News
rEvo Rebreather event held in wintry conditions at Stoney Cove
Over the weekend of the 17th & 18th of March, the teams from rEvo Rebreathers and Mares gathered at Stoney Cove to show off their latest equipment, offering rEvo try dives and loaning out Mares dive and XR equipment to the divers who adventured out on what was a particularly wintry weekend. Even with a weather warning for extreme cold and heavy snow, divers turned up from around the UK.
Saturday started out beautifully sunny as the first group, who had signed up to try out the rebreather systems, headed into the classroom at Stoney Cove to hear about how the system works and the benefits over other rebreather models. Then it was time to gear up. The sky turned white and soon snow was falling, but just as quickly it shifted back to bright sunshine; clearly, the weather was going to be a feature of the day!
In the water, the temperature was 4 degrees and the visibility was somewhat less than ideal. This, however, did not seem to put-off the divers from experiencing the rEvo rebreather on a try dive. Some were experienced rebreather divers, others having a go for the first time, but once they had signed up, they were treated to 1:1 guidance from the professional instructor team that had traveled from Italy, Belgium and all over the UK.
The rEvo is a revolutionary rebreather system and we were amazed at just how compact and light the system is. Features that make it stand out from the crowd include:
- Dual scrubber: the most efficient scrubber system on the market, dual redundant design, safer in use while using less sorb.
- Lightweight / travel friendly: travel weight of around 15 kg, and a dive ready weight of 21kg makes the rEvo micro one of the most travel friendly units on the market.
- Maintenance friendly: easy to set-up and maintain. Complete assembly and dive preparation including checklist in less than 5 min. The design prevents user assembly errors.
- “True” redundant electronics: the different electronic system that monitor the ppO2 in the rebreather are redundant up to sensor level and therefore produces an inherently safe design.
In the evening Mares and rEvo hosted a dinner at Stoney Cove for journalists, instructors and dive shop owners to hear a presentation from Paul of rEvo about how the system works. Alas, the snow really picked up, and the group grew nervous at the thought of the drive out of Stoney involving driving up the winding hill. Watching the blizzard getting worse from the Nemo restaurant window, the decision was taken to head back to the hotel while we still could; a wise move.
Sunday saw the air temperature drop to a chilly -2 degrees, and as we pulled into the car park at Stoney Cove, a layer of snow had covered the cliff edges and walls around the quarry. Surely only the brave would be turning up on a day like this, but turn up they did, and the morning rEvo try dive session went ahead with seven of us braving the chilly water. For those with little experience in rebreather diving, the try dives were conducted in shallow water, staying at 5m, and touring around the Nautilus sculpture, spending around 30 minutes in the water (which was plenty given the temperatures!)
It was a very informative weekend for anyone interested in rebreather diving and it provided a great chance to try out the rEvo rebreather with 1:1 instruction. Mares, somewhat unsurprisingly, saw plenty of divers asking to try out their heated vests. I was lucky enough to be one of the divers trying these out and the difference it made to diving these wintry conditions was incredible. We did three dives over the weekend and never once got cold; no ice-cream headache and our hands were fine throughout the dives too.
For more information about rEvo Rebreathers visit their website: www.revo-rebreathers.com.
For more information about Mares visit their website: www.mares.com.
News
Santa Divers take the Plunge for Charity
Ho Ho Ho! Vobster Quay’s recording-breaking charity Santa diving event returns on Sunday 15th December 2024 for another round of festive fundraising frivolities. Run in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes, this ever-popular annual fundraising event aims to raise sack-loads of cash for these two very deserving charities.
Divers of all levels are invited to grab their Santa outfits – and as much festive cheer as they can muster – and head down to Vobster Quay near Mells, Somerset for a mass sponsored Santa dive in aid of charity. In previous years, the event has attracted divers from the far corners of the UK to join in the festive merriment for a final festive dive before the Christmas and New Year break. Back in 2015, the event smashed the world record for the most Santa divers with 188 divers taking to the waters donning their festive finery – a record that remains unbeaten to this day!
Vobster Santas isn’t just about setting records – it’s also about raising some serious cash for charity. Vobster Quay encourages all divers to get into the spirit of the season to raise much-needed funds for two very deserving charities – the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes.
Through individual sponsorship and online donations, divers can invite their friends, family and work colleagues to sponsor them to plunge into the balmy waters of Vobster Quay dressed in full festive finery. Since the very first Santa dive in 2007, the event has raised over £52,000 for charity. “It’s been over 17 years since the very first charity Santa dive took place at Vobster Quay and every year the event just keeps getting bigger and better” enthused Vobster Quay owner, Amy Stanton.
“Vobster Santas is a great way for divers to say a massive thank you to the both the RNLI and Help For Heroes – two very deserving charities close to our hearts. We’re immensely proud of all that Vobster Santas has achieved and hope that even more divers will join this year’s event on Sunday 15th December. I’m confident that we can make Vobster Santas 2024 the biggest yet!”.
Divers wishing to participate can get involved by simply registering their attendance at
www.vobster.com/event-vobstersantas.php.
Blogs
Dive into Adventure at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa: The Ultimate Diving Destination in the Maldives
Tucked away in the remote northern Haa Alifu Atoll, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is a premier destination for anyone seeking an unforgettable underwater experience. With over 30 dive sites to explore, divers of all levels can witness the unique and mesmerising beauty of the underwater world. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or new to the sport, Hideaway offers an exceptional diving adventure that is not to be missed.
Explore the Beauty Beneath the Surface
Hideaway is perfectly situated near some of the most spectacular dive sites in the Maldives. The dive school and team at Hideaway offer a very personalised experience to ensure each diver gets an interactive, immersive experience.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Unique dive spots such as Theefaridhoo Thila (Heaven and Hell) as one of the 50 best dive sites in the whole of the Maldives, known for its beautiful soft coral gardens.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
As the resort is located next to a channel which gives guests surprise visits from eagle rays, manta rays, guitar sharks and more.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
One of the standout features of diving in the Haa Alifu Atoll is the abundance of rare and exotic marine species. The area is known for sightings of whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, and a variety of colorful reef fish. Diving at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa offers a rare opportunity to encounter these creatures in their natural habitat, creating lifelong memories for guests.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Whether you’re exploring deep coral gardens, dramatic overhangs, or vibrant reef walls, each dive offers something new and exciting. The visibility in the Maldives is exceptional, often exceeding 30 meters, making it ideal for both underwater photography and general exploration.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Diving for All Levels
At Hideaway, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the thrill of diving. That’s why we cater to divers of all levels, from beginners to experienced professionals. Our professional dive center, led by expert instructors, offers a range of courses and guided dives. If you’re new to diving, you can start with an introductory course that will teach you the basics of scuba diving in a safe and controlled environment.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
For more experienced divers, we offer advanced dive courses and guided excursions to some of the more challenging dive sites. Our instructors are knowledgeable and passionate about the local marine life, ensuring that every dive is not only safe but also informative and enjoyable.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Exclusive Diving Offer
To make your stay even more unforgettable, Hideaway is offering an exclusive diving package designed to enhance your experience both above and below the water. When you book a minimum 7-night stay, you’ll receive:
- 35% discount on room rates.
- Complimentary diving: 3 dives per person for 2 guests, allowing you to experience the beauty of the Maldives underwater world.
- Free meal plan upgrade: enjoy a complimentary upgrade from Bed & Breakfast to Half Board, or from Half Board to Full Board. Guests who prefer the White Platinum Plan (WPP) can avail it at a discounted rate.
This incredible offer provides the perfect opportunity to experience world-class diving while enjoying all the luxury and comfort that Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is known for.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Combinable Offers for Even More Value
This diving offer can also be combined with our Anniversary and Honeymoon offers, allowing you to create the perfect celebration package. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply seeking a romantic getaway, this offer ensures that you can enjoy the best of both worlds – luxurious accommodations and unforgettable diving adventures.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Terms & Conditions
- This offer is available exclusively for bookings made through the official Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa website using a specific booking code.
- The offer cannot be combined with other promotions available on the website or through other channels, nor can it be redeemed for cash.
- All dives are subject to weather conditions, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all guests.
- Black-out dates: This offer is not available from 24th December 2024 to 9th January 2025.
To book this exquisite offer, use the Promo Code: SCUBA24FD
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Hideaway is not just a resort; it’s a sanctuary for those seeking peace, adventure, and luxury. With spacious villas, private pools, and world-class dining options, the resort offers everything you need for a perfect holiday. From tennis, golf, gym, cycling to the exquisite underwater activities, unique dining options, Hideaway has something for everyone. And for diving enthusiasts, it provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful dive sites in the world.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Our dive center is fully equipped with state-of-the-art gear, ensuring that every dive is safe, comfortable, and enjoyable. Our instructors are passionate about the underwater world and are eager to share their knowledge with you, whether it’s your first dive or your 100th.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
The Ultimate Dive Adventure Awaits
If you’re looking for an unforgettable diving holiday in the Maldives, look no further than Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa. With over 30 dive sites, unique marine life, and exclusive offers, we provide the ultimate underwater experience. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking adventure, our diving package offers exceptional value and incredible memories.
Book now through our official website to take advantage of this exclusive offer and prepare for the dive adventure of a lifetime.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Call: +960 650-1515
Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
-
News1 month ago
Iconic SS United States to become the World’s Largest Artificial Reef
-
Blogs3 months ago
NovoScuba’s Game-Changing Approach for Dive Store Owners: WE PAY YOU!
-
News2 months ago
Book Review – 52 Assignments: Underwater Photography
-
Gear News2 months ago
DYNAMICNORD – New German diving brand enters the British market
-
News2 months ago
Exploring Cenote El Pit: A Diver’s Dream
-
Gear News2 months ago
Try BARE drysuits (and maybe even win one!) this Friday with Sea & Sea at North West Dive Fest
-
News3 months ago
Coming Soon – 52 Assignments
-
News3 months ago
Save £200 per person per week at Pole Pole Lodge with Dive Worldwide