News
Apeks announce Sponsorship of first ever Cave Camp
Apeks, one of the UK’s leading manufacturer of scuba diving equipment, has announced it is to be the main sponsor of the first ever Cave Camp, a unique event that is pitched at divers of all levels – from the ‘cave curious’ with no previous experience of cavern or cave diving to the ‘cave committed’ looking to further their diving ambitions.
“Apeks is the perfect sponsor for the inaugural Cave Camp and we are so proud to be working with a great team of exceptional cave instructors,” explains Dean Martin, Apeks Sales Manager for UK and Holland.
Imagine the thrill of visiting a place that very few humans have visited before – somewhere that has taken nature literally thousands of years to shape and yet has remained untouched for a millennia. There are very few places on this Earth that match that description but cave divers are privileged to experience that thrill on every dive. At Cave Camp 2016 in Mexico between the 29 October and the 12 November 2016, you too can experience the breathtaking Cenotes and discover for yourself what it takes to be a cave diving explorer.
Cave Camp aims to inspire the next generation of cave divers through direct contact with leading cave instructors and explorers. The organisers have secured the involvement of some of the world’s biggest names in cave diving including two members of the world-famous ‘Divers of the Dark’ team, Sami Paakkarinen and Phil Short. Also involved are world-class cave instructors Mathew Partridge, Ian France, Oliver Marsel, Gemma Smith, John Kendall and Garry Dallas.
Based in the beautiful, unspoilt coastal town of Tulum just two hours South of Cancun in Mexico, Cave Camp offers a packed schedule of fascinating cave talks and workshops plus the opportunity to ‘try dive’ some cool cave diving equipment. Participants can get involved in a range of cave and cavern related diving activities including diver training from entry-level cavern to full cave. For those who simply want to experience the stunning caverns and caves that has made the Yucatan famous, a full range of guided diving options will also be available to suit divers of all levels.
“Gemma and I are seriously excited to be a part of this stunning new development. The crystal clear still waters and the fairy kingdom like speleothem formations of the Yucatan’s sea-invaded cave systems are among the best cave dives in the world and we look forward to introducing others to the wonder of the cave environment during this groundbreaking and inspirational event,” commented Phil Short, IANTD UK Training Director, explorer and owner of Dark Water Exploration.
Cave Camp is the brain child of Lanny & Claire Vogel – two former Royal Navy officers who moved to Mexico in May 2014 to pursue their dream of setting up a dive centre in the beautiful Riviera Maya.
Captivated by the glorious white sands, turquoise sea, fascinating Mayan culture and, of course, some of the very best diving anywhere in the world, Lanny & Claire fell in love with Mexico on their very first visit. With the help of Cave Camp, they hope to share the magic of Mexico with divers from across the world.
“Few diving destinations can rival the abundance and sheer natural beauty that the breathtaking Cenotes of the Riviera Maya offers visiting divers. With the largest flooded cave systems in the world on our doorstep, Mexico is the perfect place to discover cavern and cave diving and we’ve made it even easier with Cave Camp. We’re looking forward to welcoming divers from across the world for two weeks of spectacular diving, cavern and cave training, try dives, fabulous talks and, of course, some great social evenings sponsored by our good friends at Apeks. Cave Camp will be as much about having fun as diving – we want guests to love every minute of it,” commented Cave Camp Organiser, Lanny Vogel.
Attendance to Cave Camp 2016 costs just £499 which includes return airport transfers between Cancun International Airport, 14 nights accommodation on a self-catering basis and full access to all Cave Camp talks and social events (international flights not included). Other activities including diver training and guided diving are available at an additional charge. Diver training should be pre-booked to avoid disappointment. Some workshops may require payment of an additional entry fee and/or equipment rental charge.
For more information, visit:
- Cave Camp website www.cavecamp.com
- Cave Camp Facebook page www.facebook.com/cavecamp
- Cave Camp Twitter feed twitter.com/CaveCampMexico
- Cave Camp Instagram www.instagram.com/cavecampmexico
- Cave Camp Vimeo vimeo.com/cavecamp
Blogs
Jeff Goodman Launches Underwater Moviemaker Course with NovoScuba
Transform Your Dive Experiences into Cinematic Masterpieces
NovoScuba has partnered with acclaimed underwater filmmaker Jeff Goodman to introduce the Underwater Moviemaker Course—a revolutionary program designed to equip divers with the skills to capture the breathtaking beauty of the underwater world.
Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker, an avid diver, or a photography enthusiast, this course offers the tools and expertise needed to create stunning underwater videos. From vibrant coral reefs to curious marine life, you’ll learn how to film, edit, and produce captivating underwater stories, all with expert guidance from a seasoned professional.
Jeff Goodman: A Legacy in Underwater Filmmaking
Jeff Goodman brings over 40 years of experience in underwater film production for television to this course. Reflecting on his career, Jeff said:
“Although technology has dramatically changed, the basics of underwater filming remain constant. This course covers crucial skills for producing great videos. Whether you’re creating professional broadcast films or high-quality hobby videos, the fundamental principles are the same.
A camera operator must master their equipment to capture those magical underwater moments effortlessly. But beyond technical know-how, underwater filmmaking is about having fun and enhancing your diving experiences. So, take your time, learn at your own pace, and enjoy this creative journey.”
About NovoScuba
Founded in 2023, NovoScuba is reshaping dive education with a comprehensive, digitally native platform. Offering cutting-edge training programs for divers at all levels, NovoScuba sets a new benchmark in the diving industry by combining innovation with accessibility.
With ISO-certified courses, a student subscription model, and multilingual support, NovoScuba ensures that dive education is inclusive and engaging. More than just a training provider, NovoScuba fosters a global community of divers committed to exploration, collaboration, and sustainability.
Join the NovoScuba Underwater Moviemaker Course Today!
Dive into the world of underwater filmmaking and start creating cinematic stories that inspire. Learn more about the course and enroll today at www.novoscuba.com/courses/underwater-moviemaker.
EXCLUSIVE: Jeff Goodman interviews Mark Spiers, CEO of New Scuba Diving Training Agency NovoScuba
NovoScuba’s Game-Changing Approach for Dive Store Owners: WE PAY YOU!
The diving world thrives on passion and adventure, but for many dive store owners, the financial and operational challenges can be as deep as the ocean.
NovoScuba, an emerging force in the diving world, is on a mission to transform this landscape for the better. With a revolutionary approach to dive store and training agency partnerships, NovoScuba is setting new standards for how dive stores can thrive while keeping their focus on delivering exceptional diving experiences.
A New Paradigm: NovoScuba’s Bold Mission
NovoScuba’s mission is straightforward yet profound: to disrupt the traditional dynamics between dive store owners and training agencies. Traditionally, dive stores have been subjected to substantial fees charged by training agencies, for membership, materials and certifications. These costs have often placed a heavy financial burden on store owners, cutting into their profits and limiting their ability to offer competitive prices to customers.
NovoScuba flips the script by offering a model where dive stores earn money, instead of paying high fees. Dive stores receive commissions for every student they register, and their certification costs are covered. This new model not only boosts profitability but also ensures clients get top-quality training at unbeatable prices.
Financial Upsides: Earn From Student Registration
NovoScuba’s approach is simple yet revolutionary. Dive stores partnering with NovoScuba can earn commissions for every student they enroll.
Here’s how it works: For every student enrolled through NovoScuba, dive stores receive a commission. Each student enrolled will receive their e-learning materials and certification credit included in their subscription. This arrangement is a significant departure from the traditional model, where dive stores often struggle to manage high overhead costs related to training fees and certification expenses.
NovoScuba’s approach ensures that dive stores can focus on what they do best—providing top-notch diving experiences—without being bogged down by excessive financial burdens, and the need to carry large stocks of materials.
Quality Training at a Great Price
NovoScuba stands out by offering high-quality, ISO certified, training that doesn’t break the bank, in fact our students will pay less than with most competing agencies. Clients benefit from top-notch education and safety standards at competitive prices. Dive store owners can confidently promote NovoScuba’s programs, knowing they’re offering fantastic training at affordable rates. This balance of quality and affordability helps dive stores build a strong reputation and attract more customers.
Your Brand is Your Business: NovoScuba’s Commitment to Showcasing Your Identity
At NovoScuba, we understand that your brand is your most valuable asset, and we’re committed to putting it front and centre. Unlike agencies that charge high fees to promote their own brand, we believe in investing in yours. With NovoScuba, you won’t be paying to advertise someone else’s logo alone, — our focus is on showcasing your unique identity. Certifications prominently feature your brand, as well as the training agency, reinforcing your store’s image and brand every step of the way. We’re here to support and elevate your brand, ensuring that your investment directly benefits your business.
Affordable Membership: An Investment in Your Success
NovoScuba’s membership model is designed with dive store owners in mind. Membership fees are kept low and include annual Pro member fees for your team. Payment can be made monthly or annually in your local currency, avoiding the hassle of exchange rate fluctuations. NovoScuba promises no exchange rate changes without a six-month notice, ensuring financial stability and simplifying budgeting. With a membership lasting 12 months from date of joining, you’ll enjoy a full year of NovoScuba’s benefits and support.
Streamlined Operations: Simplifying Your Workload
Handling administrative tasks can be a challenge, but NovoScuba makes it easier. We’ve streamlined certification procedures and reduced paperwork to help dive stores operate more efficiently. Certification processing is quick and straightforward, allowing more focus on teaching and customer service. Our system minimises bureaucracy by storing necessary forms in student profiles, reducing paperwork and administrative delays.
Crossover Made Easy
For dive stores looking to transition to NovoScuba’s model, the crossover process is designed to be smooth and hassle-free. NovoScuba provides support to ensure that the transition is as seamless as possible, helping dive store owners integrate into the new system with minimal disruption. Experienced dive Pros don’t need to undergo extensive retraining. Our crossover is designed to familiarise Pros with NovoScuba’s user-friendly platform, standards and course structures, and not to waste time and expense re-training in water.
With just a few simple steps, you’ll be ready to offer top-notch training through NovoScuba.
Comprehensive Business Support and Training Included in Your Membership
NovoScuba goes beyond financial benefits by offering experienced support and training. This value added service includes:
- Business Training: Optimise your operations with guidance on marketing, customer service, and best practices.
- Marketing and Promotion: Access resources to attract new customers and boost your store’s visibility. Enjoy cross promotions with NovoScuba to gain increased exposure.
- Ongoing Support: NovoScuba’s commitment to its partners extends beyond initial training and setup. The company offers ongoing support to address any issues or questions that arise. This continuous support ensures that dive store owners have a reliable resource to turn to whenever they need assistance.
Embracing Digital Natives: Instant Evolution and Continuous Improvement
NovoScuba’s digital-native approach is a game-changer. Leveraging cutting-edge technology, we ensure our services evolve and improve swiftly. Dive stores benefit from instant updates, the latest features, enhancements, and effective solutions, keeping them ahead of the curve. This continuous improvement helps dive stores stay competitive and deliver exceptional services. Whether it’s a new course update, additional marketing resources, or improved e-learning functions, NovoScuba’s digital infrastructure ensures that dive stores are always equipped with the most current and effective solutions. This continuous evolution not only helps dive stores stay ahead in a competitive market but also ensures they consistently provide top-quality services to their clients.
Why Is NovoScuba Doing This? – Fair Profit Sharing for Greater Access and Growth
At NovoScuba, we’ve taken a bold step by paying commissions to stores rather than following the traditional model of training agencies charging high fees. Our mission is to make diving accessible to everyone and to foster a growing community of new divers and continued education. By redistributing profits more equitably between stores and training agencies, we aim to create a more supportive and collaborative environment within the industry. We believe this approach not only helps individual stores thrive but also stimulates overall growth and innovation in diving. Our commitment to fair profit sharing reflects our dedication to the long-term health and expansion of the diving community.
Getting Started: Join the NovoScuba Revolution
Ready to revolutionise your dive store experience? NovoScuba is here to support your journey toward reduced costs, increased profitability, and enhanced operational efficiency. Get in touch with our team to learn how NovoScuba can transform your business.
For more information, email info@novoscuba.com or visit www.novoscuba.academy.
Gear News
Get 10% off a Seacraft GO! Scooter if you order before Christmas
Nautilus UK are offering a 10% discount on the Seacraft GO! scooter until Christmas (or until 5 units are sold) due to a slightly better exchange rate. Nautilus UK say this is a not to be missed offer on a very low margin product and unlikely to be repeated.
The Seacraft GO! is a revolution in the segment of compact underwater scooters. Weighing only 9,7 kg, the GO! offers exceptional performance and power.
Apart from that, the new Seacraft model is based on modular Li-Ion batteries with a capacity of 582 Wh which may be split up into several segments, approved to be transported in hand luggage aboard a passenger plane! This is, why we call them “air travel-friendly” batteries, since they offer you even more flexibility than every other Seacraft scooter before.
This makes the GO! the perfect companion for recreational divers, freedivers and technical divers looking for a reliable backup unit.
You can find out more about the Seacraft GO! scooter on Nautilus UK’s website here.
Find your nearest Nautilus retailer here.
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