News
Paul Toomer takes on new role at RAID
Paul Toomer has announced that he has stepped aside as president of Dive RAID International to take up new duties as V-P Product Development and Member Relations. In this new role, Paul will assist PJ Prinsloo in the Training Department developing new courses, and updating the more than 120 programs the agency currently offers.
Paul will also head up the new Training Advisory Group (TAG) at RAID. This group has been setup to give professional advice to RAID’s executive while helping to keep standards current, and new courses relevant in the recreational scuba, freediving, technical scuba, and rebreather markets.
The popular and well-known diving personality, one of the original founders of RAID and a current partner in Dive RAID International (DRI), said:
“Prior to taking on the president’s job, under the previous company ownership, I thrived as Director Diver Training. It was a job I loved, and I am very happy to think that I’ll be involved once more in Training Department business. As the agency has expanded its reach during the past 12 months, keeping up with the daily demands of our membership worldwide has more than doubled because our network of dive centres and professionals has grown. And so, I’m excited that this new position means I’ll be able to share some of that workload, and keep the level of customer service among the highest in the industry.”
Paul, a well-respected technical diver, and explorer explained that in his new role he will have time once again to participate in more diving expeditions, and to focus on market pressure he has felt to run various training programs including instructor and instructor-trainer level courses.
He added:
“Under the new management team, RAID is more stable now than it’s ever been. And on a personal note, as the company moves forward in 2023, I will be able to spend more time with my family, and on personal projects without negatively affecting its continued growth. This. is a perfect balance for me and for RAID.”
In his new role for the company, Toomer will also work closely with the sales and marketing departments to increase RAID’s market share in recreational scuba and freediving as well as to solidify its leadership position in the technical and rebreather market segments.
Toomer begins his new job effective immediately.
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.
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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
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