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.
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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