News
UWP News from DEMA: Light & Motion
Light & Motion was started up by two Stanford students in 1989. The company is based in Monterey in California and everything they make is built at this location. What a fantastic place to be based, where they can walk out the company headquarters doors and straight into the water for some great diving! We did this ourselves two years ago. We met-up with Hal Wolter at DEMA to talk about what is new in the world of Light & Motion.
Our first conversation got us onto just how many video lights there are on the market and how consumers are really struggling to work-out which was the best video/photo light to buy. Hal told us about the FL-1 standard that should put everyone on the same page when it comes to their claims on lumens and output. They have even gone so far as setting-up a webpage to compare the various lights that are on the market: www.wetestlights.com
We then got on with talking about new products from Light & Motion that were on display at DEMA. The first of these is the Sola Video Pro 9600. As the name suggests this is a 9600 lumen light launched at DEMA and it has an LED read-out on the back of the light to show the current battery life and lumen output. This is the top of the range video light with 7 modes plus an SOS facility.
Also new at the show was the Sola Video 3800 F. This is a wonderfully compact light that packs a mean punch. 3800 lumen flood with a wide 90 degree beam. It has a fast charge system, so that you can be fully charged within 1hr 45mins and you have the option of carrying a remote battery pack so that you can recharge this light without a wall socket for up to 3 charges, great for trips with limited access to standard electricity sockets!
The Sola Video 2500 S/f is a light that has a moderately wide beam of 60 degrees at 2500 lumens and also the option to switch to a penetrating 12 degree spotlight at 1200 lumen. This will be popular with underwater photographers who want a snoot-style light option, to go with a video light and can have this all wrapped up in one light with the Sola. Each beam has three power levels plus the additional SOS mode.
New for January 2017 will be a dome to increase the beam angle by 20 degrees. This has been designed so that it will fit all models from around the last 3 years.
Light & Motion have partnered with another DEMA exhibitor, Polarpro (see Scubaverse interview here) to create the “ultimate video kit” for the GoPro cameras. This is a package that includes a tray, 2 arms, filter system, macro lens and 2 lights, all packed up in a handy bag.
Gear News
Introducing the TR-80, IR-50 and CS-30 Regulators from DYNAMICNORD
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.
Marine Life & Conservation
Paul Watson Released as Denmark Blocks Japan’s Extradition Bid
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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