amie, in the sunshine, there was talk of sharks and mantas that are always a possibility at these incredible islands.
Our first dive was at 7:15am and Team Shark, as our dive group is known (those that are happy to dive without a divemaster guiding), always goes in first. There are eight of us in the group and we hop onto a RIB to take us in close to our descent spot. As we descend the seascape is breath-taking. Whitetip sharks glide across the sea bed every few minutes and there are small shoals of fish surrounding each rock. Huge moray eels poke their heads from almost all the crevices in this rocky sub terrain world. Everyone is looking out into the blue, hoping for one of the big animals we are here to see. We are lucky – some of our group see a huge dolphin that comes in just close enough for us to get a good look without getting a great shot! Others encounter a huge Chevron Manta, who comes to look at each diver in the group, and enjoy their bubbles. All too soon, it is time to head back up. But, we still have three more dives here today…
Another breakfast and it is time for our second dive of the day. Same dive site, as we will dive this all day, but each time is different. On dives two and three (after lunch) it is all about the mantas. We see both the Chevron and Black colour morphs on these dives. These mantas seem to love bubbles and hover over divers. If you exhale a few times, you might even see them quiver their whole bodies, and it is hard not to equate this with some form of pleasure. Their wing spans are in the region of 6 or 7 meters and they move slowly enough to get a good look, get a photo or two and also to appreciate the magical moment.
Last dive of the day done now, and another incredible close-up encounter with an inquisitive manta tops off a great first day diving Socorro. It has been Manta-tastic! What will tomorrow bring?
For more from Nick and Caroline, visit www.frogfishphotography.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
Cozy and warm in cold water.
It’s drysuit season all year round. With the new RS series premium drysuits from DYNAMICNORD, divers are perfectly equipped for all cold waters.
The sophisticated cut of the RS drysuits allows complete freedom of movement, providing maximum comfort. The high-quality 350 g/m² ripstop material with double ripstop zones on the elbows, knees, and crotch protect ensures extreme robustness as well as long life.
The suit’s features leave nothing to be desired: A high-quality TiZip zipper, easily adjustable inlet and outlet valves, upgradeable with electrically heated underwear, HP bottleneck cuffs made of high-strength latex on the wrists, a 3mm neoprene neck cuff for maximum comfort, a 7mm hood with air outlet and 3mm boots made of double-sided, cross-layered neoprene with ankle straps and fin strap stoppers and a protective but very flexible sole.
Noteworthy is the Molle fastening system, which can be used in a variable and compatible manner. This way, the two detachable leg pockets can be attached easily, safely and comfortably.
Alterations of boots to a different shoe size or adjustments to neck or wrist cuffs are done free of charge at the own DYNAMICNORD service centre in Germany in only a couple of days.
The matching Dynaskins made with high-quality Polartec® technology are available in various designs. As an undersuit under the drysuit, as a single suit in warm waters or as a two-piece suit. Polartec® technology’s main features are neutral buoyancy, breathablilty and quick-drying.
Dynaskins are made largely from recycled plastic bottles.
The drysuit RS-351 for men and RS-352 for women are now available at your DYNAMICNORD dealer and in the online store.
Colors men and women: Black-Blue and Black-Burgundy
Sizes men: XS-4XL incl. intermediate sizes MS, MT, MLS, MLT, LS, LT, XLS, XLT, 2XLS, 3XLS, 4XLS
Sizes Women: XS-XL incl. intermediate sizes MS, MT, LS, XLS
DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.
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