News
Scuba Diving Empowers Women During PADI Women’s Dive Day Celebrations
For the fourth consecutive year, the world’s largest scuba diver training organisation invites divers of all ages and experience levels to celebrate women and the dive community for its worldwide celebration known as PADI Women’s Dive Day. PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) encourages females around the globe to band together on Saturday, July 21, to safely and confidently explore the underwater world and inspire more women to experience how diving can transform their lives.
There are myriad benefits related to diving but – in celebration of PADI Women’s Dive Day 2018 –here are five unique reasons #PADIWomen love to dive, and ways that scuba diving can empower any woman to challenge the status quo:
- Experience the world from a new perspective – Diving allows you to explore the other 71 percent of the planet covered in water. It provides abundant opportunities to find adventure in uncharted waters, travel to unique destinations, encounter wildlife and interact with cultures you might not otherwise meet. You’ll even experience things right in your own hometown that you never knew were there.
- Secure a much needed “mental health day” – Self-care is essential for overall wellness. Being submerged underwater allows you to experience absolute peace and quiet from outside distractions. If you’re a multitasker and juggle a lot in your life, scuba diving allows you to focus on the here-and-now, escaping the stresses of the topside world.
- Discover a whole new social sphere – Diving is a social sport, allowing you to meet and interact with others who share common interests and a passion for adventure, travel and the underwater world. Whether traveling abroad or seeking a local course, PADI Dive Centres and Resorts make it easy for divers to plan trips together or simply exchange tips, information and great memories.
- Obtain a sense of accomplishment and pride – Each dive leads to personal growth. Whether you’re diving with mantas, participating in your first night dive or exploring a wreck, embracing new experiences builds confidence.
- Advocate for our ocean and our planet – Diving fosters appreciation for the underwater environment and its connection to our life on land. Through dive adventures, you can be exposed to people who can inspire and educate you about aquatic habitats, the importance of preserving them and how you can make a difference.
“PADI Women’s Dive Day has gained impressive global momentum as the largest celebration in diving. We are proud to continue to close the gender gap among certified divers year over year, allowing all adventure-seeking women to fulfil their quest for ocean exploration and discovery,” says Kristin Valette-Wirth, chief marketing and business development officer for PADI Worldwide. “In this fourth year, we remain committed to inspiring and empowering all divers to join us for a day of fun and passion, and to honour the incredible female divers around the world.”
Throughout its history, scuba diving has often been viewed as a male-centric sport, with females historically achieving less than 35 percent of scuba certifications each year. But in the last four years, PADI has witnessed a reduction in the gender gap in dive certifications by nearly four percent. PADI Women’s Dive Day has helped birth a movement of empowerment in the industry by inviting women everywhere to seek diving’s unique gifts of adventure, pride and courage. Since its onset in 2015, PADI Women’s Dive Day has grown from 335 events in 65 countries to nearly 900 events in 85 countries in 2017.
The annual tradition aims to strengthen bonds within the community, encourage more active diving and create more stewards for the ocean through a single day dedicated to community, self-discovery and adventure. PADI Women’s Dive Day also celebrates female divers and organisations making waves in the industry, and provides opportunities for divers to have a positive impact on issues affecting ocean health and dive communities. In 2017, PADI Dive Centers and Resorts hosted a range of activities including dive cruises in Australia and underwater cleanups in Singapore, to fundraisers for female dive scholarships in the U.S. and dive excursions with marine biologists in Italy.
For more information on PADI Women’s Dive Day 2018 or how you can learn to dive, visit www.padi.com/women or contact your local PADI Dive Centre or Resort.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Workhorse – our CS-30
For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.
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.
Octopus OP-30
The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.
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.
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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