News
Scubafest Cornwall Review
During the week before Scubafest, everyone was watching the wind forecast. It wasn’t looking good for any diving around the resort at Pentewan, near Mevagissey in Cornwall. There were to be two hard boats based in Mevagissey and a RIB running from Pentewan beach. During the previous week, both of the hard boats had said they weren’t going to change base to Mevagissey with the easterly winds forecasted. The RIB operators, Atlantic Scuba, were going to be on site and were going to make a decision on the morning of each day.
The event technically runs from the Saturday to the Monday, with most people arriving on the Friday. There were a few early arrivals on the Thursday to an otherwise empty camp site. The weather conditions were ideal; the sea was flat and the sun was out, but what would tomorrow bring?
By Friday morning, Atlantic Scuba had set up their pitch and the ‘Toy Town’ yurts were being erected. It wasn’t long before the yurts were being filled with shiny dive kit. Several manufacturers and distributors were exhibiting, as well as various agencies including PADI, SDI, TDI, SSI, RAID, BSAC, RNLI and the Marine Conservation Society. Sea & Sea were displaying Dive Rite, Liquivision, Seac Sub, Ocean Reef, IST and more. Liquid Sports were displaying Ursuit drysuits, Big Blue torches and Sharkskin suits. Atlantic Scuba had some Kwark undersuits for people to try and a range of Tecline regulators. Manufacturers included Suunto, Mares, Typhoon, and Apeks/Aqualung. Bauer were there, providing air fills for everyone who wanted it.
Saturday morning arrived, as did the forecasted winds and rain. Atlantic Scuba made the decision not to bring their RIB around; instead, they advised people on where to dive and what boats were available on the north Cornish coast. Divers were sent to Newquay, Port Quin and Port Gaverne for shore diving. Others were sent to Rock or Newquay for boat diving whilst any club RIBs were directed to Rock for easy launching to some great sites. The Toy Town yurts were busy, with a steady flow of both locals and divers who had decided to stay ashore.
Sunday was almost the same as Saturday; the wind had veered a little more towards the south but the sea state was the same. There was, as the Cornish call it, a bit of the Cornish sea mist that tried to dampen the spirits. Diving continued along the north coast, the yurts saw another steady flow of visitors.
Monday was by far the best day weather wise. Divers went in off of the beach, RIBs were being launched, a few more people wandered around the yurts. But the event was winding down, the camp site was emptying, and ScubaFest 2015 was over. Talking to the clubs and groups during the event, their numbers were greatly reduced because of the weather forecast. What they never realised was that there is always somewhere to dive in Cornwall. The two coasts are only a maximum of forty five minutes away from each other; with one or the other in the lee of the wind, there is always diving going on in Cornwall.
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.
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.
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- Bigeye Thresher Shark by Janina Rossiter
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- Carcharodon carcharias by Jimmy Higgs
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- Croc VR 2030 by Tom Mead
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- Oceanic Whitetip by ATM
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- Silky Street by ScapaJoe
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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