2021 has been an incredible year for entries into the Scubaverse monthly video competition. There has been quality as well as quantity. Judging each month has been difficult as all the films were excellent in one way or another, be it the story telling, camerawork, narration, lighting, animal behaviour, artistic flare, editing. All were great to watch and I look forward to seeing entries in 2022.

To pick an overall winner for 2021 I have had help from Sven Harms and Lindsay Lynch from SeaLife Cameras and also Jake Davies, marine biologist and videographer.

Winner of Scubaverse.com’s Video of the Year 2021

Winner: Tiger (Shark) King by Clayton Conn

Clayton Conn, freelance journalist and film maker who won the November competition wrote: ‘It was a great experience and privilege to participate in the Scubaverse monthly video contest. There are very few dedicated places online that underwater filmmakers, novice to experienced, can share their videography and cinematography with such accessibility and receive positive yet critical feedback. No sense of negative competition here, rather a place where all underwater filmmakers can level up together’.

Jake Davies wrote of the film: ‘A very well produced video using a huge amount of production skills throughout. The video is full of high quality camera work above and below water and beautifully edited.  Having an interviewee is great in telling a personal storyline and gets lots of messages across more efficiently along with keeping engagement. Top quality and very well produced – great work on creating such an informative piece with lots of important information and messaging’.

There was a special note from Sven Harms and Lindsay Lynch about ‘Breathing under the sea by Noemie Stroh’ our March winner:  ‘We loved March for the really flowing and lively wildlife. The editing was very good and it kept us engaged for the entire video – this was the deciding part’. 

Thanks again to all those who took part and I wish you a great filming 2022. That you to all the competition sponsors.

The winner of the 2021 competition takes away an incredible assortment of prizes:

7 Nights at Bunaken Oasis Dive Resort, Indonesia

Bunaken Oasis redefines diving in Bunaken.  Positioned very much at the luxury end of the spectrum, Bunaken Oasis’ aim is to provide a 5-star luxury diving experience whilst keeping its ecological footprint to a minimum.

Find out more about Bunaken Oasis Dive Resort at www.bunakenoasis.com.

Suunto D5 Dive Computer

The Suunto D5 is designed to be so clear and easy-to-use that you can just enjoy and focus on exploring the wonderful underwater world.

Find out more about the Suunto D5 dive computer here.

Paralenz Vaquita Underwater Camera

Paralenz Vaquita is a small and powerful underwater camera with a simple mission: to enable you to seamlessly capture and share brilliant underwater videos.

Find out more about the Paralenz Vaquita Underwater Camera here.

Mares Dual ADJ 62X Regulator

The Dual Adj 62X scuba diver regulator is the smallest and most compact first stage ever made by Mares. That’s why it’s the perfect travel companion for divers all over the world.

Find out more about the Mares Dual ADJ 62X Regulator here.

Sharkskin Titanium Chillproof

The Titanium Chillproof has FIR reflective technology that reflects and retains the Far Infrared Heat Energy from our bodies back into our bodies subsequently causing a rise in temperature, increased blood flow and improved metabolic function – i.e. we will be warmer.

Find out more about the Sharkskin Titanium Chillproof here.

XDEEP Radical Mask

The XDEEP Radical frameless mask allows you to take in more of what is around you, enhancing both the dive experience and your situational awareness of you, your team and the environment.

Find out more about the XDEEP Radical Mask here.

Northern Diver Varilux Zoom 1000 Lumen Rechargeable Dive Torch

The three white light settings make the ‘Varilux Zoom’ a fantastic multi-purpose dive torch.

Find out more about the Northern Diver Varilux Zoom 1000 Lumen Rechargeable Dive Torch here.

Fourth Element Expedition Series Duffel Bag

The Fourth Element Expedition Series Duffel Bag is made from tough and enduring heavy-duty mesh PVC and the base is double lined for durability.

Find out more about the Fourth Element Expedition Series Duffel Bag here.

Pandora-Lab Multi Tool

Pandora Multi Tool is a diver’s ‘Swiss Army knife’ designed to ease field maintenance where and when it matters.

Find out more about the Pandora-Lab Multi Tool here.