News
AP Valves and Ambient Pressure Diving Merge to Form AP Diving
AP Valves, founded by David Parker in 1969 and famous for producing BCDs and dive accessories of the highest quality, has merged with CCR sister company Ambient Pressure Diving to become one company again – AP Diving.
Martin Parker, Managing Director of AP Diving, had this to say of the in-house merger:
“Looking at the group as a whole, we realised there was some confusion out there about the relationship between the two companies and the multiple brand names we have collected over the decades. To rectify this we have now taken the strategic decision to simplify things by aligning AP Valves and its products (BUDDY BCDs, accessories and spares) with Ambient Pressure Diving’s rebreathers and product lines and to sell them both under the umbrella name AP Diving.
“This has meant re-branding both companies with a unified new-look as well as a number of product re-namings (see the ‘BUDDY GOES COMMANDO’ news item on the AP Diving website here) – to create brand clarity between open circuit and closed circuit products and hopefully clear up any confusion to the customer about Who’s Who and Who makes What…
“It’s simple – AP Diving now make and sell everything – Rebreathers and BCDs.
In terms of our product range, this change means that both the ‘AP Valves’ company name and the ‘BUDDY’ brand name will no longer be used in the sport diving market and the ‘BUDDY Commando’ is now called the AP Commando. This and the other re-named AP BCDs will then sit alongside the AP Inspiration range of rebreather models – the Inspiration XPD, the Inspiration EVO (previously the ‘Evolution’) and the Inspiration EVP (previously the ‘Evolution Plus’).
For divers this means clearer product labelling, simpler ordering and this new web brochure and shop – where you can buy all you want and find out all the information you need – all in one place. Importantly, you will now be buying and ordering factory direct from us – no middleman – ensuring you receive exceptional, fast & reliable service from our knowledgeable team. Some things never change.”
AP Diving was officially launched at LIDS 2014 a couple of weeks ago. Scubaverse caught up with Jeff Parker, AP Diving’s Marketing and Design Manager at the show, and talked to him about the relaunch. To watch our exclusive interview with Jeff, click here.
To visit the new AP Diving website, click here. To start buying AP Diving product, click here.
Dive Worldwide has recently introduced Kenya to its portfolio of dive destinations, making it a new must-visit for divers. The company has chosen Temple Point Resort, located in Watamu, a small town on Kenya’s Indian Ocean Coast. The resort embodies the spirit of Kenya, with thatched roof buildings and bright white interiors, complemented with local art. The Creek Deluxe rooms enjoy a creek view and sunset vistas, whilst Boutique Garden rooms offer peace nestled in lush greenery.
An abundance of activities such as golf, stand up paddleboarding and kite surfing await those looking for action; while those in search of rejuvenation may partake in a range of yoga classes, or indulge in the spa. Spend evenings dining poolside dining or lazing in hammocks suspended over the creek; there is no detail missed at Temple Point.
The waters surrounding Temple Point Resort are bustling with life, however, there is also an opportunity to explore on dry land. Tsavo National Park is close enough for a day safari, allowing guests to double up on the wildlife experiences Kenya has to offer, from elephants to whale sharks.
Suggested Dive Itinerary: Dive and Discover Kenya
Embark on an adventure to one of Africa’s finest marine parks, Watamu, the first of its kind in the continent. Created in 1968, Watamu offers excellent diving and snorkelling for those of all experience levels. Lively coral reefs and the surrounding waters are home to over 1,000 species of fish, devil rays, mantas, whale sharks, dolphins and turtles.
DEAL: Stay 12 nights for the price of 10 at Temple Point Resort
Price: Dive and Discover Kenya now costs £2295pp, saving £150 per person. Including international flights from the UK, 12 nights’ B&B (for the price of 10), transfers, 5 days, 10 dive pack, tanks and weights. Based on travel in September ONLY. https://www.diveworldwide.com/trip-ideas/dive-discover-kenya#details
For more information visit: diveworldwide.com or call 01962 302 087
Over the next 12 months, specialist scuba holiday company Dive Worldwide will be supporting Bite-Back Shark & Marine Conservation with donations collected from client bookings to any one of its stunning dive destinations around the world. The independently-owned operator expects to raise £3000 for the UK charity.
Manager at Dive Worldwide, Phil North, said: “We’re especially excited to work with Bite-Back and support its intelligent, creative and results-driven campaigns to end the UK trade in shark products and prompt a change in attitudes to the ocean’s most maligned inhabitant.”
Bite-Back is running campaigns to hold the media to account on the way it reports shark news along with a brand new nationwide education programme. Last year the charity was credited for spearheading a UK ban on the import and export of shark fins.
Campaign director at Bite-Back, Graham Buckingham, said: “We’re enormously grateful to Dive Worldwide for choosing to support Bite-Back. The company’s commitment to conservation helps set it apart from other tour operators and we’re certain its clients admire and respect that policy. For us, the affiliation is huge and helps us look to the future with confidence we can deliver against key conservation programmes.”
To launch the fundraising initiative, Phil North presented Graham Buckingham with a cheque for £1,000.
Visit Dive Worldwide to discover its diverse range of international scuba adventures and visit Bite-Back to learn more about the charity’s campaigns.
MORE INFORMATION
Call Graham Buckingham on 07810 454 266 or email graham@bite-back.com
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