News
RAID Launches the World’s First Online Freediving Continuing Education Program at DEMA Show 2014
Together with World Series Freediving (WSF) at the DEMA Show 2014, RAID has just launched the world’s most comprehensive freediving programs along with the industry’s first online – all digital, smallest carbon footprint, full colour, freediving continuing education program. It’s a full-on futuristic approach to the oldest diving sport – freediving.
Freediving guru Mike Wells wrote the world’s first ever globally accepted freediving program, and has now teamed up with RAID as their International Director of Freediving to completely revolutionise freediving training again.
Wells said: “At RAID we are the first to come up with a truly comprehensive, fully documented online continuing education program for freediving. Furthermore, the RAID Freediving program is directly linked to WSF and that in itself is something very awesome.”
RAID International Director of Business and Marketing Terry Cummins said: “RAID has a passion to come up with unrivalled products of excellence and this time we have collaborated with the industry’s best and most influential people to come up with a freediving program that is superior in direction, technique and sustainability to anything else out there. Existing freedivers or anyone interested in getting into the sport should contact their local RAID Regional Office or come see us at DEMA Show 2014 (booth 1038) and take a look at the program for themselves”.
RAID CEO Jim Holliday said: “The fact we have come up with such an outstanding program is not an arrogant claim, it’s a commitment to quality unmatched in the dive industry. So if you or your friends want to be trained to the highest quality standards, head to RAID.”
Holliday should know, as seven years ago he teamed up with Wells to create SSI’s freediving program. Wells takes up the story: “Back then, freediving needed validation from the wider diving community. The challenge was to present a program that appealed to a broad adventure market worldwide. So I approached my long term friend Jim Holliday who was CEO of SSI Australia at that time to gain his support to produce a program for SSI globally. More recently I approached Jim again with an even more ambitious freediving program for RAID.”
Together again under the RAID banner, Wells, Holliday and their respective teams have developed a revolutionary freediving program that has just taken the dive world by storm, presenting freediving as mass market adventure sport that will inadvertently form an opportunity for the world’s leading diving equipment manufactures to develop dedicated freediving lines to feed a new level of demand.
Wells said: “The program is entirely digital – the first such freediving program in the world. Secondly it is a whole new way to teach freediving; doing away with nonessential skills, the myths of old school freediving and stripping away the unnecessary romantisizing of freediving. We therefore have created a new program that fits a modern digital age and the modern tech savvy adventurer. This in turn creates a better learning experience and ultimately attracts far more people and produces far better freedivers.”
Cummins added: “With RAID we are developing a totally new global freediving community – no bubbles in sight, with its own modern and separate website that will however uniquely link the entire RAID global tribe of back gas divers and freedivers.”
Wells added: “This is just the beginning. We are going to blow your mind with what is coming next.
“We are also thinking of our many friends out there. For example, if you are an SSI Freediving Instructor you already understand the fundamentals of what we teach, so you can automatically get your RAID / WSF rating for a very small fee, including your first year’s membership free and several other immediate benefits. Also if you are an SSI Freediving Instructor, crossing over to RAID will be a seamless exercise. We are of course looking for freedivers of all levels from other agencies joining us as well. I hope you will join us; we can have some fun together and really take freediving to the next level. Please come and visit me personally in the Philippines – we need some stars for our video we are shooting for the next freediving release early in the New Year.”
For more information about RAID, visit www.diveraid.com.
Gear News
Introducing the TR-80, IR-50 and CS-30 Regulators from DYNAMICNORD
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.
Marine Life & Conservation
Paul Watson Released as Denmark Blocks Japan’s Extradition Bid
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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