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Review: Scubafest Cornwall 2017

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Scubafest Cornwall has taken place on the May Bank Holiday now for the last 8 years, and in its time the event has attracted divers and dive clubs from all over the country. Scubafest is held at Pentewan Sands Holiday Park near St Austell, a beautiful location which is perfect for this kind of event, and is organised by the Scuba Industry Trade Association (SITA).

Scubafest offers existing divers the chance to do some shore diving from the beach at Pentewan or boat diving from Mevagissey, Foy or Newquay (the idea being that if the diving is blown out at one location you should be able to get a dive in at one of the others – more on that later). Non-divers can also get in on the action thanks to PADI, BSAC and SSI all being on hand to offer various try dives in the pool at Pentewan Sands.

James from Dive Newquay with some Scubafest divers

Freediving 2000, an East Sussex-based dive centre that offers SSI freediving courses, were in the pool each morning from 9-11am offering people the chance to try out freediving techniques. These sessions proved very popular, with several instructors showing Scubafest attendees the proper breathing techniques, how to fin efficiently and giving a taster of the world of freediving.

BSAC offered try dives in the pool from 11am to 3pm each day at Scubafest. These were really popular with the kids staying at the venue and the BSAC instructors were kept busy showing a new generation the joys of breathing underwater. The BSAC team had also brought toys and games along for the kids to have a go at whilst also trying out scuba diving for the very first time.

From 3-5pm each day there was the chance to try out some tech gear with PADI. Wavecrest Scuba had a Diver Tug scooter to try out; sidemount taster sessions were also available, offered by Aquasport International; and rebreather try dives were also on offer with Dive Newquay.

There was a large marquee where people could go to check out the latest dive gear from companies such as Mares, Suunto, Atomic, Typhoon, Sea & Sea and Liquid Sports. Also there promoting various dive holiday destinations were Oonasdivers, and the RNLI were there to show their support too. Marine conservation organisations had a strong presence, with Project AWARE, Sea Shepherd, British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) and Fathoms Free all exhibiting at the event. Fathoms Free ran a treasure hunt for the kids, and BDMLR staged dolphin strandings and rescues which was extremely popular with the young ones.

Jane Morgan with Scubaverse.com’s Nick Robertson-Brown

Underwater Photographer (and pirate) Jane Morgan ran a splash in competition where divers who had come back from their day’s diving showed off their photos (more on that in another article next week), and recently appointed Oonas Divers and Ultimate Diving photo pro Duxy was available to give hints, tips and advice to those who wished to brush up on their underwater photography skills.

There was plenty of entertainment in the evenings too, with live music every evening and a Pirate-themed fancy dress party on Saturday night complete with karaoke (Ryan from Suunto singing ‘Jump Around’ by House of Pain being a particular stand-out moment).

The only thing that let the event down, as usual, was the weather. Although Scubafest began on Saturday, most of the divers arrived on Friday, when the sun was shining and the sea was as flat as a millpond. Sadly the ideal conditions were not set to last, and although the sun was still shining on Saturday, the wind had picked up in the South and the diving was blown out. Luckily divers could still get out from the North with Dive Newquay, so all was not lost – until Sunday, when the rain moved in and it was all over… and by mid afternoon, many had decided to make the long journey home.

Pirates!

Mini Pirates! (and Parrots)

That aside, the event had a great vibe and was enjoyed immensely by those who attended, despite the weather. Organisers Lorraine and Vini told Scubaverse they have booked the sunshine in for next year already, and have promised the biggest and most action-packed Scubafest yet – so roll on 2018!

To keep up-to-date with news about Scubafest Cornwall 2018, visit www.cornwallscubafest.co.uk.

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Spooktacular Underwater Adventure: Oyster Diving’s First Halloween Scuba Party at Mercers Lake

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halloween

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.

halloween halloween

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.

halloween

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.

halloween

Join us next Halloween for an experience that promises to be a haunting delight!

Find out more about Oyster Diving at oysterdiving.com.

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Marine Life & Conservation

Shark Trust launches Oceanic 31 Shark Art Auction

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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.

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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