Dive for the best deals at the National Boat Show

If you've never dived before, the Dive Expo is an ideal opportunity to explore everything the diving lifestyle has to offer - whether you want to discover deep, mysterious reefs or snorkel in the sunshine with dolphins, you could win this lifestyle at the National Boat Show, 14 - 16 August at the Coca-Cola dome.

The National Boat Show, in association with the Saturday Star presents the “Win a Scuba Diving Lifestyle competition” valued at more than R40 000. This prize includes a seven-night stay for two at the Michamvi Watersports Resort in Zanzibar plus return flights (courtesy of Holiday Tours), diving gear from Cressi and a comprehensive open water diving instruction course from Buccaneer Diving and PADI..[Link]

Dive club's underwater Twister competition

The dive centre, which incorporates Stowe Sub Aqua Club and Buckingham Scuba Diving School, is hoping to set a new world record.

The event will raise money for charity CANCERactive, who give cancer patients easy to read, comprehensive information to help them make informed decisions about their treatment. Try dives and a raffle will also be held at the event, which will take place at Aylesbury Vales' Swan Pool, London Road, Buckingham...[Link]

Handicapped divers plan 25th annual trip to Bonaire

Bonaire, an island off Venezuela, is well-known as a diving destination, and its fans include the Handicapped Scuba Association, based in California, which is organizing its 25th annual trip there.

The Aug. 8-15 trip to the island's Divi Flamingo Beach Resort costs $1,240 for seven days, including accommodations and six days of boat diving, based on double occupancy. The trip is open to certified dive buddies as well...[Link]

Shipwreck Camp hosts young explorers at Case Western Reserve University

Teams of young explorers plumbed the depths of the world's oceans Tuesday -- all from the shallow end of a Cleveland swimming pool.

They were attending a two-week Shipwreck Camp at Case Western Reserve University. The idea was to present a scientific smorgasbord to 11 aspiring Cousteaus, immersing them in everything from field work, historical research, land and marine navigation to actual underwater exploration.

They spent the morning poolside, guiding video-equipped remotely operated vehicles, or ROVs, around the pool. And after lunch, they pulled on wetsuits, masks and scuba tanks to explore on their own.

The ROVs came from kits. A cube of PVC pipe about 1 foot on each side was weighted with iron bars, made somewhat buoyant with foam, and propelled by little props attached to motors from submersible pumps...[Link]

Lobsters beware! Sport season begins Wednesday

As thousands of scuba divers take to the waters off South Florida this week for the annual lobster sport season, state officials and scuba diving groups are trying hard to remind them of one important fact.

"A lobster isn't worth your life and sometimes people lose track of that," said Rob Murphy, 26, of Palm Beach Gardens.

Murphy lost both his legs after being hit by a boat while diving off the coast of Stuart on Jan. 9.

The two-day mini-season for lobsters kicks off at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, with the regular lobster season starting on Aug. 6 and running through March 31. Four divers, including 48-year-old Robert Canada, of Lake Worth, died during last year's mini-season. This year the state Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the North Carolina-based Divers Alert Network diving safety advocate joined forces to run a safety awareness campaign in the weeks leading up to the mini-season...[Link]

Underwater photography exhibit available through end of August

An exhibit of underwater photographs from West Lake Okoboji by Lloyd B. Cunningham has been extended an extra month, to Aug. 31, because of popular demand.

Cunningham's photographs are in Pomerantz Hall at the Pearson Lakes Art Center, Okoboji, Iowa. His work features underwater shipwrecks, the famous Lost Sailboat, the tower, the Allen Ice truck, underwater railroad tracks and many types of fish...[Link]

Update - Record still stands, divers vow they’ll return

They came, they saw, they didn’t quite break the record.

About 13 Lorain County residents were part of a massive effort Saturday at Gilboa Quarry near Findlay to break the Guinness world record for most divers submerged at one time. Only 794 people participated, short of the 958 people who submerged themselves for 20 minutes underwater in 2006 off the cost of the Maldives islands in the Indian Ocean.

The event drew people from all over the country and Canada, and even though the record wasn’t broken this time, plans to bring the record to the United States and Ohio are in the works for next year.

“We’re bound and determined to break this,” said Jim Blauvelt, of Elyria, who was one of about 100 people who already signed up to dive next year at the quarry. “Even though we didn’t this year, we tried, and it will fall.”...[Link]

Scuba-thon reaches out to kids battling cancer

There are telethons, marathons, motorcycle rides, mountain climbs and more - all designed to raise money for charity.

Now there's even a scuba-thon. It's called "Dive Around The Clock." And it has Redondo Beach swimming with scuba divers.

For a solid 24 hours, buddy teams of divers will rotate in and out of the water every 30 minutes.

Truxton Terkla can be heard giving last-minute instructions before wading in with his group. "Then we'll swim out to deeper water," he says.

I was in that group, going down with 13-year-old Sierra Fuller and Lavonne Terkla. We went down 32 feet...[Link]

A Series of Special Dives by Divers From North Carolina Aquarium In a Marine Sanctuary

As part of an ongoing partnership between the NOAA Monitor National Marine Sanctuary and the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island, several Aquarium staff and volunteer scientific divers will participate in research dives within the first nationally designated marine sanctuary. All dives are planned on the wreck of USS Monitor August 1st thru August 7th, in waters over 230-feet deep approximately 16 miles off Cape Hatteras. The purpose of research expedition is to assist the Monitor National Marine Sanctuary identify and document emergent underwater biosphere issues, which will help in future management endeavors to protect sanctuary resources.

Archeology of the Monitor wreck site has been well investigated and documented, since there has been significant recovery of several large ship structural pieces along with numerous historical artifacts over the past couple of years. Interestingly enough an area of the Monitor that has been entirely overlooked to date is the underwater biosphere, specifically the various species of fish, crustaceans, mollusks, cnidarians and porifera that inhabit wreck.

Upcoming dive expedition will undertake a complete non-destructive and non-invasive inventory of the animal inhabitants, including the use of photography and film, which reside on or near the wreck of the Monitor. Those direct observations recorded will establish an inventory baseline of organisms found on the wreck that can be updated and modified as time and further expeditions will allow. Particular interest will be given to the number of native underwater plant and animal species found, distribution, population, and health. Additional emphasis will be place on identification and population numbers of invasive animal species such as Lionfish...[Link]

Underwater Music Festival celebrates The Beatles

About 400 divers and snorkelers had to get wet to listen to a radio station's broadcast in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

The annual Underwater Music Festival is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the release of The Beatles' "Yellow Submarine" album.

Divers took the plunge Saturday dressed as the four Beatles with a replica of their submarine. They swam at the Looe Key reef while listening to music piped beneath the waves by WWUS-FM...[Link]

Join Florida Keys divers and snorkelers in Great Annual Fish Count

The Great Annual Fish Count, an international eco-event where volunteer divers and snorkelers assist in identifying and documenting fish diversity and population trends, is set to feature a series of July dive events hosted by local dive operators throughout the Florida Keys, in conjunction with volunteers from the Reef Environmental Education Foundation.

The data gathered is to be used by marine researchers, resource managers and policy makers to help assess reefs’ condition and their ability to sustain fish and marine life.

Divers and snorkelers interested in participating can check with local dive shops or organize their own fish count dives individually or through a dive club. Some Keys dive operators have already organized special fish identification dives...[Link]

Fujifilm to Host Underwater Photo Festival

Fujifilm UK Ltd. is pleased to announce their first ever underwater photo festival; ScubaSnap Weekend 2009. The festival will take place in Looe, Cornwall on the 12th and 13th September and is guaranteed to be a weekend of fun, diving and underwater photography in the wonderful surroundings of the Cornish coast and countryside.

In association with local dive operators Looe Divers, the weekend will include shore diving, photographic tuition and seminars from industry experts such as Mat Trim of Fujifilm and Maria Munn of Ocean Visions, photo competitions, with some fabulous prizes to be won, and a dinner dive and BBQ in the evening...[Link]

Catalina Island: Mingle with singles on Sierra Club weekender

Enjoy Catalina Island in the company of environmentally minded singles with “Fun in the Sun 2009,” put on by the 20s & 30s Singles Section of Sierra Club’s Angeles Chapter. The fall weekend, at Camp Emerald Bay in the island’s northern end, promises a fun itinerary that includes snorkeling, hiking, swimming, volleyball and even a little limbo.

Last year’s trip was a success, according to Ron Dumash, a Sierra Club volunteer trip organizer. “The group had a great time with all the water activities and team activities; the dance lessons were really great, and everyone participated.”...[Link]

Underwater cleanup needs helpers

Scuba divers, boat captains,and other volunteers are needed to participate in an underwater clean up of Sebastian Inlet on July 18 and in Ft Pierce Inlet on July 25.

Kayakers are needed to man kayaks sponsored by Kayaks Etc and Tropical Kayak Tours in Sebastian and Vero Beach.

A removal of derelict crab traps will take place on July 18 in the Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge and anyone with a boat interested in helping haul traps to shore is asked to contact us.

Abandoned crap traps and other discarded fishing equipment continues to kill wild life and is known as "ghost fishing" One trap removed in 2007 contained at least 25 trapped species...[Link]

Whale Shark Festival - July 2009 at Isla Mujeres, Mexico

The second annual Whale Shark Festival at Isla Mujeres, Mexico is scheduled to take place from July 15–19, 2009. Located off the tip of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, Isla Mujeres may be extremely hot during the summer, but guests will have plenty of opportunities to cool off by immersing themselves in the cool, blue Caribbean waters.

Lasting five days, the Whale Shark Festival celebrates island culture, drawing thousands of visitors to the island to learn about the largest fish in the world Currently listed as an endangered species, whale sharks can reach up to 40 feet in length and weigh up to 15 tons.

Highlighting the festival is the unforgettable experience of swimming with whale sharks, which are considered to be filter eaters and pose no immediate threat to humans. Daily excursions take guests to an area where whale sharks congregate, providing swimmers with a rare opportunity to spend time with these large and powerful animals. Accompanying swimmers are fully licensed guides that are also expert divers...[Link]

Malaysia International Dive Expo 2009 – July scuba event in southeast Asia

Scuba enthusiasts will gather in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from July 3–5, 2009 for the fourth annual Malaysia International Dive Expo (MIDE). The event is the largest dive show in Malaysia. Organizers expect more than 10,000 visitors for the three-day event, which will feature approximately 155 booths and 120 exhibitors.

MIDE will feature a variety of programs and activities including:

* Product demonstrations at the MIDE Demo Pool located at the entrance of the Putra World Trade Center.
* Children’s underwater coloring contest.
* Workshops and training programs on a variety of diving topics such as choosing and maintaining dive equipment and selecting dive destinations. Photographic topics include how to shoot macros and shooting with a strobeless compact digital.
* Seminars on a variety of topics ranging from marine conservation, marine species and diving rescue to photography and technical topics...[Link]

Shipwreck explorer to talk about steamers, schooners, warships and sonar

Shipwreck explorer Jim Kennard has discovered more than 200 shipwrecks - many in the waters along the Great Lakes Seaway Trail, one of America's Byways and a National Recreation Trail.

Kennard will be speaking at 10 a.m. June 13 at the "Red Barn" at the Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site. He will relate his Great Lakes Seaway Trail experiences of steamers, schooners and warships and using sidescan sonar to find some of Lake Ontario's historic wrecks...[Syracuse.com]

Catalina Chamber Day is May 6; scuba divers needed

When asked about the importance of maintaining the USC Catalina Hyperbaric Chamber at the island's Two Harbors area, dive master Ken Kurtis said, "The chamber provides a vital safety net for divers, and, to put it bluntly, without it people would die."

The chamber, which is used to treat various scuba-diving-related ailments, is funded largely by donations. The annual Chamber Day, chaired by Kurtis, is a primary fundraiser.

This year's Chamber Day and Chamber Evening (a separate event at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach), is May 6. Cost is $90 for two dives, plus $30 for food and tank refills. Cost for the Chamber Evening dinner is $90, which includes a private tour of the aquarium and five raffle tickets...[LATimes]

Dana Point Harbor to Hold Inaugural Underwater Cleanup, May 2

Boaters and locals are invited to head down to the harbor and watch as debris is plucked from the ocean bottom during the inaugural Dana Point Harbor Underwater Cleanup May 2 -- from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Certified divers will retrieve both common and unusual debris that somehow made its way into the harbor during the six-hour event. Volunteers will focus on removing potential contaminants around and under the East Basin docks.

The cleanup is a preventative measure to properly dispose of items that may negatively affect the harbor’s water quality, organizers said.

“This inaugural Underwater Cleanup event is an important effort to improve water quality, and is evident of OC Dana Point Harbor’s long-standing commitment to enhancing the harbor while maintaining environmental integrity,” stated Harbor Director Brad Gross.

For more information, call Dana Point Marina Co. at (949) 496-6137...[TheLog.com]

Dominica Announces 16th Annual Dive Fest

The longest running Dive Festival in the Caribbean kicks off on July 10 for an action-packed ten days of activities focused on scuba diving and other associated watersports. Primary festival organizer, the Dominica Watersports Association, encourages visitors to dive down and discover the beautiful landscapes and colorful marine life found in the waters surrounding the island.

"Dive Fest was established to showcase the renowned marine environment of Dominica to visitors and residents alike, and is now one of the island´s signature events," comments Colin Piper, Director of Tourism at Discover Dominica Authority. "Visitors are invited to join in and experience the best the island has to offer, with endless adventures both above and below the surface. If you need a reason to visit Dominica, Dive Fest is it."

Would-be divers and snorkelers as young as eight can participate in pool or ocean-based introductory sessions to learn the basics, with some trial sessions offered completely free of charge. Intermediate and expert scuba divers will find a schedule that includes underwater treasure hunts, photography competitions and the chance to borrow and test out new equipment such as an underwater camera by Sealife...[LosAngelesChronicle]

Litterpickers launch underwater effort!

Divers from the Reefers and Wreckers diver training facility in Clitheroe decided they would give Mother Earth some attention on Mothers' Day by holding a clean-up day at Devil's Bridge, Kirkby Lonsdale.

The group of a dozen divers and four surface support, one of whom was the centre owner's baby daughter, Milana, wanted to raise awareness to the ever-increasing problem of the rubbish both above and below the water.

The event was supported by Project Aware Foundation, which strives to educate people about the delicate state that the earth is in and what the human race is able to do about it.

The divers managed to raise £88 for Project Aware through raffle ticket sales, with the lucky winner walking away with a box set of Jacque Cousteau DVDs donated by Reefers and Wreckers...[TheClitheroeAdvertiserandTimes]

Kenting corals spawning

Corals in the waters off the Kenting National Park in southern Taiwan are spawning, according to a diver and coral reef ecology observer who said he saw clumps of pink coral eggs drifting off Taiwan's southwestern coast.

Tsai Yung-chun, who made the discovery Monday, said he anticipated that the spawning will peak on April 18.

On his most recent dive, Tsai said, he also observed an increase in the population of cleaner shrimps in the protected marine area, which is a sign that the efforts to restore the marine ecology in Kenting are bearing fruit...[TaiwanNews.com]

2009 underwater photography contest winners announced

In its fifth annual Underwater Photography Contest, the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science attracted a diverse array of national and international photographic talent representing 23 countries and 918 images which competed in one of three categories: "wide angle," "macro," and "fish or marine animal portrait." Recognition was also given to the best among University of Miami student entries.

Winning images were chosen via anonymous judging by a panel of experts in underwater photography and fine arts, including underwater photographers Myron and Nicole Wang, wildlife photographer Tim Calver, and Wilfredo Lee from the Associated Press. The competition is open to all amateur photographers who earn no more than 20 percent of their income from their photography. Awards included a weeklong trip with Blackbeard's Cruises and cash prizes.

The Best Overall was an image submitted by Marchione Giacomo from Italy. The photograph depicts two Boxer crabs (Lybia tasselata) with sea anemones in each claw. When threatened Boxer crabs wave the stinging tentacles in defense against predators. The image was shot in Manado, North Sulawesi, Indonesia. Other winners, listed by category, include...[EurekAlert.com]

MDA will host underwater reef cleanup on April 25

The Micronesian Divers Association will host a reef cleanup dive on April 25, according to the association’s online newsletter.

Divers will enjoy a one-tank boat dive while collecting trash off of the reef. Bags and gloves will be provided.

The dive only costs $5 and the money is refunded after the dive the newsletter said.

Call 472-6321 to sign up or visit the MDA dive shop in Piti. Space is limited...[Guampdn.com]

British Underwater Image Festival 2009

There is just a matter of weeks left to enter the 2009 British Underwater Image Festival (BUIF). There are thousands of pounds worth of prizes up for grabs for the winners and runners up in the seven competition categories for stills and video. Finalists of BUIF 2009 will be showcased at the Dive Fest in Cornwall on 15-17 May 2009, while prints will go on a month-long public display at Plymouth's National Marine Aquarium in the summer.

The stills competition is being judged by celebrated photographer Alex Mustard, British Society of Underwater Photographers (BSoUP) co-founder Colin Doeg, renowned British photographer Charles Hood and DIVE editor Simon Rogerson. Judging the DVD entries are BBC natural history film-maker Peter Scoones, Colin Doeg and Simon Rogerson...[DiveMagazine]

Great Lakes Underwater 2009!

[OswegoMaritime.org]

RSMAS 2009 Underwater Photography Contest

Winners will be announced at the Rosenstiel School's Sea Secrets Lecture Series presentation on Wednesday, April 15, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. in the Rosenstiel School Auditorium, 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway, Virginia Key. Lad Akins, Director of Special Projects at Reef Environmental Education Foundation, is that evening's lecturer, discussing, “Invasion of the Lionfish.” The reception to recognize the winners will take place after the lecture, at approximately 7:30 p.m., in the Rosenstiel School's Library. All events are free and open to the public; however, seating is limited...[DivePhotoGuide.com]

ScubaRadio broadcasts from “Our World Underwater” Show in Chicago

ScubaRadio, world’s first and only nationally syndicated radio show devoted to diving broadcasted from the “Our World Underwater” dive consumer show in Chicago. Host Greg Holt commented, “We are excited to share a few fish tales with our diving friends in Chicagoland…”. Mr. Holt continued, “this is the largest get together of divers in the Midwest and we’re honored to be a part of this annual event".

Show Highlights - The ScubaRadio crew broadcast from the entrance of "Our World Underwater" interviewing dive industry professionals and attendees as they checked out the latest gear and dive destinations showcased in the Rosemont Convention Center...[WebWire]

Scuba Poker

It's an event making a big splash in our community. For the fifth year, the Children's Miracle Network is getting divers to go all in for a good cause.

About 25 poker players turned out at Aqua Sports in south Springfield to play their best underwater hand. Organizers say the unique event is gaining a lot of support from divers and fans who just want to watch.

Chrystal Conway of Children's Miracle Network says "it's a great way to get the community involved. There's so many things going on. This is a different outlet so people can come and have fun, get in the water, and do something for the community as well."

Children's Miracle Network hoped to raise about 3 thousand dollars Saturday.

100% of the money goes to children's hospitals across the country...[OzarksFirst.com]

Scuba Diver Girls Meetup San Diego

Sometimes it's just more fun to dive with your Girlfriends.

Sunday, March 1, 2009 at 8:30AM

Come on Girls ... Let's Dive!

The San Diego Scuba Diver Girls are tired of the rain and ready for a dive! Join us Sunday March 1st for a dip in the ocean and meet some new dive buddies. Bring your underwater cameras, your dive gear, and meet us for a morning with the girls...

Become one of the Scuba Diver Girls! WE WANT YOU!!!

C ya at the cove....

Mother Nature Makes the Day Dive Rules.

Scuba Diver Girl Stephanie

See the full event details, including location, at http://www.meetup.com/Scuba-Diver-Girls/calendar/9714732/ ...original posting from [SanDiegoReader]

Splash-in at Dive Fest

Underwater photographers will do battle in a one-day shoot-out during Dive Fest at Pentewan Sands Holiday Park, Cornwall, on 16 May. The British Underwater Image Festival (BUIF) Splash-in competition, which is sponsored by Canon and Cameras Underwater and is open to all underwater photographers, will see competitors vying for top prizes in the three categories: Wide-angle, Close-up and Fish Portrait. All images entered must be taken on the day and submitted to the Dive Fest Splash-in organisers by 7pm on Saturday 16 May.

BUIF judges will name the winner at the festival's award ceremony on Sunday 17 May. Prizes include a Canon Ixus 85 compact digital camera with full housing worth £350 and Inon 105 wide-angle lens and Cameras Underwater vouchers.

Hardboat, RIB and shore diving will be available throughout the weekend of the festival, which will kick off on the evening of Friday 15 May. Festival-goers will enjoy a whole raft of activities in the holiday park, with speakers including diving adventurer Monty Halls and the Shark Trust conservation charity...[DiveMagazine]

LA Times Travel and Adventure Show

When: February 15 : 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Price: $10

Event Phone Number:
800-448-7775
http://www.latimes.com/extras/tr...
jeff.cibull@latimes.com

L.A. Convention Center
Neighborhood: Downtown
1201 South Figueroa St.
Los Angeles, Ca 90015
800-448-7775

Underwater billiards games start in Bay of Bengal

Scuba diver Sabir Bux took on national-level billiards player Ahsan ul-Haque during a game under the surface of the Bay of Bengal off the coast of Orissa, which they say was the first such attempt in the world. The game was played off the coast of Gopalpur, some 180 km from here, for over an hour Sunday.

"It was a trial match. We will play a match to set a world record later on," Bux told IANS.

He plans to play at least 10 more trial matches before going for the final record attempt.

A 8x4 sq ft iron table weigh 62 kg was installed about 20 feet deep in the water and special balls were used. Four students of the Kalinga Divers institute assisted them.

The institute was set up by 43-year-old Bux to provide training in scuba diving. It has produced over 100 professional divers till now.

Bux, a man with a fascination for both music and diving, has already filmed music videos underwater, both in the Bay of Bengal and in the Mahanadi river...[TheHindu]

Learn about underwater marvels of the Marianas

The Office of the Governor and the Pacific Islands Club are partnering to host a public forum on “Minerals Mining in the Marianas.” The forum will be conducted by Dr. James R. Hein, a marine geologist from the U.S. Geological Survey, and it will be held at the Charley's Cabaret at PIC on Sunday, Feb. 8, from 10am to 12pm.

Dr. Hein will talk about the abundant marine minerals (gold, manganese, cobalt, etc) of the Marianas Archipelago and about the soon to be completed Feb. 2-7, 2009 R/V Natsushima cruise traveling from Guam to Saipan. He is a member of an international scientific team from Japan and the United States that is aboard the RV Natsushima. The research team is headed by Dr. Yoshihiku Tamura from JAMSTEC and Dr. Robert Stern from the University of Texas at Dallas.

These modern-day ocean explorers will use a remotely operated marine vehicle (Hyper-dolphin) to gather rock samples and conduct oceanographic studies of the submarine volcanoes in Rota.

Come to the forum and learn more about the most volcanically active Ring of Fire in the world, the magnificent Marianas Trench, and be amazed at seeing liquid carbon dioxide bubbles streaming out of the Champagne Vent at more than a mile deep. Come and listen to Dr. Hein describe the wonder of what happened when the Pacific Plate met the Philippine plate to form the Mariana Islands. Enjoy the beautiful colors of unique marine animals such as shrimps and crabs that live near and within the hydrothermal vents where water temperatures reach 217 degrees Fahrenheit. These rare animals are now protected forever under the Marianas Trench Marine National Monument, which was declared by President Bush on Jan. 6, 2009...[SaipanTribune]

Scuba Olympics slated in Largo

The city of Largo Aquatics Division will host the Scuba Olympics on Saturday, Feb. 7, beginning at noon, at the Southwest Pool Complex, 13120 Vonn Road.

The event is sponsored by the Professional Association of Dive Operators and Wal-Mart of Largo. Local dive retailers formed the organization in 2007 to promote the sport of scuba diving at area sport shows.

This fun competition is designed for teams of two that are certified in Junior or Advanced Open Water Scuba to compete against other teams to bring home the gold and great prizes. Proceeds from the event will support a new Special Olympic Swim Team program at Southwest Pool this summer.

The day begins at 12:30 p.m. with opening remarks by Mayor Pat Gerard, followed by the parade of athletes. Scuba Olympics takes place in an outdoor, 50 meter Olympic pool with water depths ranging from 4 to 17 feet deep.

Participants will be timed while executing a variety of skills fully suited including a buddy safety tow, three legged race, underwater bicycle race, and balloon lift from 17 feet of water. There is also a professional obstacle course for instructors and master divers.

There is plenty of seating and the availability to see through underwater cameras and surface view finders. Refreshments and lunch will be available through the Largo Teen Volunteer Advisory Board...[TampaBayNewspapers]

FLUPA to hold annual dinner

The Finger Lakes Underwater Preservation Association will hold its annual dinner from 6 to 9 p.m. Feb. 19 at the Crystal House, 89 Fisherville Road in Big Flats.

Finger Lakes Institute Research Scientist Bin Zhu will be the guest speaker and will discuss "Invaders in the lake: zebra mussels."

The event will begin at 6 p.m. with appetizers and a cash bar, followed by a buffet dinner including roast beef, baked chicken, salt potatoes, corn, meatballs, dinner rolls and tossed salad.

Cost of the dinner is $18.

A dessert contest will held, with a theme of underwater/scuba diving. A trophy will be awarded to the winner, and the desserts will be shared with the diners. Contact info at..[StarGazette.com]

Scuba Diving Pioneers Honoured

Two well known Caymanian dive pioneers: Stuart Freeman, owner of Eden Rock; and Ollen Miller, owner of Sundivers were honoured for their achievements and outstanding contributions to the sport of scuba diving.

They were honoured at the annual International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame Dinner and Induction Ceremony held at Pedro Castle St James on Thursday, 29 January.

The Department of Tourism (DoT) explained that every year, in addition to the international inductees, the Ministry of Tourism honours Caymanians and pays tribute to the invaluable role they have played in the process which has transformed Cayman into the premier dive destination that it is today. All awards were presented by the Minister of Tourism, Environment, Investment & Commerce, Hon Charles Clifford.

“Both individuals have been trailblazers in Cayman’s dive industry,” Mr Clifford in a statement before the event. “I congratulate them for having passion and foresight and for dedicating their lives to the sport of scuba diving.”

DoT stated that Mr Freeman has dedicated 40 years to the sea and to the watersports industry. From the onset of his adulthood through to present day, Mr Freeman has stayed true to his calling and continuously helps to protect and develop Cayman’s diving industry. ..[CaymanNetNews]

The 8th Celebrate the Sea Festival 2009

A Mardi gras, an International Underwater Imagery Festival, a day to Celebrate!

Manifesting in an official proclamation in 2008 by the President of the Republic of the Philippines, Her Excellency, Gloria Arroyo, declared the month of June to be the Celebrate the Sea month and the second Saturday in every June to be the Celebrate the Sea Day.

Now into its 8th year, the Celebrate the Sea Festival is confirmed for Manila this June and to add greater fervour to the celebration of Philippines 1st official Celebrate the Sea Day.

The success of the festival in 2008 received participation from a global audience of novice and professional competitors, children, nature and ocean lovers, celebrated luminaries such as five times Emmy award winners, Stan Waterman, National Geographic explorer Emory Kristof, founder of the world Underwater Picture Festival Daniel Mercier, five times world record free diving champion Frederic Buyle to name but a few. In collaboration with the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Philippines Commission on Sports Scuba Diving (PCSSD), OceanNEnvironment looks forward to the biggest and most exciting festival ever to be stage in the Asia Pacific...[DivePhotoGuide.com]

Local divers to attend Squid Run

All divers are invited to join Scuba Center Temecula for a trip to participate in the La Jolla Squid Run. The run is scheduled for 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, at La Jolla Shores.

Past Squid Run participants have seen rays, crabs and even octopi. But, of course, the main event is squid.

Each attendee should bring two dive lights, scuba gear including tanks/weights, a towel, warm/dry clothes, snacks, drinking water and a small mesh bag for trash.

For more information, visit www.scubatemecula.com...[ValleyNews]

Show off underwater skills at Scuba Olympics

The city of Largo Aquatics Division will host the "Scuba Olympics" at noon on Saturday, at the Southwest Pool Complex, 13120 Vonn Road. The event is sponsored by the Professional Association of Dive Operators.

The competition is designed for teams of two people who are both certified in junior or advanced open water scuba. Proceeds from the event will support a new Special Olympic swim team program at Southwest Pool this summer.

Fully suited participants will be timed while executing a variety of skills including a buddy safety tow, three-legged race, underwater bicycle race and a balloon lift from 17 feet of water. There will also be a professional obstacle course for instructors and master divers. For information, go online to www.padofl.com...[St.PetersburgTimes]

Making waves for diver safety

Attending the Blue Wild Ocean Adventure Seminar & Expo will not only make you a better diver, it'll make you a safer diver.

The event, which is Feb. 6-8 at the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum in Dania Beach, features a who's who of diving experts such as freediving instructor Kirk Krack, freediving world record holder Pipin Ferreras, spearfishing legend Art Pinder and shark wrangler Manny Puig.

In addition, Tom Greene, Capt. Bouncer Smith and Capt. Skip Smith will share their fishing secrets and there will be workshops on tying knots, catching lobsters, filleting fish, cooking seafood and underwater photography and videography. Steve Callahan, the author of Adrift, the best-selling book that detailed his 76 days lost at sea after his sailboat sank in the Atlantic Ocean, will discuss survival at sea.

Perhaps the most notable personalities at the Blue Wild are two divers who have survived the worst experience imaginable..[SunSentinel.com]

Dive industry honours two

Two well known Caymanian dive pioneers – Stuart Freeman, owner of Eden Rock, and Ollen Miller, owner of Sundivers, will be honoured for their achievements and outstanding contributions to the sport of scuba diving this tonight at Pedro St. James.

This is when the industry gathers together for the annual International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame Dinner and Induction Ceremony.

A press release noted that every year, in addition to the international inductees, the Ministry of Tourism honours Caymanians and pays tribute to the invaluable role they have played in the process which has transformed Cayman into the premier dive destination that it is today. All awards will be presented by the Minister of Tourism, Charles.

“Both individuals have been trailblazers in Cayman’s dive industry,” said the Minister. “I congratulate them for having passion and foresight and for dedicating their lives to the sport of scuba diving.”

Stuart Freeman has dedicated 40 years to the sea and to the watersports industry. From the onset of his adulthood through to the present day, Mr. Freeman has stayed true to his calling and continuously helps to protect and develop Cayman’s diving industry...[CayCompass.com]

Orissa scuba diver to play billiards under Bay of Bengal

Most people soar high in their imagination. Sabir Bux dives deep. Now the international scuba diver from Orissa is going to take on a national-level billiards player for an undersea game.”I am going to play billiards underwater off the coast of Gopalpur in Orissa,” Bux told IANS.

“It is the first initiative of its kind across the globe. The effort is an extension of my dream to put Orissa on the international map for positive reasons,” the 43-year-old scuba diver said.

Supporting him is Ahsan ul-Haque, a national-level billiards player from the state.

“I am learning scuba diving from Sabir bhai and we are practising in swimming pools in Bhubaneswar. I am very excited about the game,” Haque added.

“While Sabir is teaching me scuba diving, I am teaching him how to play billiards well,” said the player who represents National Aluminium Company (Nalco) in the sports arena.

Bux, a man with a fascination for both music and diving, has already filmed music videos underwater, both in the Bay of bengal and in the Mahanadi river.

“Ocean is my fascination. I want to unravel the mystery and do more creative things. By playing billiards under sea I want to create a world record and be part of the Guinness Book of records. It will also highlight Orissa as a land of beauty and bravado,” said Bux, an engineer by education.

The game - to be played on a special metal table - will last for nearly 30 minutes. It will be telecast live...[ThaindianNews]

Veterans and Students with Disabilities Dive into a New Adventure with the Aquarium of the Pacific

Aquarium of the Pacific and Diveheart to bring the weightless world of SCUBA diving to students with disabilities & wounded veterans on Friday, Jan. 16 at USC.

For the first time, students and veterans with disabilities will discover the weightless world of SCUBA diving. Many will leave their wheel chairs behind as they dive into a new adventure. On Friday, January 16, 2009 the Aquarium of the Pacific, Diveheart, and Cody Unser’s First Step will be taking the adult and teen participants with disabilities into the water to explore diving. Media are invited to witness participants plunge into this new experience.

WHERE: University of Southern California / Physical Education Building Indoor Pool
3560 Watt Way, Los Angeles, CA 90089 / Entrance #8 Jefferson Blvd (see map)
Suggested Parking: Parking lot #A

WHO: - College students with disabilities from USC’s Swim with Mike program, benefiting Physically Challenged Athletes Scholarship Fund
- Veterans with disabilities from throughout LA County
-Teens with disabilities from Miller Children’s Hospital in Long Beach
- Eric Castillo, Aquarium of the Pacific Dive Safety Department. Castillo spearheaded the idea of working with Diveheart to make this program possible.
- Jim Elliott, founder, Diveheart. His nonprofit promotes and facilitates diving and snorkeling for people with disabilities around the world.
- Cody Unser, founder, Cody Unser’s First Step. This college student is the daughter of race car driver Al Unser Jr. and became paralyzed at age 12. Her nonprofit introduces wounded veterans to diving and more.
- Jorge Enriguez, a diver and former New Mexico University football player who became disabled during his NFL draft shortly after graduation, Spanish spokesperson...[ZooandAquariumVisitor]

Update - Underwater Ironing Record Broken

Fundraising divers believe they may have broken a quirky world record for 'extreme ironing'.
Jack Moon, 26, (pictured) and girlfriend Amy Clements, 30, braved icy temperatures to help beat the record number of divers ironing underwater at the same time.

Jack explained: "The whole thing was good fun and a great display of British eccentricity. "We had to get ourselves under, set up the ironing board and have our photo taken 'ironing'. "Everyone had to be recorded in a 10 minute window and we got 86, which beat the record of 72."

The pair, of Stationers Place, Apsley, joined a team of 130 for the feat, that raised £8,000 for Royal National Lifeboats Institution (RNLI)...[HemelToday]

Peek In On Local Treasure Divers

A search for sunken treasure on the ocean floor plays out like a cold case mystery on "Treasure Quest," a new Discovery Channel series that follows the undersea salvage work of Tampa-based Odyssey Marine Exploration.

The 11-part series, debuting at 10 p.m. Thursday, takes viewers along on the hunt for the Merchant Royal, a trading ship loaded with gold, silver and jewels that went down in the English Channel in 1641.

A mix of adventure, science and history, "Treasure Quest" details the work of the world's only publicly traded company dedicated to deep-ocean shipwreck exploration.

"It's a chance to show people what we do and what's involved in locating, identifying and then recovering artifacts," says Odyssey co-founder and CEO Greg Stemm.

"We're doing more than just recovering lost treasure," he adds. "Our goal is to map the entire ocean bottom."..[TampaBayOnline]

40th Annual San Diego Underwater Photographic Society Film Festival

The San Diego Underwater Photographic Society (SDUPS) is proud to announce that its 40th Annual Film Festival will be held April 25, 2009 in San Diego, CA. This year's film festival will feature a "headliner" film from Steve Drogin as well as a worldwide contest. The winner of the film contest, as determined by the audience, will be awarded a cash prize of $500. Additionally, there will be a reception honoring many of San Diego scuba diving pioneers with a special emphasis for those that lead the way in underwater photography and cinematography...[DivePhotoGuide]

Thatcham man's extreme challenge

A THATCHAM man hopes to enter the world record books in bizarre fashion, by attempting to iron several metres underwater.
Declan Daly, of Shakespeare Road, will be among more than 100 divers taking part in a sponsored extreme ironing event on Saturday (January 10).
The challenge sees those involved swim underwater with ironing boards before simultaneously ironing a chosen garment.
The divers will earn a place in the Guinness Book of Records if they turn up in anticipated numbers and raise important funds for the RNLI.
Mr Daly said: “It sounded really stupid, so that’s why I thought it was for me. I’m not an extreme sports fan but if you don't live on the edge of life you take up too much space, you have got to have some fun. I usually only use the iron if I’m desperate and this is not going to encourage me to use it more, but I’m looking forward to it.”

Forty-two-year-old Mr Daly, a keen diver who has swum with the Newbury Sub-Aqua Club, chose the challenge after hearing about it from a friend.
The activity has grown in recent years, with events including rock climbing, where competitors carry ironing boards as they ascend, and even a world championship organised.

Held at the vast National Diving Centre in Chepstow and simulating the conditions of outdoor scuba diving, entrants will swim out holding their ironing boards and irons. After swimming through the water, contestants will plunge to various depths between 12-70 metres and land on the ‘sea bed’. They will then unfold ironing boards and together on a signal jointly ‘iron’ their chosen garments...[NewburyToday]

The International Legends of Diving on Grand Bahama Island

Underwater Explorers Society (UNEXSO), the premiere dive destination and dolphin experience facility located in Lucaya, Grand Bahama Island, The Portage Quarry of Bowling Green, Ohio and The S. C. Public Safety Divers International is pleased to announce the first offshore event for the LEGENDS OF DIVING. Held annually in Bowling Green since 2006, Jeff Rice, Managing Director of the Portage Quarry has attracted notable American diving legends such as Zale Parry, Dr. Sam Miller and Sam LeCocq.

The event in Ohio continues to grow in size and has attracted an international following on the web and at the Legends of Diving event held the first weekend of August each year. According to Rice, “The Legends event has become a popular spot for divers to gather during the summer but we are growing in size and our members are asking if the event could be held in a warm weather destination during the winter/spring months.” A search was underway for a tropical destination.

The International Underwater Explorers Society has formed an alliance with the Portage Quarry to build on the success of the Ohio event. The first INTERNATIONAL LEGENDS OF DIVING (ILD) will be held at UNEXSO on Grand Bahama Island April 2-6, 2009. Keith Cooper, Director of Sales & Marketing had invited Rice down to tour the dive facilities and the adjacent Pelican Bay Hotel - the official hotel for ILD - and numerous on shore amenities. Rice’s decision to choose Grand Bahama Island and UNEXSO was easy...[CarolinaLive.com]

Divers revive annual event

Nanaimo's scuba diving community has revived a New Year's Day social event that almost fell by the wayside.

About 45 divers turned out to continue a three-decades-long tradition of starting the new year with a one-tank dive at any of several popular local spots. The tradition almost ended due to poor turnout on Jan. 1, 2008.

This year it was successfully resuscitated when divers of all ages suited up at about 11 a.m. to slip beneath the gentle waves of Finn Bay. While exploring the rich sea bottom, which drops to more than 10 metres in some spots, they all kept a sharp eye out for treasure, in the form of silvery 20-centimetre-long stainless steel tags.

Diving on New Year's Day is traditional with scuba enthusiasts all over the world for as long as the sport has existed, said Lorne Hildebrand.

"The idea is if you jump in on New Year's and you have a good dive you'll have a good year of diving," Hildebrand said...[NanaimoDailyNews]

Chattanooga: Plunging into 2009

Some people will do just about anything for bragging rights.

While most of the city was still sleeping off their late-night partying, a group of die-hard scuba divers donned hooded wet suits and welcomed the new year with an icy dive in the Tennessee River.

“They’re crazy, but you know, my husband wouldn’t stop grinning all morning,” said Mendy Rosen, whose husband, Richard, joined members of the Chattanooga Underwater Divers Association for the first time Thursday morning.

For the past eight years the divers have braved the frigid waters for the short swim between the Walnut and Market street bridges. The first year the group showed up on the river bank at midnight, but quickly decided it was far too cold, so they came back nine hours later, and the tradition stuck.

“It’s just something to get the new year off to a good start,” said Bob Weaver, manager of Leisure Time Dive and Ski Center on Brainerd Road.

But even Mr. Weaver, a veteran New Year’s Day diver, began having second-thoughts Thursday as he stepped off the kayak launch on the outskirts of Coolidge Park and into the river...[TimesFreePress.com]

Cold comfort - Snow and ice won't keep these divers away

For some scuba-diving enthusiasts, a little snow and ice and some freezing temperatures aren’t enough to keep them out of the water.


At noon on New Year’s Day, a group of about 10 of them gathered on the roadside near Holland State Park to decide if there was too much snow and ice to go for a dive.


“What have we got?” one asked. “Chunks,” another said, as the group looked down at ice floes and slush floating in the channel. That’ll make it more exciting to get into,” a third person said.


The scuba divers were the only group to continue with the daring New Year’s Day activities on Thursday, Jan. 1. A group of water-skiers that usually ski on Ottawa County’s Pigeon Lake on New Year’s day called it quits after the lake froze over, and a group of die-hard surfers also decided not to try Lake Michigan due to ice.


And with the water temperature at 32 degrees, and visibility at about 4 inches, what’s the point in diving? “Because we can,” said Matt Cummins, a Holland resident...[HollandSentintel.com]

Fish and dive expo good for anglers to mingle

The Lakeland Fish and Dive Expo is returning to Off the Wall Adventures (2055 Shepherd Rd. Lakeland, FL 33811) on Feb. 7. This year, they have an even bigger lineup than last year, as well as some different booth vendors. Like last year, they will be selling hamburgers, hot dogs and sodas, with all proceeds going to CCA.

CCA-Polk will be on site to sign up any potential new members and also handle some of the raffles that will be going on, which will also benefit CCA.

This is a family-friendly atmosphere designed to bring outdoor enthusiasts together and have a great time.

Start time will be at 8:30 a.m. The first seminar will begin at 9 a.m. Seminars will last approximately 50 minutes. The last seminar is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. The expo will last until 5:30 or 6 p.m...[NewsChief.com]

EVENT: Dive into the new year at Mermet Springs noon Thursday

Mermet Springs will be having their Annual New Years Day Plunge!! Scuba divers from the local area and as well as divers from Missouri, Kentucky and Indiana will be bringing in the New Year with a refreshing dive into the Chilly waters of Mermet Springs. The Springs will open at 9 a.m. and the Kickoff Dive will be at Noon. The facility is located on highway 45 between Metropolis and Vienna. Please RSVP Glen@mermetsprings or 618-771-6990 so they can have an idea of how many to plan for...[WKYX]