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Surf’s Up with Carpe Diem in the Maldives

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Surf’s Up with Carpe Diem Cruises new week-long surf and paddleboard safaris across the Maldives

Answering the rise in demand from independent surfers to explore Maldivian waves, the award-winning liveaboard Carpe Vita adds four surf safari weeks in 2019.

For the past decade, Carpe Diem Cruises in The Maldives has been offering week-long and 10-day dive safaris across the atolls on three luxury liveaboard yachts. In recent years, an increased number of private charters from Australian tour operators have brought a kite surfing and Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) community into the mix, and the experience has begun to catch on.

Previously we have received individual enquiries and occasional requests from kite surfers and surfers for a safari across the atolls, which are difficult to accommodate on an isolated case-by-case scenario when the specific cruise focus is diving and snorkelling. In the last year, we’ve seen a sharp rise in requests for specific kite surfing and paddleboard safaris, showing a clear rising demand and new niche market that we are ideally positioned to cater to, with three dedicated cruise yachts designed for that specific leisure market,” explains Agnes van Linden, Assistant Managing Director of Carpe Diem Maldives.

Renowned for it’s marine life and private island resorts with white sand beaches, The Maldives has slowly been raising it’s profile as a surfers paradise and a new destination for a growing SUP community travelling to The Maldives from around the world. Due to the nature of the surf breaks visited on Carpe Diem Cruises over a week, these are suitable for intermediate and advanced surfers, whereas it’s possible for complete novice paddleboarders and kitesurfers to develop their skills on the surf safari trips.

Based on the success of the private charters with our Australian tour operators, which we will continue to work with, The Maldives is definitely on the global surfers travel radar,” adds Agnes. “The annual Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy each August has most definitely helped raised that profile, with top world-class surfers and big names visiting and participating. For now, The Maldives is still a relatively new destination for the independent surfing and paddleboard traveller who has covered all the typical destinations and seeks something new.

Carpe Diem Cruises attracts like-minded travellers with their adventure cruises, inviting guests to embrace opportunity with a seize-the-day approach to travel. The new (Kite) Surf and SUP Safaris in 2019 are allocated to four weeks in May and July on the award-winning Carpe Vita vessel. Voted in 2017 as one of the Top 10 Liveaboards in the World, the Carpe Diem Cruises surf safari weeks will cater to 12 surfers, with 10 en suite cabins. The boat also has a fully licensed bar, communal lounge area with a TV, and a Jacuzzi on the top deck.

During the new surf weeks on Carpe Vita itineraries will include morning and afternoon surfing, travelling to different surf breaks where the action is each day with our onboard Maldivian surf guide, exploring the central atolls around North and South Male. Starting and ending from the capital’s international airport island, access to the breaks will be via a separate dhoni that accompanies the main yacht throughout the trip. Priced at USD 2,555 per person, departure dates for 2019 are currently set at May 5, July 7, July 14, July 28 and each week includes:

  • 7 nights on board Carpe Vita
  • Roundtrip Airport to Yacht transfers
  • Meet and Greet at the airport
  • Welcome drinks
  • Captain, crew and support surf dhoni
  • 3 meals daily, plus between-surf snacks
  • 2-3 surfs daily
  • Reusable water bottle (also to take home)
  • Drinking water, tea and coffee
  • Unlimited use of the Jacuzzi
  • Snorkelling equipment
  • Sandbank BBQ (weather permitting)
  • Anniversary and birthday cakes & amenities
  • DVD and Book Library.

Travellers looking to extend their stay in the Maldives can do so at the Carpe Diem Beach Resort & Spa in Raa Atoll with a combined cruise and stay package.

For more information, please enquire with your local travel agent or direct with Carpe Diem Maldives at info@carpediemmaldives.com.

Gear News

Introducing the TR-80, IR-50 and CS-30 Regulators from DYNAMICNORD

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regulator

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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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The Workhorse – our CS-30

For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.

regulator

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.

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Octopus OP-30

The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.

regulator

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.

www.dynamicnord.com

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Marine Life & Conservation

Paul Watson Released as Denmark Blocks Japan’s Extradition Bid

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paul watson

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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