News
O’Three Ambassador Blog: Road Trip to Croatia
O’Three ambassador Rick Ayrton and friends drive to Croatia for some diving
Off on a road trip to Croatia for some deeper warm water diving. Owing to travel difficulty with baggage allowances a group of us decided to drive this year. Seemed like a good idea at the time!
We have 1200+ miles ahead of us; 19hrs of driving if non stop. We are all insured to drive so hopefully will make steady progress – and hopefully we all remain mates!
I will post on my return about the trip. Thanks to O’Three, I am able to take (as well as my drysuit) a 6×5 semi dry and a Deepskin tech vest for added insulation.
I have issues getting into a drysuit when the air temperature is over 30°C and the surface water temperature is over 25°C. The trouble with the Croatian Adriatic is that when you are on a wreck at 50m+ it is a predictable 13 – 15°C… certainly cold enough for a dry suit.
From past experience, the cold at the deepest part of the dive is bearable since you are active and moving around. As you ascend, the water warms and all is fine. In the past when I have tried a semi dry in the Med (for long deep dives) it wasn’t the dive phase that was the problem but the early deep stops where it remains cold and all you can do is wait for time to pass.
Modern decompression theory has cast doubt on the wisdom of deep stops so as divers we tend to ascend rather more quickly in the first stages of our decompression – getting to water with a temperature that an O’Three 6×5 semi-dry can handle with ease!
Part 2 of this report will hopefully give some answers!
Rick is an ambassador for UK-based drysuit manufacturer O’Three. To find out more about O’Three, visit www.othree.co.uk.
News
Spooktacular Underwater Adventure: Oyster Diving’s First Halloween Scuba Party at Mercers Lake
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.
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.
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.
Join us next Halloween for an experience that promises to be a haunting delight!
Find out more about Oyster Diving at oysterdiving.com.
Marine Life & Conservation
Shark Trust launches Oceanic 31 Shark Art Auction
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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