News

Announcing the Winner of Scubaverse.com’s Video of the Year 2019

Published

1 year ago

February 5, 2020

It’s been a fantastic year for video entries and a real pleasure to see them all. There have been many different styles as well as content. In general when judging the videos I look at how each film is constructed. Was there any pre-shoot planning, are the images sharp and well framed with good exposure? Has any animal behaviour been fully explored and captured rather than a simple portrait shot? Is the lighting good and the overall colour balance consistent throughout? I look at the editing skills shown as well as the style and relevance of any accompanying music. Are there titles and is there any narrative to help tell a story? I look at all these things before looking at content. Occasionally though it comes down to the films that have left the most lasting impression that have shone through.

With so many wonderful winning films in 2019 I asked Sven Harms, V.P at Pioneer Research and SeaLife imaging equipment and Sea Dragon lighting, if he would be guest judge. He kindly agreed, and with his associate Lindsay, gave the following result:

Runner-Up

April’s winner: Fiji Island by Serge Melesan

Sven: This isn’t perfect but it is very engaging… the fire dancers are a catchy start too. The reef is full of activity with many colourful and interesting critters and fish which inspires one to call their travel agent and plan a trip there!

Winner of Scubaverse.com’s Video of the Year 2019

March’s winner: Critters of the Muck by Dean Spraakman

Sven: We like this one the most! Lindsay said it best: “it’s got a lot of creatures doing cool things.” I have to agree! This video keeps the viewer engaged and the well-lit close ups against a dark background are almost sci-fi. It’s not perfect, but very entertaining.

The bottom line is slick editing and perfect footage don’t necessarily make the winning video; in the end it’s how interesting and exciting the captures are….

Congratulations from all of the Scubaverse team to our winner and runner-up. Thank you to everyone that entered in 2019. We hope to see plenty more of your videos in 2020!

For your chance to win the 2020 title and some great gear from Scubapro and SeaLife, you simply need to enter your videos each month here: www.scubaverse.com/current-contest-video

Good Luck!

Scubaverse.com would like to say a big thank you to our Video of the Year’s sponsor, Scubapro.

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Jeff Goodman

Jeff Goodman is the Editor-at-Large for Scubaverse.com with responsibility for conservation and underwater videography. Jeff is an award-winning TV wildlife and underwater cameraman and film maker who lives in Cornwall, UK. With over 10,000 dives to his credit he has dived in many different environments around the world.

Competitions

WIN a Beuchat Air Light Bag!!!

Published

2 days ago

February 26, 2021

Team Scubaverse

For this week’s competition, we’ve teamed up with our good friends at Beuchat to give away an Air Light Bag!

The Air Light Bag from Beuchat is a practical travel bag that takes up minimum storage space.

Material: 600 denier and 1,000 denier nylon/PVC
Soft roller bag, easily stored in its mesh bag
Internal retaining straps
Zip fastener with eyelets for padlocks
Side compartment for fins
Outer document pocket with coated zip and carry strap
Backpack style straps concealed behind the foam back-plate
Drainage vents
Red over-moulded wheels; detachable wheel block

To be in with a chance of winning this awesome prize, all you have to do is answer the following question:

In a recent post on Scubaverse.com (which you can read here), we reported that Mexico is to host the first annual Cancun International Boat Show and Marine Expo this year. But when is the event due to take place?

Is it:

A) 9^th – 11^th July
B) 16^th – 18^th July
C) 23^rd – 25^th July

Answer, A, B or C to the question above:

Beuchat Air Light Bag February 2021

Competition

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Terms and Conditions: This competition is open to all visitors to www.scubaverse.com except for members of the Scubaverse team and their families, or employees of Beuchat and their families or employees of Suunto Diving UK and their families. A valid answer to the competition’s question must be entered. If no valid answer to the competition’s question is entered, your entry will be invalid. Only one competition entry per entrant permitted (multiple entries will lead to disqualification). Only one prize per winner. All prizes are non-transferable, and no cash alternative will be offered. In the event that the prize cannot be supplied, no liability will be attached to www.scubaverse.com. When prizes are supplied by third parties, www.scubaverse.com is acting as their agents and as such we exclude all liability for loss or damage you may suffer as a result of this competition. This competition closes on 07/04/21. The winner will be notified by email. The Editor-in-Chief’s decision is final.
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Miscellaneous Blogs

Jeff chats to… Jill Heinerth – underwater explorer, author and presenter (Watch Video)

Published

2 days ago

February 26, 2021

Jeff Goodman

In this exclusive Zoom interview, Jeff Goodman, Scubaverse Editor-at-Large, chats to Jill Heinerth.

Jill is one of the world’s premier underwater explorers, and the first person to dive inside iceberg caves. According to filmmaker James Cameron, “More people have walked on the moon than have been to some of the places Jill Heinerth has gone right here on earth.”

An acclaimed polar explorer, cave diver, author, speaker, filmmaker, and climate advocate, Jill is the first Explorer-in-Residence of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society. She is the inaugural recipient of the Sir Christopher Ondaatje Medal for Exploration and Canada’s Polar Medal.

Jill leads expeditions into extreme environments to advance scientific and geographic knowledge. Her projects have been broadcast on the CBC, BBC, PBS, Discovery Channel, and television networks worldwide. Jill was announced as the recipient of the William Beebe Award from the Explorer’s Club and was inducted into the International Scuba Divers Hall of Fame in fall 2020.

Her bestselling book INTO THE PLANET – My Life as a Cave Diver has drawn acclaim from the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, NPR, and O Magazine. Heinerth details her journey into the extreme world of underwater cave exploration, where she has had to overcome fear in order to go where no one has gone before.

Find out more about Jill and her work at: www.intotheplanet.com

Rather listen to a podcast? Listen to the audio HERE on the new Scubaverse podcast channel at Anchor FM.

RED SEA LIVEABOARD : Wall to Wall : May 2021

Expires on:

Explore the amazing triangle of Red Sea Reefs - The Brothers, Daedalus and Elphinstone on board the brand new liveaboard Big Blue. With an option to add on a week at Roots Red Sea before or after.

Strong currents and deep blue water are the catalysts that bring the pelagic species flocking to these reefs. The reefs themselves provide exquisite homes for a multitude of marine life. The wafting soft corals are adorned with thousands of colourful fish. The gorgonian fans and hard corals provide magnificent back drops, all being patrolled by the reef’s predatory species.

£1475 per person based on double occupancy. Soft all inclusive board basis, buffet meals with snacks, tea and coffee always available. Add a week on at Roots Red Sea Resort before or after the liveaboard for just £725pp. Flights and transfers are included. See our brochure linked above for the full itinerary.

This trip will be hosted by The Scuba Place. Come Dive with Us!

Call 020 3515 9955 or email john@thescubaplace.co.uk

www.thescubaplace.co.uk

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ITINERARY