News
Women Divers Hall of Fame Recognises Cody Unser
For anyone who has lost the use of their limbs, scuba diving can bring a special sense of freedom.
29-year-old Alberquerque-based Cody Unser has made it her mission to bring paraplegics like herself the opportunity to experience scuba diving.
“When you’re down there, you’re no longer seen as disabled,” Unser said. “You feel a self awareness – something that lets you know you’re OK.”
Her work through the Cody Unser First Step Foundation, which she started with her mother, Shelley Unser, in 2000, and the veteran-oriented project Operation Deep Down – which begun in 2005 – has brought her recognition from the Women Divers Hall of Fame.
Unser will be inducted into the Women Divers Hall of Fame in April at a ceremony in New Jersey, making her the first disabled diver among the 200 members of an international organization that honors women who are pioneers in their field, have achieved a world record or made a significant impact in dive-related safety, education and leadership.
“This is huge for the disability community,” said Shelley Unser.
‘Sister of the Sea’
Joan Forsberg, board chairman of the Women Divers Hall of Fame, said they were proud to give Unser the honor she deserves.
“Cody has qualifications in so many of our criteria. She’s taken her disability and turned it into an ability – and who can’t applaud that,” Forsberg said.
She said the organisation typically accepts only six women each year and the selection process is highly competitive.
“We’re really looking for leaders,” Forsberg said. “That’s one of the most important criteria.”
For Unser, becoming a “Sister of the Sea” as the Hall of Famers call themselves, is a recognition of her role as a woman in a historically male-dominated sport and as a representative of the disability community.
“I feel very honored to be a part of this. A lot of these women are super smart, they’ve done so many things,” said Unser.
Unser was paralyzed from the chest down at age 12 by transverse myelitis, a neurological disorder caused by inflammation of the spinal cord.
Life-changing impact
Through her foundation Unser has worked to raise awareness, foster medical collaboration and develop programs for paraplegics. She worked with camps for children with conditions like spina bifida and cerebral palsy to enable them to experience diving. Unser also helped initiate a 2011 study in the Cayman Islands in which she participated along with several paralyzed veterans that looked at the effects of diving on those with paralysis.
Privately funded, the study showed some divers with disabilities experienced improvement in sensation, tone or motor function, according to Dr. Adam Kaplin, neuroscientist and principal psychiatric consultant to the Johns Hopkins Department of Neurology, who was the lead investigator for the study.
Kaplin wrote a letter recommending Unser for the Hall of Fame.
“Cody’s contributions have had a life-changing impact on thousands of handicapped individuals she has personally touched by organising, developing and promoting the role that diving tailored for the disabled can play in safely liberating them from their physical constraints,” Kaplin wrote.
Unser, who has been studying for a master’s degree in public health at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., was in Albuquerque this month to take part in the Feb. 13 scuba day at the ABQ BioPark Aquarium. She gave a presentation on her work with the foundation. Her next goal is to raise funds to bring children who have dived in a swimming pool to the ocean.
Unser also did a demonstration dive in the aquarium’s shark tank with Women Divers Hall of Fame member Susan Kayar, a biologist and science writer who has done dive research for the U.S. Naval Research Institute and the National Institutes of Health.
Source: www.abqjournal.com
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.
-
News2 months agoIconic SS United States to become the World’s Largest Artificial Reef
-
News3 months agoBook Review – 52 Assignments: Underwater Photography
-
Gear News3 months agoDYNAMICNORD – New German diving brand enters the British market
-
News3 months agoExploring Cenote El Pit: A Diver’s Dream
-
Gear News3 months agoTry BARE drysuits (and maybe even win one!) this Friday with Sea & Sea at North West Dive Fest
-
Marine Life & Conservation3 months agoBook Review: Coral Triangle Cameos
-
Blogs2 months agoDive the Egyptian Red Sea this Autumn with Regaldive
-
News3 months ago2024 Ocean Art Underwater Photo Competition Announced