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The Women Divers Hall of Fame to Welcome Seven New Members in 2024

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WDHOF

Dedicated to recognizing and honoring the contributions of women divers, the Women Divers Hall of Fame™ (WDHOF) is an international non-profit professional honor society whose member contributions span a wide variety of fields including: The Arts, Science, Medicine, Sports, Exploration, Underwater Archaeology, Media, Service, Dive Training and Education, Safety, Business, Marine Environment and Conservation, Free Diving, Commercial Diving, and Military Diving.

Ronnie Damico — California, USA

Instructor, Scientific Diving Officer, NAUI Board Member 

Ronnie Damico is a female pioneer in the field of diving safety and leadership.  In 1979, she became Diving Officer for the USC Catalina Marine Science Center (CMSC). She was also a Chamber Treatment – Team Supervisor.   In 1985, she became the Diving Safety Officer for California State University, Long Beach, plus DSO for the Ocean Studies Institute, overseeing scientific diving for six campuses.  As a frequent instructor-trainer, she often was the sole female on staff. An acknowledged leader, she served as NAUI Branch Manager, 1987-1989. She was a Program or Conference Director for international conferences and early consumer dive shows in southern California. She was elected to several boards including NAUI’s Board of Directors, 1990-1993.

Elizabeth Kintzing — Maine, USA

Educator, Scientific Diver, Ocean Advocate

A scuba class changed Liz’s life plans — she couldn’t get enough of all things under water. Maintaining an interest in diving medicine during graduate work at UNH, Liz taught scuba as a NAUI instructor and conducted research at the UNH hyperbaric chamber. Liz is a facilitator of diving and underwater science. She has trained over a thousand students in scuba and scientific diving. Liz has mentored many students, encouraging them to become diving scientists, technicians in a science diving lab, as well as diving instructors and DSOs for academic institutions around the world. Saturation in Aquarius, diving under the ice in Antarctica, and using CCRs to conduct research in 100m coral reef environments are highlights of her 35+ year career.

Laura Marroni — Italy

Diving Safety Advocate, Tech and Cave Diver, NGO Manager

Laura Marroni, a Bachelor of Economics and MBA graduate, is an extraordinary individual fueled by a deep passion for the underwater realm. Having grown up by the sea, she embarked on her diving journey at the tender age of eight. Today, she stands as a highly skilled technical and cave diver, and a fervent advocate for advancements in the safety of professional and recreational diving. As the Executive Vice President at DAN Europe, Laura takes the lead in various research projects focused on understanding the physiological effects of diving on the human body. Her ultimate aim is to enhance safety measures in all types of diving and make diving an increasingly accessible and sustainable activity.

Mikki McComb-Kobza, Ph.D. — Colorado, USA

Explorer, Conservationist, Educator

Mikki transformed her childhood fascination with sharks into a lifelong career of shark conservation and advocacy. The environmental changes witnessed as a diver over 40 years became inspiration to train new divers as lifelong ocean supporters. Her doctoral work authoritatively described how the hammerhead shark visualizes its world. Today, Mikki uses innovative techniques and citizen science to increase understanding of white shark behavior and distribution. She has promoted hope and action to over 500,000 people as Executive Director of Ocean First Institute. Mikki has spread her message through National Geographic, Shark Week, NPR, and CBC National Radio Canada. She serves as adjunct faculty at CU Boulder, President of the American Elasmobranch Society, and National Fellow of the Explorers Club.

Robyn McGinn — Virginia, USA

Navy Diving Program Manager, Diving Life Support Systems Technical Expert, Navy Deep Sea Diver

Massachusetts Maritime Academy Summa Cum Laude graduate Robyn McGinn graduated Navy Dive School as “CLASS HONOR WOMAN,” the first government civilian employee woman to receive that designation.  Robyn is a recognized technical expert and respected professional in Navy diving, serving as the Diving Life Support Systems Program Manager for the Navy’s Supervisor of Salvage and Diving.  She supports DoD/GOVT diving programs and foreign militaries, facilitating outfitting of diving equipment and training internationally.  She is responsible for ensuring military diving equipment is built, evaluated, tested, and maintained in accordance with the Navy’s technical standards, so that divers have safe and effective equipment to perform their missions.  She also manages the Navy’s Diving Depot and ISEA, providing services to Navy Diving worldwide.

Penelope Powell (1904-1965) — UK, posthumous

First Woman Cave Diver, Co-Author of First Cave Diving Book

Penelope (“Mossy”) Powell was a pioneering British cave diver. She was Diver No. 2 for the first successful cave 

dive using breathing equipment in Britain, at Wookey Hole Caves in the Mendip Hills, Somerset, on 14 July 1935. She co-wrote the first cave diving book, The Log of the Wookey Hole Exploration Expedition: 1935. 

Samantha Whitcraft — Florida, USA

Conservation Biologist, Oceans Advocate, Environmentalist

Samantha Whitcraft is a marine conservation biologist, environmentalist, and oceans advocate. Logging 5000+ research and educational dives around the world, she created the first classroom-at-sea in Gardens of the Queen National Park, Cuba. After earning her Bachelor’s in natural science at Harvard and her Master of Marine Affairs & Policy at University of Miami, she worked to legally protect endangered marine species, especially sharks, whales, and manatees. She’s studied coral reef MPAs’ connectivity and investigated the shark fin trade in China all while promoting sustainable ecotourism over her 30+ year career. Whitcraft initiated and developed Aggressor Adventures® award-winning sustainability program, Green the Fleet®, and is Executive Director of the Sea of Change Foundation, providing leadership in community-based conservation, globally.

WDHOF, a 501(c)(3) corporation, was founded in 2000. WDHOF’s mission is to recognize the contributions of outstanding women divers and to offer financial assistance and mentorship to individuals interested in pursuing diving careers. As such, WDHOF offers numerous scholarships and training grants each year. For more information about or to contribute to the WDHOF scholarship program, log on to www.wdhof.org/scholarships

Marine Life & Conservation

Shark Trust launches Oceanic 31 Shark Art Auction

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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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Gear News

Introducing the RS Series Drysuit from DYNAMICNORD

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drysuit

Cozy and warm in cold water.

It’s drysuit season all year round. With the new RS series premium drysuits from DYNAMICNORD, divers are perfectly equipped for all cold waters.

The sophisticated cut of the RS drysuits allows complete freedom of movement, providing maximum comfort. The high-quality 350 g/m² ripstop material with double ripstop zones on the elbows, knees, and crotch protect ensures extreme robustness as well as long life.

drysuit drysuit

The suit’s features leave nothing to be desired: A high-quality TiZip zipper, easily adjustable inlet and outlet valves, upgradeable with electrically heated underwear, HP bottleneck cuffs made of high-strength latex on the wrists, a 3mm neoprene neck cuff for maximum comfort, a 7mm hood with air outlet and 3mm boots made of double-sided, cross-layered neoprene with ankle straps and fin strap stoppers and a protective but very flexible sole.

drysuit

Noteworthy is the Molle fastening system, which can be used in a variable and compatible manner. This way, the two detachable leg pockets can be attached easily, safely and comfortably.

Alterations of boots to a different shoe size or adjustments to neck or wrist cuffs are done free of charge at the own DYNAMICNORD service centre in Germany in only a couple of days.

The matching Dynaskins made with high-quality Polartec® technology are available in various designs. As an undersuit under the drysuit, as a single suit in warm waters or as a two-piece suit. Polartec® technology’s main features are neutral buoyancy, breathablilty and quick-drying.

drysuit

Dynaskins are made largely from recycled plastic bottles.

The drysuit RS-351 for men and RS-352 for women are now available at your DYNAMICNORD dealer and in the online store.

Colors men and women: Black-Blue and Black-Burgundy

Sizes men: XS-4XL incl. intermediate sizes MS, MT, MLS, MLT, LS, LT, XLS, XLT, 2XLS, 3XLS, 4XLS

Sizes Women: XS-XL incl. intermediate sizes MS, MT, LS, XLS

DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.

www.dynamicnord.com

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