News
RAID Opens Three New UK Dive Centres
RAID are leading the way in the UK diving industry with the opening of three brand new dive centres. Dive Blue Horizon in Wakefield, Severn Tec in Shrewsbury and The Fifth Point in Northumberland are dedicated RAID Dive Centres offering solely RAID training.
RAID’s fresh approach to diver training aligns with the core values of many UK dive centres. Adrian Fox of Dive Blue Horizon chose RAID “because of their high standards and progressive approach towards training”. It’s obvious that RAID UK & Malta staff have real influence over the people they meet. Rather than sitting in an office, the company Directors James Rogers and Garry Dallas are travelling the country, hitting the water and showing divers what RAID is like, rather than just talking about it.
At The Fifth Point, owners Nic Emery and James Learwood realised the benefits of RAID during an in-water workshop with RAID Instructor Trainer, Edd Stockdale. “We’ve been teaching diving for years, and just a couple of hours in the water with Edd turned everything we knew on its head. It opened up a whole new way of teaching and modern diving slapped us in the face, making us wonder why we’d never thought of it before.” When they recently launched their new venture, modern diving became the corner stone of their business. “We’ve gone fully ‘tecreational’. All our students learn in wing and long hose configuration from the beginning. We’re creating confident and competent divers by teaching RAID.”
Kevin Murphy, owner of SevernTec was “frustrated with the watered-down approach to dive training” that he’d witnessed in the industry. He discovered RAID and reaped the benefits while conducting Sidemount training with RAID UK and Malta’s Director of Training, Garry Dallas.
“I’ve always thought that skills like propulsion, buoyancy and DSMB use are core skills – not something that should be bolted on as an afterthought. RAID is the only training agency I’ve seen that has these as fundamentals from the very beginning. I like the RAID style of teaching. I’ve got standards to follow, but I’m given the freedom to add my own style. RAID creates better divers. If a student is struggling, I can spend more time with them – it’s not a box ticking exercise.”
Kevin also loves the support from RAID UK and Malta HQ. “The office is there when I need them, even if it’s after business hours I usually get a phone call on the back of a message sent in the evening or at weekends.”
These new dive centres prove that RAID is at the forefront of a change in the diving industry. Far from the industry becoming stagnant, new ventures are taking a different approach to diving and using RAID as their training agency of choice.
For more information visit RADI UK & Malta or www.diveraid.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
Cozy and warm in cold water.
It’s drysuit season all year round. With the new RS series premium drysuits from DYNAMICNORD, divers are perfectly equipped for all cold waters.
The sophisticated cut of the RS drysuits allows complete freedom of movement, providing maximum comfort. The high-quality 350 g/m² ripstop material with double ripstop zones on the elbows, knees, and crotch protect ensures extreme robustness as well as long life.
The suit’s features leave nothing to be desired: A high-quality TiZip zipper, easily adjustable inlet and outlet valves, upgradeable with electrically heated underwear, HP bottleneck cuffs made of high-strength latex on the wrists, a 3mm neoprene neck cuff for maximum comfort, a 7mm hood with air outlet and 3mm boots made of double-sided, cross-layered neoprene with ankle straps and fin strap stoppers and a protective but very flexible sole.
Noteworthy is the Molle fastening system, which can be used in a variable and compatible manner. This way, the two detachable leg pockets can be attached easily, safely and comfortably.
Alterations of boots to a different shoe size or adjustments to neck or wrist cuffs are done free of charge at the own DYNAMICNORD service centre in Germany in only a couple of days.
The matching Dynaskins made with high-quality Polartec® technology are available in various designs. As an undersuit under the drysuit, as a single suit in warm waters or as a two-piece suit. Polartec® technology’s main features are neutral buoyancy, breathablilty and quick-drying.
Dynaskins are made largely from recycled plastic bottles.
The drysuit RS-351 for men and RS-352 for women are now available at your DYNAMICNORD dealer and in the online store.
Colors men and women: Black-Blue and Black-Burgundy
Sizes men: XS-4XL incl. intermediate sizes MS, MT, MLS, MLT, LS, LT, XLS, XLT, 2XLS, 3XLS, 4XLS
Sizes Women: XS-XL incl. intermediate sizes MS, MT, LS, XLS
DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.
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