News
OZTeK2015: Making Tek Tick
Widely recognised as people who have gazed into the future and whose achievements and adventures have often placed them beyond the usually accepted limits of safe diving practice, many of the speakers and presenters at OZTeK2015 have made – and continue to make – tremendous contributions to the development of diving.
With a growing line-up that includes several of diving’s most celebrated identities, confirmed speakers, presenters and MC’s at OZTeK2015 – to be held at Australian Technology Park, Sydney, Australia on the 14th and 15th March 2015 – already includes: Liam Allen, (AUS); Michael Aw, (AUS); Peter Buzzacott, (AUS); Matt Carter, (NZ); Steve Cox, (USA); Sue Crowe, (AUS); Dr Andrew Fock, (AUS); John Garvin, (AUS); Paul Haynes, (UK); Heather Hamza, (USA); Dr Richard Harris, (AUS); Lamar Hires, (USA); Laura James, (USA); Jayne Jenkins, (AUS); Deborah Johnston, (AUS); Richard Lundgren, (Sweden); Rosemary Lunn, (UK); Alberto Nava, (USA); Michael Menduno, (USA); Rod Macdonald, (UK); Barry McGill, (Ireland); Daren Marshall, (AUS); Pete Mesley, (NZ); Assoc. Professor Simon Mitchell, (NZ); Richard Nicholls (AUS); Martin Parker, (UK); Simon Pridmore, (Indonesia); Ben Reymenants, (Thailand); Lance Robb, (AUS); Liz Rogers, (AUS); Dave Ross, (Philippines); Alex Santos, (Philippines); Damien Siviero, (AUS); Hannah Smeeton, (AUS); Ken Smith, (AUS); Strike (AUS); Richard Taylor, (NZ); Randy Thornton, (USA); Paul Toomer, (UK); and Mike Torr, (NZ).
Often better known for their successes – rather than for any set-backs and pratfalls – many of these diving identities have an arsenal of anecdotes and yarns that are as inspirational and informative as they are entertaining.
In a departure from the usual conference panel discussions focussed on specific topics, OZTeK2015 will feature a ticketed Saturday evening and a Sunday afternoon session based on the television chat-show format.
Featuring a series of main theatre, on-stage interviews – each with three or four different diving celebrities from diverse fields of interest – the free ranging conversations and interaction between ‘guests’ will provide witty and amusing insights into the personalities of some of modern diving’s most revered identities – and in the process reveal what it is that makes Tek Tick.
Representing a perfect opportunity to find out more about the personalities behind the presentations – and ideal for dive clubs and those unable to attend the day-time presentations – full details of, the “Twilight Tech Talks” and “An Afternoon With … ” will be announced in the early part of the New Year on the OZTeK2015 website: www.diveoztek.com.au.
Last Thursday, Oyster Diving transformed Mercers Lake into a hauntingly unforgettable underwater realm for their inaugural Halloween Scuba Party. Approximately 20 intrepid divers plunged into the darkness, weaving through a mesmerising scene of spectral decorations, glow sticks, and eerie underwater pumpkins.
After the thrilling night dive, participants gathered to feast on a ghoulish spread of pumpkin soup, chilli con carne, and decadent fudge brownies, perfect fuel for the frightful festivities.
With a resounding success, Oyster Diving is excited to announce plans for this event to become an annual tradition. Next year, look forward to a fully licensed bar and live music, promising an even spookier celebration under the moonlit waters.
Join us next Halloween for an experience that promises to be a haunting delight!
Find out more about Oyster Diving at oysterdiving.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.
-
- Bigeye Thresher Shark by Janina Rossiter
-
- Carcharodon carcharias by Jimmy Higgs
-
- Croc VR 2030 by Tom Mead
-
- Oceanic Whitetip by ATM
-
- 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
-
Blogs3 months agoGozo: An Underwater Treasure Trove in the Heart of the Mediterranean
-
News3 weeks agoIconic SS United States to become the World’s Largest Artificial Reef
-
Blogs2 months agoNovoScuba’s Game-Changing Approach for Dive Store Owners: WE PAY YOU!
-
News1 month agoBook Review – 52 Assignments: Underwater Photography
-
Marine Life & Conservation3 months agoBook Review: Sharkpedia
-
Gear News1 month agoDYNAMICNORD – New German diving brand enters the British market
-
News1 month agoExploring Cenote El Pit: A Diver’s Dream
-
Blogs3 months agoFreediver Christian Redl Sets His 13th World Record at Lake Neufeld