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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.

Gear News

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

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regulator

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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paul watson

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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