...SEEKING SCUBA DIVERS! 6/17/09

Need contestants for underwater reality television show filming in Cozumel in August. If you think you know your scuba diving skills, respond by email to UDAudition@aol.com with dive resume, physical description, photo, contact information and statement about yourself (work, play, family, etc).

Show will have celebrity host, and great prizes.

Anyone interested in being a sponsor email Jim Aden at jimadenproductionsinc@yahoo.com

...2009 UDC Goes to TV! 6/17/09

After 3 years of promoting for the Ultimate Diver Challenge, we proudly announce that this year’s event will be produced as a television show. This is a critical turning point for the event, an incredible opportunity for the island of Cozumel and excellent opportunity for your business to become part of the show. Our production team is composed of 3 bilingual team members fluent in Spanish and originally from Mexico City. All are currently working in productions for various television productions and 5 of the 6 scuba dive as well.

Jim Aden with Jim Aden Productions was involved in the production of the Scuba World Television Series for Cozumel and many other destinations syndicated to TV. Eleven or so of the series were shot in Cozumel as part of the show and was aired through the Travel Channel and other networks. He is one of the cameramen that will be used and his experience will be used for syndication of the Ultimate Diver Challenge Show for this year’s event and as we use this year’s event to seek interest from larger networks as we shoot to create a series.

David Herrera is from Mexico City and has been living stateside for 30 years producing a show Mexico De Mis Amores for the past 12 years. He will use his Hispanic influence and contacts to shoot the event bilingual so that we can propose to have the show aired in Mexico as well as other parts of Latin America.

The other crew include Jim Pearson from Cinemarine Team specializing in video and underwater stunts. A diver with 10,000 plus dives has worked on various shows Hunt for Red October and GI Jane.

Daniel Hernandez, the main producer of our show has been involved in motion picture and video production as well. He has worked on movies directed by James Cameron (Producer of the Titanic & The Terminator). He is a diver and bilingual.

Axel Ledecma currently a producer and editor for TV working in Los Angelos is also a diver and bilingual will be using his talents to shoot underwater footage and assisting with editing in the post production.

...See Us at the NORTHWEST DIVE TRAVEL EXPO 4/23/09

Come visit the Ultimate Diver Challenge Booth #803 at the Northwest Dive Travel Expo from April 25-26, 2009. Located at the Tacoma Convention Center. Hope to see you there.

...See UDC on 4/10/09

• Ultimate Diver Challenge 01
  
• Ultimate Diver Challenge 02
  
• Ultimate Diver Challenge 03
  
• Ultimate Diver Challenge 04
  

...Ultimate Diver Packages Available ONLINE NOW! 4/10/09

The stage is set and we are ready to go with unbelievable rates this year for a limited time...

• $574 ALL INCLUSIVE (7 nights/person)
  
• $325 BREAKFAST ONLY (7 nights/person)
  
• Book online (direct to the hotel) with your credit card. Go to http://www.hotelcozumel.com.mx/eng/ and click on the Ultimate Diver Challenge Logo on this page.
• If you want all inclusive use code: UDC09ALLINC
  
• If you want breakfast only use code: UDC09B&B

If you are diving with our preferred dive operation, Dive Packages can be prearranged at $50 per diver for 2 tank boat diving. Please let me know, if you would like diving booked. Dive Packages are not booked online.

AIRFARE IS ALSO UNBELIEVABLY LOW RIGHT NOW!
Pam Bertrand, Director
www.ultimatediverchallenge.com
816-765-7282

...See Us at the BENEATH THE SEA SHOW 3/18/09

Come visit the Ultimate Diver Challenge Booth #804 at the Beneath the Sea Show from March 27-29, 2009. Located at the Meadowlands Expo Center, Secaucus, NJ. Hope to see you there.

...See Us at Booth #619 during the OUR WORLD UNDERWATER SHOW 2/19/09

Come visit the Ultimate Diver Challenge Booth #619 at the Our World Underwater Show from February 20-22, 2009. Located at Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont, IL, show hours are Friday 5:00 PM to 10 PM, Saturday 9:00 AM to 6 PM and Sunday 9:00 AM to 4 PM. Hope to see you there.

...See Us at Booth #60 during the TEXAS DIVE SHOW 1/24/09

Come visit the Ultimate Diver Challenge Booth #60 at the Texas Dive Show on Jan 24th and 25th, 2009. Located at Reliant Arena in Houston, Texas, show hours are Saturday 10:00 AM to 5 PM and Sunday 11:00 AM to 4 PM. Hope to see you there.

...Miss Scuba will be sponsoring a team at the 2009 UDC 1/2/09

Miss Scuba is calling for entries. We will choose two girls to represent Miss Scuba. Send us an e-mail that tells us why you should be chosen to represent Miss Scuba at the 2009 Ultimate Diver Challenge in Cozumel, Mexico! The two girls who will be chosen to represent Miss Scuba will be outfitted with our t-shirts, shorts, hoodies and will receive Miss Scuba luggage tags.

...Happy NEW YEAR! 1/1/09

Welcome to 2009!

 

...See Us at Booth #10 during the FLORIDA DIVE SHOW 11/14/08

Come visit the Ultimate Diver Challenge Booth #10 at the Florida Dive Show on Nov 15th and 16th, 2008. Located at the South Florida Fair Grounds, show hours are Saturday 10:30 AM to 5 PM and Sunday 10:30 AM to 4 PM. Hope to see you there.

...DEMA SPECIAL: REGISTER EARLY for UDC 2009 and SAVE! 10/21/08

Come visit us at the Ultimate Diver Challenge Booth #4944. Submit your diver participation application at DEMA from Oct 22-25 and receive a $50 discount on registration fees to attend UDC 2009. Participation is easy, choose from our packages or choose your own accommodations!

* Entry Fees - $150 participation entry fee if postmarked no later than May 15, 2009 if staying at the host hotels. If staying elsewhere the participation fee is $200. After May 16, 2009, entry fees will be $200 per dive participant staying at host resort or $250 staying elsewhere.

...2008 UDC Photo Challenge Winners

The Photo Challenge Winners consisting of the imagery taken by Jodi Swenson (overall winner), Kim Rogers and Conrad Rucker were judged by Nancy and Larry Boucha. Their artistic photos reflect the beauty both underwater and above water, in and around Cozumel. Please take a look at these breathtaking and awe inspiring images.

...2008 Discover Cozumel Race

The Discover Cozumel Race -- A Land Challenge that got the hearts pumping, taxis racing, tempers flying and all walked away with an unforgettable experience as the divers were exposed to some of the best kept secrets of Cozumel along with some of the most popular things to do in Cozumel. read more.

...THE COZUMEL ULTIMATE DIVER CHALLENGE TEAM OF 2008

THE WINNERS INCLUDE (TOP FIVE IN ORDER)

1. JAIME MEZO, PADI DIVER FROM COZUMEL, MX
2. KELLY PEPPEL, PADI DIVER FROM BARNESVILLE, MN
3. CECILIA RUCKER, PADI DIVER FROM CONYERS, GA
4. GUY SWENSON, PADI DIVER FROM BARNESVILLE, MN
5. KIM ROGERS, SSI DIVER FROM DENVER CO

The ULTIMATE DIVER TEAM includes the following winners as well:
Jeremy Anschel, PADI diver from Cozumel, MX
Conrad Rucker, PADI diver from Conyers, GA
Sarah Smith, NAUI diver from Woodland, CA
Robert Javan, NAUI diver from Woodland, CA
Gustavo Ortega, PADI diver from Cozumel, MX

Two and a half years ago, I began the adventure of creating the Ultimate Diver Challenge! This has truly been a long journey and challenging as well. Although I did not take the challenge -- I and my volunteers had many. The week was full of work but work that provided the opportunity for divers to show off diving skills mastered to make them the best of the best in scuba diving. Through the created challenges that were designed to test the knowledge, buoyancy, navigation and search/stress/rescue skills the divers in attendance displayed passion and precision. Various dive teams from around the United States and Mexico participated in 3 challenges over the course of three days. The top five dive teams were selected from the results of those challenges. Then, all ten divers competed individually in three challenges for the chance to earn the title of the Ultimate Diver 2008.

I can't say enough about the fun and excitement that divers displayed taking the challenges! The pictures and videos will all be posted prior to DEMA this October -- I invite you to visit the site frequently as we are in the process of updating details surrounding next years Ultimate Diver Challenge and we invite you to join us either to take the challenge or as a fun diver and/or volunteer!

...Congratulations UDC Divers

Congratulations are in order to the following divers who participated in the 2008 Ultimate Diver Challenge: Brian Bowers, Harry Greenstreet, Jessica Greenstreet, Robert Javan, Steve Johnson, Dave Kendall, Mark Osgood, Jim Pearson, Cathy Phillips, Sarah Smith, Jessica Smith, Robert Trussell, Parker West, Kimberly West, Kim Rogers, Jeremy Anschel, Jaime Mezo, Gustavo Ortega, Pete Gannon, Eric Stone, Cecilia Rucker, Conrad R. Rucker, Nancy Boucha, Larry Boucha, Erik Phariss, Christy Peppel, Kelly Peppel, Guy Swenson, Jodi Swenson, David Bertrand, Pamelia Bertrand, Alicia Bertrand, Nathan Bertrand, Alexis Bertrand, Julia Robbins, Tina Nelson, Andy Vlassis, Jim Wemple and Kim Grissinger.

...Important Announcement 7/27/08

We recieved notice on Saturday, July 26th that Cathy Church would not be able to join us! The Photography Fun will be coordinated by Nancy and Larry Boucha from Scuba Systems in Illinois. www.scubasystems.org

Nancy and Larry Boucha

Meet Nancy Boucha for an introduction briefing regarding this weeks photography challenge August 2, 3:30 p.m. The final details of the challenge and any changes will be discussed at this meeting at Hotel Cozumel in the Salon Caribe Room.

The Winner will take home an Olympus Stylus 790SW with a PT-041 housing bundle (this will be sent to you stateside) and the winner will also enjoy a 3 nights stay with 2 days of diving for two at the Sunset House in Cayman with unlimited shore diving. You will also enjoy a 3 hour afternoon course instruction with Cathy Church's Staff at the Photo Center with shore diving, including camera use. (weather permitting) Valued at $2000.

...Diver Awareness Events Added 6/23/08

The Ultimate Diver Challenge joins efforts to create diver awareness by incorporating educational events in the schedule for this summer's event that will promote the mission and philosophies of this years International Year of the Reef and Reef Check.

Divers are obligated to maintaining basic scuba skills and knowledge that will keep our reefs and marine life safe from human harm. As part of the scheduled events, divers will be exposed to a variety of educational materials that will strengthen awareness, improve understanding and generate action to save our threatened ecosystems.

Your first responsibility will be to read the article found in your welcome guide. Secondly, pay close attention to posters, educational materials, and flyers. Third, as part of the Cathy Church Photo challenge, we will be asking you to shoot images that identify damaged and healthy coral and dive behaviors supporting each defined by the reef indicator. (details will be outlined in the photography briefing) In addition, your photos will be expertly judged by Cathy and Nancy as they assist you with ideas if you would like to enter your image in the IYOR Photo Challenge sponsored by Reef Check.

Reef Check International Photo Contest 2008

In celebration of the International Year of the Reef 2008, Reef Check is running an International “What do reefs mean to you?” Photo Contest. The contest will highlight the numerous ways in which people value their local reefs through activities such as diving, snorkeling, surfing and fishing, as well as indigenous cultural activities and commercial ventures such as tourism. The goal is to persuade people, through appreciation of these images, to take actions that benefit these ecosystems
You will see this information several times throughout your week. This activity is open to ALL participants in attendance at UDC this summer and is not limited by age or participation. ALL participants are encouraged to take part whether you are attending for fun, challenging and/or volunteering.

You are equally encouraged to sign the Declaration of Reefs Pledge:

International Declaration of Reef Rights

The winner of the IYOR/REEF CHECK Awareness will be announced and awarded at the final closing Ceremony, August 8th at Chankanaab National Park.

...Hotel Flamingo on board 6/1/08

Tranquil lodging in the heart of Cozumel. Enjoy 7 nights lodging at Hotel Flamingo and 5 days of 2 tank diving.
$579 diver and $250 for non diver.
Price includes continental breakfast, tanks, weights, belts, transfers to pier for diving and buffet lunch on dive days with Aquatic Sports.

 

...Meet The ScubaDoRag Team 5/17/08

So, why should "Carey Deep" be the Scuba Do Rag Team for UDC 2008? Let me tell you a story... read more

...Donations to Cruz Roja as part of support to the Cozumel Red Cross 5/17/08

REMINDER: Divers attending Ultimate Diver Challenge, please be sure to pack items that will be donated to Cruz Roja as part of support to the Cozumel Red Cross. The Cozumel Red Cross is in need of supplies as they continue to provide services that maintain the health and safety of island residents and visitors.

See this link vendors & Keep the following information in mind when packing and choosing items:

1. Everything must be packed in personal luggage. Anything in a cardboard carton or that resembles a commercial shipment in any way will be refused entry.

2. Everything must be documented with a full-color Friends of Cruz Roja customs invoice in Spanish showing quantity, item description, unit price and total value.

Contact UDC when you have the items to donate so that we can provide you with a blank invoice listing products in Spanish and English. If you have items that are not on the vendors list, please contact UDC directly so that we can seek approval to get the items in.

If all choose at least one item, we should be able to make a difference while sustaining the mission of the Cozumel Red Cross! !

...Divers are you ready for an exciting week in Cozumel? and Who will earn the title of the Ultimate Diver? Join us August 2 - August 9, 2008 4/28/08

With over $15,000 donated in trips, prizes and products, The Ultimate Diver Challenge gears up for the finale this Summer. The list includes trips to Wakatobi, Tubbataha, Phillipines, Utila, Bonaire, and Cozumel!

Diving Products and Equipment from many suppliers such as Amphibico, APS MantaRay, Atomic, DUI, Henderson, Omega Aquatics, Pelican, Stahlsac, Whites, Barefoot Massages, Diversitea, ScubaDoRag, Tote and Float, WYLAND Trophy and Painting and the list continues to grow!

Take a glance at the week :

• Saturday Night, Aug. 2 - Opening Ceremony at Hotel Cozumel (7 pm) Honorary Guests include: Cathy Church, Nancy Boucha, Eric Stone, Butch Hendrick, Andrea Zaferes
  
• Sunday Morning, Aug. 3 - Fun Diving, Photo Shoot Begins
  
• Sunday Afternoon, Aug. 3 - Challenge ONE (1 pm) Lapalapita Beach
  
• Monday Morning, Aug. 4 - Fun Diving
  
• Monday Afternoon, Aug. 4 - Challenge TWO (1 pm) Lapalapita Beach
  
• Tuesday Morning, Aug. 5 - Challenge THREE (8 am) TBA
  
• Tuesday Afternoon, Aug. 5 - Discover Cozumel Race begins at Hotel Cozumel (1-5 pm)
  
• Tuesday Evening, Aug. 5 - Midweek Ceremony at Margaritaville (6 pm), Winners of the land race announced (6 pm), Top ten divers announced (6 pm), Live Music provided by Eric Stone (7-11 pm)
  
• Wednesday Morning, Aug. 6 - Challenge FOUR at the Wreck (8 am). Fun Diving with optional Atlantis Submarine Tour
  
• Wednesday Afternoon, Aug. 6 - Challenge FIVE (1 pm) TBA
  
• Wednesday Night, Aug. 6 Challenge SIX (5 pm) Night Dive TBA
  
• Thursday Morning, Aug. 7 Fun Diving, Photo entries close (1 pm)
  
• Thursday Afternoon, Aug. 7 Fun Diving
  
• Thursday Evening, Aug. 7 Scuba Council Meeting at Hotel Cozumel (7 pm). Review of video footage and computer profiles, all divers cast a vote, and results revealed at closing ceremony followed by a night in town and dancing at Senor Froggs.
  
• Friday Afternoon, Aug. 8 Awards & Closing Ceremony at Chankanaab Park (1 pm)

Silent Auction items will be on display at Hotel Cozumel during specific hours as listed in the welcome packet. Items will be open for bidding beginning Sunday and all final bids with payments must be completed by 5 pm on Thursday August 7.

Whether you are up for the challenge or joining us in Cozumel as a FUN Diver or a VOLUNTEER, you will enjoy your vacation to Cozumel this August!

Don't miss the opportunity to have fun participating in challenges that will evaluate your fundamental dive skills, improve your dive skills as you become a better diver, and reward you with trips, prizes and products!

Diving Safe,

Pam Bertrand

...Local Scuba Divers host fundraiser's in preparation for the Ultimate Diver Challenge 4/12/08

Although the sport of scuba is typically a non competitive sport, scuba divers work very hard at mastering diving skills and a huge emphasis is placed on continued education, training and safety. Cathy Phillips, Mark Osgood, Robert Javan, & Becky Woodall of Pacific Reef Divers have committed to taking the challenge to be held in Cozumel, Mexico this summer. Team against team, Pacific Reef Dive team will put their diving skills to the test while participating in scuba challenges in hopes of earning the title of the Ultimate Diver!

The Pacific Reef Dive Team invites you to be part of their challenge by joining them this Saturday, April 12 from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for the Ultimate in Garage Sales! Friends and family supporting the Pacific Reef Dive Team have donated the sale items which include items such as household items, clothing, furniture, bikes, computers, dive gear and much more! A second sale is scheduled Saturday, June 7 -- same time and same place!

Sale Location: In Front of
Pacific Reef Dive Center (707) 448-3483
615 Merchant, Vacaville, CA 95688
(On Merchant, halfway between Mason and Alamo - opposite of Vacaville City Hall)

...Will Vacaville, California be the home of the Ultimate Diver? Meet the divers this weekend! Support the Pacific Reef Dive Team as they seek to bring home the title!

...Thank You WHITES for Sponsoring a Team! 4/4/08

Congratulations to Tracy Malinowski, winner of the Dutch Springs Regional Event. Tracy has been completely outfitted with a Whites Fusion to wear during the upcoming UDC event in Cozumel. Whites will also be providing Tracy's team mate with a Fusion Dry Suit, along with caps, T-shirts and polo's ABSOLUTELEY FREE to be worn at all UDC events promoting the company and the dry suit that is specifically designed for warm water diving.

Good Luck to the FUSION TEAM BY WHITES!

...Northwest Dive News is Sponsoring a Team! 4/4/08

Your team can become the Northwest Dive News Team and represent of course the excellent divers of the Northwest. Your team will be outfitted with caps, t-shirts, and polos to be worn at all UDC events ABSOLUTELY FREE! Your team will also receive a one year subscription mailed directly to your home along with a complete featured article about the team and your participation in the challenges.

Submit your request to DiverChallenge@aol.com explaining why your team should be selected to become the Northwest Dive News Team or apply in person at the Tacoma Dive Show at the Ultimate Diver Challenge Booth 96!

...Northeast Dive News is Sponsoring a Team! 4/4/08

Your team can become the Northeast Dive News Team and represent of course the excellent divers of the Northeast. Your team will be outfitted with caps, t-shirts, and polos to be worn at all UDC events ABSOLUTELY FREE! Your team will also receive a one year subscription mailed directly to your home along with a complete featured article about the team and your participation in the challenges.

Submit your request to DiverChallenge@aol.com explaining why your team should be selected to become the Northeast Dive News Team.

...DiveBuddy.com is Sponsoring a Team! 4/4/08

Your team can become the DiveBuddy.com Team! The Ultimate Diver Challenges requires a dive buddy and DiveBuddy.com definitely has the niche for finding buddies! Your team will be outfitted with caps, T-shirts, and polo's supplied by DiveBuddy.com to be worn at all UDC events ABSOLUTELY FREE! Your team will also enjoy your fun diving for FREE while in Cozumel at the UDC event this summer.

Submit your request to become the DiveBuddy.com team to DiverChallenge@aol.com explaining why you and your buddy are the right pair to promote DiveBuddy.com.

...A BIG Thank You to MEN'S HEALTH MAGAZINE for coverage on the ULTIMATE DIVER CHALLENGE (JAN/FEB '08 issue, page 118) 3/13/08

Ultimate Diver Challenge (August 1-10, 2008)
Why waste time pointing out reef sharks to your dive buddy when you can pit yourself against him in the Ultimate Diver Challenge instead. This all-out skill competition held in Cozumel, Mexico lets two-man dive teams go head-to-head against each other with a series of underwater navigation, search and rescue tests. When only ten teams remain—and if you make it this far, you’ll be a wreck, no pun intended—it’s brother against brother, as a series of individual competitions decide who truly is the “Ultimate Diver”.

...Underwater Photographer Cathy Church to attend this years UDC 3/13/08

Marine Biologist and accomplished photographer, Cathy Church will be joining us in Cozumel for this years UDC. She has been taking underwater photography since 1967 and has scores of accolades. Please view her breathtaking underwater photography at www.cathychurch.com.

...2008 is here and the UDC is right around the corner 1/08

A big welcome into 2008 goes out to everyone who frequents our site...not to mention a big "THANK YOU" to all of our current sponsors and all of the participants who are currently registered! Without you, it would not be possible to bring this unique event to the diving community. Please check back frequently for updates and announcements pertinent to the upcoming UDC event in Cozumel this August.

Pam Bertrand, Director

...Become the SCUBA DO RAG Team for UDC 2008 11/27/07

Become the Scuba Do Rag Team! Susan Martin of Scuba Do Rag will completely outfit your team from head to toe with underwater apparel and clothing to be worn on land with your choice of stock ABSOLUTELY FREE! Your team will be highly visible on land and underwater. Submit your request to Susan explaining why your team should be called the Scuba Do Rag Team! info@scubadorag.com.

...Hotel Cozumel is one of the official hosts and Headquarters for UDC 2008 11/23/07

We are proud to announce that Hotel Cozumel is one of the official hosts and Headquarter for the 2008 UDC.

www.hotelcozumel.us

Packages for Hotel Cozumel/Dive Paradise are $859.00 for a Diver (Non Diver $559.00) and All Inclusive $999.00* for a Diver (Non Diver $699.00*).

* All-Inclusive packages include all meals, snacks, beverages and entertainment offered by the resort.

...Eric Stone Named Honorary Musician for UDC 2008 10/11/07

Ultimate Diver Challenge is proud to announce Eric Stone as our 2008 honorary musician. To see his official website go to www.boatsongs.com.

...UDC Regional Competition comes to Dutch Springs – Oct 20-21, 2007 9/10/07

Ultimate Diver Challenge, in association with Scuba Gear Plus, will be hosting the UDC Regional Competition at Dutch Springs on October 20-21, 2007. For detailed information please check out the SCHEDULE or download the following UDC Dutch Springs Flyer.

...Keep Friends and Relatives Posted While at UDC 4/13/07

George Panagos of UnderwaterTV has put together a sneak preview of the filming quality that will be attached to the Ultimate Diver Challenge -- We have received our first offer from a broadcast network! Take a peak at the video at www.underwatertv.com and share this with your team and other divers still considering!

The Ultimate Diver Challenge teams up with the Friends of Cruz Roja Cozumel to assist in providing Cozumel Island residents with essential medical items that are needed to provide and maintain vital health services.   Team participants are asked to bring a small medical item for a donation packed in their suitcase.  These items will be collected from you upon arrival at your resort.  We will be making a contribution to the Cozumel Red Cross at closing Ceremony. 

 

This list includes, but is not limited to, the following medical supplies: 

• powder-free latex exam gloves (any size);
• syringes, 3, 5 & 10ml syringes
• bandages, all types, all sizes
• wound care dressing care
• ointments
• True Track (Home Diagnostics) system blood glucose testing supplies
• sutures and suture-removal kits
• adult and junior wood tongue depressors
• pediatric ibuprofen 
• Any medical supply that will fit in your bag comfortably!

for more information go to their website at www.cruzrojacozumel.org