News
PADI Photo Contest Winner David Valencia – The Story Behind the Shot
In 2014, every PADI Diving Society member will receive a membership card with this amazing whale shark photo from photographer David Valencia.
David, a marine biologist and PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer has logged more than 7000 dives and currently works on the Solmar V liveaboard out of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. PADI asked David to tell them a little about the circumstances that lead to the winning shot:
“[It was] taken aboard the Solmar V at my favorite dive site Roca Partida, Socorro Islands, Mexico with a Nikon D300 using Ikelite strobes. What makes our interactions with whale sharks at Roca unique is that the Whale Sharks will swim circles around the rock, coming back again and again.
“I tried to communicate what it was like actually being there. This shot shows how large the whale shark is with the divers as a size comparison. You can see all the divers and the dive site in the background. This particular shark was 11m / 35ft and stayed with us the entire dive. The curiosity of these sharks amazed us and if you give them their space they will stay in the area.
“Although the Socorro Islands are a Mexican National Park , the islands do not receive any protection from human threats like illegal fishing both commercial and for sport. Unfortunately, Mexico does not have the resources to police the islands. Led by the Solmar V there is a movement among the liveaboards here in Socorro to protect the islands. The islands are so isolated, that most people in Mexico and around the world don’t even know they exist. It is my hope that sharing these images might not only bring Mexican national awareness to this valuable natural resource, but drum up world wide support. May this image of the Whale Shark at Roca Partida, Mexico inspire divers to go experience these magnificent animals and inform divers about threats to them and their habitat.”
For more on this story, click here.
Regaldive welcomes thousands of divers to the Red Sea each year, drawn by its warm climate, stunning scenery, and exceptional marine biodiversity. With over 200 species of hard and soft corals, plus a variety of world-class diving experiences—including dramatic walls, drop-offs, wrecks, and deep blue canyons—the Red Sea remains a premier diving destination.
This February, divers can explore the Red Sea for less, with savings of up to £100 per person on holidays over £1,200 per person and £75 per person on holidays over £750 per person. Simply make a new Red Sea resort or liveaboard booking by 24 February 2025 to take advantage of this special offer.
Discover some of the top Red Sea diving locations and liveaboards below, and when you’re ready to book, use code RSFEB25 at the time of enquiry to claim your discount. For full details and terms and conditions, visit Regaldive’s offer page here.
For more information about Regaldive and the dive getaways they offer, visit www.regal-diving.co.uk.
With the sporty RF-40 open-heel fin by DYNAMICNORD, you enjoy maximum effectiveness and fun. The innovative design guarantees ease and power – exactly what every diver wants.
Designed and engineered in Germany. Made in Europe.
The RF-40 open-heel fin delivers. Its harder blade will especially delight sporty divers.
The powerful blade of the RF-40 fin and its dynamic design with innovative water channels allow to perform both technical and recreational kicks with maximum propulsion. The power is efficiently transmitted from the foot pocket and sole to the blade for outstanding kick stability and manoeuvrability. With the RF-40 fin, sporty divers are guaranteed to have a blast underwater.
The foot pocket of the open-heel fin is comfortable, and the smart bungee strap enables to make small length adjustments without using any tools. This way, the fin can be used with neoprene boots or with a drysuit. The heel pad has a large finger loop that is easy to grasp even when wearing gloves, making donning and doffing the fin a breeze.
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Recommended sales price: £127.00
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DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.
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