News
Winter Sun Diving Escapes
A guest blog from PADI
If you’re searching for some Winter sun and fancy dipping more than just your toes in the water, PADI have some great suggestions for you to dive into.
Bask in golden rays, blue skies and even bluer oceans as you discover the wonderful underwater world this Winter.
- Aqaba, Jordan:
Located at the very southernmost tip of Jordan is the only coastal city of the country, offering plenty of sunshine above the surface and diversity of dive sites below the tropical waters of the red sea. The Aqaba Marine Park is home to some of the most spectacular coral reefs in the world, where the 27 km coastline boasts soft coral, hard coral, wrecks and a myriad of fish, turtles and eagle rays.
During the surface intervals, divers can spend their time exploring the Wadi Rum and Petra, with Aqaba being placed in the country’s golden triangle of tourism.
There are 10 PADI Dive Resorts in Jordan, ranging from luxury resorts to budget friendly hotels.
Learn more at www.padi.com/diving-in/jordan.
- Inhambane & Tofo, Mozambique:
Offering balmy tropical weather year-round, Inhambane & Tofo’s white sandy beaches fringed with palm trees, vibrant beach bars and dense marine life populations in the Indian Ocean is the perfect place to escape to for some winter sun. Below the surface, manta ray cleaning stations off Tofo offer plenty of animal action, which attracts not only manta rays but whale sharks and humpback whales.
During the surface intervals, divers can spend their time surfing, sun bathing and shopping at the Machilla Magic curios.
There are 12 PADI Dive Resorts in Mozambique, ranging from affordable Bed & Breakfasts to 4 Star Hotels.
Learn more at www.padi.com/diving-in/mozambique/.
- Fuvahmulah Atoll, Maldives:
All the atolls in the Maldives offer a great winter escape in the sun, with plenty to enjoy above and below the surface. But for those who want the ultimate sun and scuba holiday, Fuvahmulah Atoll offers the opportunity to see seven different rare sharks in one dive. In fact, it is one of the only places on the planet where you can see tiger sharks, reef sharks, hammerhead sharks, whale sharks and Mola-Mola together year-round in their natural environment.
During the surface intervals, divers can spend their time soaking up the sunshine on the white sandy beaches, indulging in a massage under the coconut trees or dining under the stars.
There are 56 PADI Dive Resorts in the Maldives, ranging from affordable Bed & Breakfasts to luxury all-inclusive hotels.
Learn more at www.padi.com/diving-in/maldives/.
- Kadavu Island, Fiji:
As of 1 December 2021, Fiji is re-open to travelers from the United Kingdom who are fully vaccinated, making it the perfect place to seek winter sun and the warm ‘Bula Spirit’. Fiji is known as ‘The Soft Coral Capital of the World’, with one of the most colorful being The Great Astrolabe Reef in Kadavu Island. With pinnacles, coral gardens, shipwrecks and manta cleaning stations, divers of all levels will love seeking adventure in these warm and tropical waters.
During the surface intervals, divers can enjoy the remote and uncrowded island that is often regarded as Fiji’s untouched Eden, with coastal hikes, dense rainforests, secluded beaches and spring-fed waterfalls.
There are 13 PADI Dive Resorts in Fiji, ranging from budget friendly hotels to luxury private islands.
Learn more at www.padi.com/diving-in/fiji/.
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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