News
Positive Trends Inspire Optimism as Cayman Dive Industry Prepares for Season
With the number of stay over visitors on the rise, dive industry leaders in the Cayman Islands are optimistic about 2016, saying current trends in the healthy dive travel market mean good news for Cayman. Industry reports show an increase in the number of baby boomers 50+ and women divers across the board, both key demographics in Cayman’s clientele. Safe, stable, easily accessible, and with a wide range of comfortable accommodations, Cayman is an ideal and active destination for family vacations.
According to American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) today’s boomers, retired and active, spend $120 billion a year on leisure travel, many of them seeking warmer climates and beaches. Dive Training Magazine surveys support this, reflecting an increase in the percentage of divers in older groups. PADI reports impressive growth in the number of women divers, which currently make up more than a third of PADI certifications. To celebrate this PADI launched Women’s Dive Day this summer.
This healthy travel market presents clear opportunities for local dive operators to recruit new divers. Cayman’s warm clear water, vibrant underwater world, and professional and friendly dive operators offer the perfect family activity. Family members as young as ten can join their parents, or grandparents, on the adventure – and there is no better place to learn to dive.
“Diving is a sport that you can participate in with your family, from ages 8, so it’s an adventure you can do together,” says Nancy Easterbrook, owner of Divetech. “Diving is interactive, visual, active, adventurous, skill developing, educational and not the least, fun! 78% of our planet is made of water and can be enjoyed from young to old. The shallow reefs and exceptional safety-oriented dive staff can show your kids the mysteries and colorful coral gardens of the underwater world.”
“In Little Cayman, with wall dives starting at 18 feet, families can explore Bloody Bay Marine Park no matter what the age of the divers,” adds Neil van Niekerk of the Southern Cross Club. “Average depth at the top of the wall is 25 feet which is well within the 40’ limit of a 10 year old Jr. Open Water Diver, safely bringing all of the splendour to a new generation.”
Sunset House General Manager Keith Sahm says they are seeing familiar faces returning to Cayman after many years. “We’re seeing guests that were last here in 1989, and they are back with their kids or grandkids – and they’re happy the Sunset House has retained its charm – they were afraid that we had changed too much in the intervening years, when they were busy raising their kids.”
In an interesting life cycle, these parents and grandparents are now introducing their Millennial kids to diving while on vacation together, a hopeful sign for the next generation of divers.
“We do a lot with families – that’s been a big part of our focus since we are the onsite dive operator for all the big hotels and resorts – and it is good to see parents and grandparents diving with their kids,” says Rod McDowall, operations manager for Red Sail Sports. “We work to recruit new divers through our concierge service, our in-house videos and marketing material. The more newcomers we introduce to diving, the more will return.”
At Ocean Frontiers located on Grand Cayman’s remote East End, co-owner Steve Broadbelt says they are witnessing this too. “We see a lot of families diving together, especially during traditional holiday periods throughout the year – it is not unusual to see three generations of a family diving together,” he says. “Even if none of the family members have been diving before, we offer learn to dive vacations for the whole family to get certified together as a group. Learning together at the same time really helps create valuable family memories of adventure of learning to dive.”
PADI officials say response to Women’s Dive Day was overwhelming across the world. Some 335 events were held in 65 countries and 25 states in America. On Grand Cayman Red Sail Sports celebrated by hosting a special “pampered” dive trip for women divers. The ladies were greeted by dive staff in special attire, and then treated to champagne and strawberries after the diving was done – renowned Red Sail Sports customer service with a touch of extra fun that day.
“It was all great fun for staff and customers,” said Operations Manager Rod McDowall. “We appreciate our women divers because they have a sense of adventure and this was a good way to let them know that we are happy they come to Cayman to dive with us.”
With several projects, including a new airport and several new hotels expected to boost Cayman’s tourism even more in the coming years, operators plan to continue reaching out to new markets in creative ways, while keeping repeat customers happy.
“New divers are as critical to a dive industry as repeat customers,” says Broadbelt. “Everyone talks about repeat business is the key to success, which to a degree is true – but new divers are very important ‘seeds’ for the future of the business of diving.”
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.
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.
-
News2 months agoIconic SS United States to become the World’s Largest Artificial Reef
-
News3 months agoBook Review – 52 Assignments: Underwater Photography
-
Gear News3 months agoDYNAMICNORD – New German diving brand enters the British market
-
News3 months agoExploring Cenote El Pit: A Diver’s Dream
-
Gear News3 months agoTry BARE drysuits (and maybe even win one!) this Friday with Sea & Sea at North West Dive Fest
-
Marine Life & Conservation3 months agoBook Review: Coral Triangle Cameos
-
Blogs2 months agoDive the Egyptian Red Sea this Autumn with Regaldive
-
News3 months ago2024 Ocean Art Underwater Photo Competition Announced