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RAID Asia joins forces with Mike Wells to promote RAID and WSF freediving

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RAID Asia has joined forces with freediving icon Mike Wells to promote RAID and World Series Freediving (WSF) throughout Asia. RAID CEO Jim Holliday said: “Mike needs no introduction to the diving world as his records and achievements in the art of freediving are well known globally. For example, he conceptualised and wrote the world’s first mainstream freediving program. In so doing, he effectively transformed the once cult-like pastime consisting of just a handful of participants into a safety focused, structured, mainstream sport that is today accessible to the masses. Now he has teamed up with our RAID Asia Office to further develop freediving in Asia, state of the art freediving training will become more readily available to everyone throughout the region.”

RAID International Director of Business and Marketing, Terry Cummins, said: “Mike, as the Director of Freediving for RAID International, has moved freediving training beyond previous levels with the world’s first fully online continuing education courses for freedivers. That is, online theory from beginner to RAID Freediving Examiner. Stationed in the Philippines Mike will now gain the direct support of our impressive RAID Team stationed in Asia and from those in Thailand and the Philippines in particular.”

Chief Operations Officer of RAID Asia Steve Moon said: “Col McKenzie and I are going to be working very hard to help develop RAID Freediving and World Series Freediving throughout Asia in conjunction with our RAID Asia Regional Managers and Mike, who has his HQ in the Philippines. The Philippines and various other places within Asia offer some of the best training grounds for freedivers in the world, and having such close and direct access to Mike and his team is a real bonus for RAID Asia. This new collaborative partnership will commence with an instructor course at Roctopus Dive on Koh Tao in Thailand where courses from beginner to Instructor levels will soon be available.”

RAID Asia Field Service Manager Chris Haslam, based on Koh Tao, has been overwhelmed by the interest shown to date in RAID Freediving and is looking forward to making Koh Tao a WSF hub. Haslam has invited those who seek more information on freediving on Koh Tao to email him at chris@raid-asia.com. He will be delighted to help get you pointed in the right direction.

Moon concluded by saying: “This is an amazing opportunity for current dive professionals to cross over and become involved in the world’s fastest growing diving adventure sport, with a focus on fun, professionalism and a quality experience. Freediving is by far the most effective way to interact with ocean creatures and experience the underwater reefs and corals that are their home. The world of freediving will add a whole new dimension to RAID Asia and we are ecstatic about this new partnership – why wouldn’t you be one of the first to qualify?”

To learn more contact your local RAID Regional Office or find all the information you need on all RAID programs at www.diveraid.com and freediving at www.freedivingraid.com. You can find RAID on Facebook here and World Series Freediving on Facebook here.

Gear News

Introducing the TR-80, IR-50 and CS-30 Regulators from DYNAMICNORD

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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The Workhorse – our CS-30

For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.

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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.

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Octopus OP-30

The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.

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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.

www.dynamicnord.com

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Marine Life & Conservation

Paul Watson Released as Denmark Blocks Japan’s Extradition Bid

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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.

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