The International Dive Expo, Australia 2003
Posted By Sascha Schulz on 24 September 2003
The award for the strangest product goes to Nuytco Research Ltd. Their Exosuit is a wearable life support system capable of depths to 200m, with the Submarine Escape model capable of 365m. Not your average diving suit by any means. It resembles a space suit, albeit a hardcore spacesuit.
In contrast to the "modern" technology on display, the Historical Diving Society displayed the weird and wonderful dive gear of yesteryear. Copper dive helmets, masks incorporating a plastic tube cut to fit the face and some very old regulators made for a nostalgic window to the diving past. The enthusiasm of the exhibitors in charge, and their depth of knowledge were obvious. It was good to see the traditions and history of diving being preserved for future generations.
Enough scuba chat, time to check out the spearfishing gear!
Picasso, OMER, and Esclapez were represented, with both the current Men’s and Women’s Australian Spearfishing champions, Ian Puckeridge and Naomi Spicer, on hand to guide the novice to the right equipment choice. Other famous spearo’s included Rob Torelli, the noted Underwater Videographer, and Andy Ruddock. The new OMER BAT fins caused some excitement. Made from a new composite material they are tougher and better performing than carbon fins. And have a price tag to match. Open cell wetsuits and low volume masks also attracted attention, as did the Bluewater Hunting videos. The exhibitor in charge of the stand, Morris Andreini, reported a high level of interest and customers from as far away as Northern Australia, with most coming from the Sydney area.
The Riffe stand had an attraction all of its own, not only were the premier bluewater guns on display but Jay Riffe himself had travelled to the Expo. Jay is highly regarded in the international spearfishing community, not only as the designer of the legendary spearguns that bear his name but also as an ambassador for the sport. After chatting with him for a while it was easy to see why. Enthusiastic and patient, he was happy to explain all details of the spearguns manufacturing process, design features, and share tips on how to get the big fish. It was truly an honour to meet him and get an opportunity to talk to him.
The Australian Underwater Federation, represented by Len Goldsmith, Mel Brown and Mary-Anne Stacey (eight-time Australian Ladies Spearfishing Champion), were there to raise the profile of sports like freediving, finswimming, underwater hockey, and spearfishing, all of which fall under the AUF banner. Interest levels were high on all three days with many people curious about these fringe sports. The AUF used the expo to launch their Spearfishing Ethics and Code of Conduct Guide, which was well received by all visitors to the stand.
Saving the best for last: The NSW Fisheries stand.
Crewed by James Saker, David Harasti, and the staff from the Threatened Species unit, the stand’s main feature was a tank containing Eastern rock, painted, and slipper lobsters, sea urchins and some monster hermit crabs. A smaller tank contained sea horses, decorator crabs, and a dwarf lionfish. It proved a delight for the little ones and adults alike. But more importantly, the message of conservation and protection was well received by the visiting public. Spearfishermen and scuba divers alike were highly interested in talking to the fisheries officers and walked away satisfied that their tax dollars were being put to good use. On a humorous note: "Spearfishers finally learned the correct way to measure the size of a lobster," laughed David, because, as it turns out, "a lot of divers end up throwing back legal sized lobsters as a result of measuring from the wrong point on the carapace". I can add a personal, "Doh!" to that mess.
All in all the expo seemed a success, with good attendance and industry support.
See you at the next one in 2004!
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