News
The NUPG / GNDS Underwater Photography Print Competition Results
The Northern Underwater Photography Group held their second annual print competition at The Great Northern Dive Show held at Event City in Manchester over the weekend of the 8th & 9th April 2017. It was another successful year, with high quality images being displayed for the public to select their favourites in four categories: British & Irish Macro; British & Irish Wide Angle; Overseas Macro & Overseas Wide Angle.
An Imperial Stormtrooper casting his vote
Over the 2 days of the show, over 300 show attendees cast their votes, including a few Stormtroopers and Princess Leia! The voting was tough, with many excellent images on show in each category. There were images of marine life from tiny shrimps to large sharks, wrecks, reef scenes, divers & caves. Members of the NUPG were on hand all weekend to help those voting and to chat about the club which meets in Manchester each month to discuss all things underwater photography.
In addition to the public vote, representatives of the competition sponsors, Fleet Dive and Safari Diving Lanzarote, also had to select their favourite images to award the Overall Category Winners. Gary from Fleet Dive selected his favourite image from the two British & Irish categories. Fleet Dive, based in the Costa Brava, have kindly awarded the winner a diving & accommodation package to enjoy some of the best diving this area has to offer. The Overall Overseas winner was selected by Wendy from Safari Diving Lanzarote who has also donated a diving package prize for the winner. Photo pro, Paul “Duxy” Duxfield kindly assisted both Gary and Wendy as they made their final decisions on who should take away the main prizes.
Simon Temple’s highly commended UK Macro shot
Each category winner will receive a shark sponsorship pack from The Shark Trust, donated by the NUPG. The winners can select to support Great White Sharks, Basking Sharks, Whaleshark or a No Limits? Shark.
So here are the results:
British Macro
Winner – Trevor Rees, nudibranch (coryphella lineata) grazing on hydroids, Loch Carron May 16, Nikon D600 + Nikon 60mm
Runner-Up – John Spencer, pair of hermit crabs, Loch Sunart, Nikon D7000 + 60mm
Highly Commended – Simon Temple, snakelocks anemone shrimp, Babbacombe Devon, Nikon D90
Trevor Rees’ winning UK Macro shot
British Wide Angle
Winner – Caroline Robertson-Brown, Grey Seal Nose, Farne Islands, Nikon D7100, Tokina 10-17mm lens
Runner-Up – Trevor Rees, Blue Shark, 10 miles off shore from Penzance, Oct 16, Nikon D600 + Sigma 15mm
Highly Commended – Simon Temple, Snorkelling with a young grey seal, Eastern Isles, Isles of Scilly, Nikon D90
Trevor Rees’ runner-up shot in the British Wide Angle category
Overseas Macro
Winner – John Spencer, Anemonefish, night dive, Lembeh Indonesia, D7000 + 60mm
Runner-Up – Lisa Collins, Beauty and the Beast, hairy goby and porcelain crab, Anilao, Philippines, Canon EOS6D + 100mm + x2 teleconverter
Highly Commended – John Spencer, Anemonefish, Lembeh Indonesia, D7000 + 60mm
Lisa Collins’ runner-up shot in the Overseas Macro category
Overseas Wide Angle
Caroline Robertson-Brown’s winning shot in the Overall Overseas Winner category
Winner – Justin Beevor Snapper v Snappers, Bohar Snapper at Ras Mohammed, Sony a6300 + 16mm with fisheye converter
Runner-Up – Justin Beevor Wreck of the Giannis D, Sha’ab Abu Nuhas, Sony a6300 + 16mm with fisheye converter
Highly Commended – Lisa Collins, Reaching for the Sun, diver in Chasmal Cenote Tulum, Canon EOS6D + 8-15mm
Overall British & Irish Champion is John Spencer with his shot of a pair of hermit crabs from Loch Sunart, who wins the diving package with Fleet Dive.
Overall Overseas Champion is Caroline Robertson-Brown with her shot of a playful Cape Fur Seal taken in South Africa who wins the diving package with Safari Diving Lanzarote.
John Spencer’s winning shot in the Overall British and Irish Category (this shot was also Runner-Up in the UK Macro category)
The NUPG would like to thank all those who entered the competition, all those who voted, everyone who helped out over the weekend and to our sponsors, Fleet Dive and Safari Diving Lanzarote. It is always a pleasure to share the beauty of our underwater world with a wider public, including loads of children, at this event.
Wendy from Safari Diving Lanzarote awarding Caroline as the Overall Overseas Champion
Ho Ho Ho! Vobster Quay’s recording-breaking charity Santa diving event returns on Sunday 15th December 2024 for another round of festive fundraising frivolities. Run in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes, this ever-popular annual fundraising event aims to raise sack-loads of cash for these two very deserving charities.
Divers of all levels are invited to grab their Santa outfits – and as much festive cheer as they can muster – and head down to Vobster Quay near Mells, Somerset for a mass sponsored Santa dive in aid of charity. In previous years, the event has attracted divers from the far corners of the UK to join in the festive merriment for a final festive dive before the Christmas and New Year break. Back in 2015, the event smashed the world record for the most Santa divers with 188 divers taking to the waters donning their festive finery – a record that remains unbeaten to this day!
Vobster Santas isn’t just about setting records – it’s also about raising some serious cash for charity. Vobster Quay encourages all divers to get into the spirit of the season to raise much-needed funds for two very deserving charities – the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes.
Through individual sponsorship and online donations, divers can invite their friends, family and work colleagues to sponsor them to plunge into the balmy waters of Vobster Quay dressed in full festive finery. Since the very first Santa dive in 2007, the event has raised over £52,000 for charity. “It’s been over 17 years since the very first charity Santa dive took place at Vobster Quay and every year the event just keeps getting bigger and better” enthused Vobster Quay owner, Amy Stanton.
“Vobster Santas is a great way for divers to say a massive thank you to the both the RNLI and Help For Heroes – two very deserving charities close to our hearts. We’re immensely proud of all that Vobster Santas has achieved and hope that even more divers will join this year’s event on Sunday 15th December. I’m confident that we can make Vobster Santas 2024 the biggest yet!”.
Divers wishing to participate can get involved by simply registering their attendance at
www.vobster.com/event-vobstersantas.php.
Blogs
Dive into Adventure at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa: The Ultimate Diving Destination in the Maldives
Tucked away in the remote northern Haa Alifu Atoll, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is a premier destination for anyone seeking an unforgettable underwater experience. With over 30 dive sites to explore, divers of all levels can witness the unique and mesmerising beauty of the underwater world. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or new to the sport, Hideaway offers an exceptional diving adventure that is not to be missed.
Explore the Beauty Beneath the Surface
Hideaway is perfectly situated near some of the most spectacular dive sites in the Maldives. The dive school and team at Hideaway offer a very personalised experience to ensure each diver gets an interactive, immersive experience.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Unique dive spots such as Theefaridhoo Thila (Heaven and Hell) as one of the 50 best dive sites in the whole of the Maldives, known for its beautiful soft coral gardens.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
As the resort is located next to a channel which gives guests surprise visits from eagle rays, manta rays, guitar sharks and more.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
One of the standout features of diving in the Haa Alifu Atoll is the abundance of rare and exotic marine species. The area is known for sightings of whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, and a variety of colorful reef fish. Diving at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa offers a rare opportunity to encounter these creatures in their natural habitat, creating lifelong memories for guests.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Whether you’re exploring deep coral gardens, dramatic overhangs, or vibrant reef walls, each dive offers something new and exciting. The visibility in the Maldives is exceptional, often exceeding 30 meters, making it ideal for both underwater photography and general exploration.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Diving for All Levels
At Hideaway, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the thrill of diving. That’s why we cater to divers of all levels, from beginners to experienced professionals. Our professional dive center, led by expert instructors, offers a range of courses and guided dives. If you’re new to diving, you can start with an introductory course that will teach you the basics of scuba diving in a safe and controlled environment.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
For more experienced divers, we offer advanced dive courses and guided excursions to some of the more challenging dive sites. Our instructors are knowledgeable and passionate about the local marine life, ensuring that every dive is not only safe but also informative and enjoyable.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Exclusive Diving Offer
To make your stay even more unforgettable, Hideaway is offering an exclusive diving package designed to enhance your experience both above and below the water. When you book a minimum 7-night stay, you’ll receive:
- 35% discount on room rates.
- Complimentary diving: 3 dives per person for 2 guests, allowing you to experience the beauty of the Maldives underwater world.
- Free meal plan upgrade: enjoy a complimentary upgrade from Bed & Breakfast to Half Board, or from Half Board to Full Board. Guests who prefer the White Platinum Plan (WPP) can avail it at a discounted rate.
This incredible offer provides the perfect opportunity to experience world-class diving while enjoying all the luxury and comfort that Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is known for.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Combinable Offers for Even More Value
This diving offer can also be combined with our Anniversary and Honeymoon offers, allowing you to create the perfect celebration package. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply seeking a romantic getaway, this offer ensures that you can enjoy the best of both worlds – luxurious accommodations and unforgettable diving adventures.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Terms & Conditions
- This offer is available exclusively for bookings made through the official Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa website using a specific booking code.
- The offer cannot be combined with other promotions available on the website or through other channels, nor can it be redeemed for cash.
- All dives are subject to weather conditions, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all guests.
- Black-out dates: This offer is not available from 24th December 2024 to 9th January 2025.
To book this exquisite offer, use the Promo Code: SCUBA24FD
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Hideaway is not just a resort; it’s a sanctuary for those seeking peace, adventure, and luxury. With spacious villas, private pools, and world-class dining options, the resort offers everything you need for a perfect holiday. From tennis, golf, gym, cycling to the exquisite underwater activities, unique dining options, Hideaway has something for everyone. And for diving enthusiasts, it provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful dive sites in the world.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Our dive center is fully equipped with state-of-the-art gear, ensuring that every dive is safe, comfortable, and enjoyable. Our instructors are passionate about the underwater world and are eager to share their knowledge with you, whether it’s your first dive or your 100th.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
The Ultimate Dive Adventure Awaits
If you’re looking for an unforgettable diving holiday in the Maldives, look no further than Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa. With over 30 dive sites, unique marine life, and exclusive offers, we provide the ultimate underwater experience. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking adventure, our diving package offers exceptional value and incredible memories.
Book now through our official website to take advantage of this exclusive offer and prepare for the dive adventure of a lifetime.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Call: +960 650-1515
Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
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