...Nocturnal Lights Offering...9/29/09

Ultimate Diver Attendees -- Nocturnal Lights are offering you a chance to own one of the SLX 800t LED Dive Lights used during Challenge 5 Night Dive with a $60 savings to each of you. They are also requesting your feedback and opinions for performance evaluation. If you would like one of the lights and/or if you would like to take a few minutes to email your thoughts, please send me the information and I will send this information on to Tim.

Retail Price: $399.99...Discount Price: $339.99...You Save $60.00!

Quick Overview

• Bulb Triple High-Powered LED (9W) with approximately 800 lumen output
• Beam Angle Each of the three light bulb can be adjusted from 12 degrees to 60 degrees.
• Burn Time 8+ hours (2+ hours on max output) when using 6 AA batteries
• Dimensions 5 1/2" x 2 4/5" w/o handle or or 14 cm x 7 cm w/o handle
• Depth Rating 100 meters / 328 feet
• Weight 1.4 lb above water (with batteries) and 0.5lb underwater (with batteries)
• Battery 6 AA Rechargeable or Alkaline Batteries (Operates on 3 AA batteries at a lower output)

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...Ultimate Diver Challenge Results FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE! 9/22/09

Dear UDC Fans,

Wow! What an exciting event this summer! We had over 70 in attendance and booked 36 rooms at various places. The week started with an amazing sunset cruise hosted by the beautiful Evelyn Vaccaro with the opportunity to meet the judges, crew and attendees! We captured 90 hours plus in footage and are looking forward to the final production piece to send out to the networks!

Can you imagine the excitement as each of us met Rudy Boesch, former survivor contestant and more importantly an avid diver & Navy Seal with 45 years of service!

Why is this exciting? Well for me, remember it was 3 1/2 years ago while watching my favorite reality show "Survivor", the idea of the Ultimate Diver Challenge came alive! It was an honor to have him along with the famed Julie Riffe & Nicolas Coster!

Opening ceremony held in the downtown square of Cozumel kicked off the exciting week. Crowded and completely full of people, divers were introduced as the TEAMS argued and boasted that they would claim this year's title of the "Ultimate Diver". When the challenges began, teams struggled to ace the challenges with equipment failure, buoyancy issues, communication failure, weaknesses in navigation, physical endurance and strength. Scores were kept on each of the divers as an individual and also as a team, the top ten divers then passed to the final three challenges based on accumulative scores.

Prior to the announcement of the top ten, divers raced around the island in taxi's to discover some of Cozumel's favorite places in a race to complete tasks with a mission to finish the race first. The footage shares the competitive edge that is as sharp as a razor -- Divers were pushed aside from other teams, tossed into pools, passes were snatched from hand to hand and well -- some words were exchanged. Along the way, teams zipped through jungles, climbed extreme heights, searched for clues, assembled dive equipment and experienced Cozumel culture and people all along the way

The race ended at Margaritaville but the excitement continued as all waited for the results and announcement of the top ten divers. Two teams had to be eliminated and with the results came a new twist. The top ten divers were asked to choose one of the four divers eliminated in a silent, written vote to be brought back into the final challenges. For me, I wanted them to choose last year's winner Jaime Mezo so that last year's winner could defend his title but in the end the diver's chose Richard Whitehead from Arkansas, Dive Shop Owner and Instructor. Richard gleaming with smiles, climbed on stage and announced "I am going to make you sorry that you voted me back in!"

The final challenges began and some of the most dramatic surprises unfolded. Using Cochran Computers, divers attempted a tight profile dive. All divers can do a very specific profile, correct?? Not! But it was fun to see each of them focused as they were tempted to look away at the Hammerhead passing by. Four of the ten divers had almost perfect profiles, but in the end the winner of the challenge was Frank Gill from California.

Divers went on to penetrate and search the C-53 wreck in a quest to locate the most artifact. Divers were told that they would find treasures that would score different points and if any treasure chests were found, they were to bring them to the surface unopened. At the surface, divers were given the option to open or pass the chest - the chest would either lose or earn points depending on the contents inside. Divers were not told that inside one of the chests was a real diamond donated by Diamond's International. As the divers surfaced, they laughed and shared how they passed up the chests along the way because they did not want to be put in the position to have to make a decision to open it or not. The diver of the first chest decided to pass and sent the chest to another diver and when it was opened - there was nothing, no points. The last chests were brought up by Scott Martinage from New Hampshire. With two chests in his possession, he had a chance to win points and to lose points which would be a wash. As he chose to open the chests, he found the Diamond. With out one thought or a moment passing, he held the diamond in the air and announced that he would be giving the diamond to Betty Arellanos of Cozumel in honor of her attempt to swim the channel from Akumal to Cozumel at only 13 years old.

The final challenge would showcase true diving skills! Divers entered the water at night to swim the maze blinded. Divers were given only 10 minutes to find the way out. After 10 minutes, divers were pulled from the maze and sent on to explore navigation precision in the dark with a compass. A Nocturnal Light was provided and the course began by collecting the coordinates of a light off in the distance. Precise coordinates would lead them through the course but the currents would be the challenge. The challenge ended with a recording of all points and coordinates along with estimated distance traveled from point to point. Winner of this challenge went to Richard Whitehead of Arkansas.

The finale was the twist of the week! The Wild Card, "Eliminated Diver voted back in by the top ten", Richard Whitehead surpassed the top ten and became the winner of the 2009 Ultimate Diver Challenge. Winner of the title, the Wyland trophy, the trip to Wakatobi, a complete set of Aquatic Performance dive gear and the $1000 cash prize. The surprises did not stop with that! Richard humbly announced that he would be giving his cash prize away! $500 to Little Betty Arellanos and $500 to Nick Coster's Challenge Foundation. What an honor to have divers that are filled with not only the competitive edge but hearts filled of generosity! Congratulations to this years winner RICHARD WHITEHEAD and congratulations to our runners up Mark Osgood of California and Tina Nelson of Oregon!

We are gearing up for ULTIMATE DIVER CHALLENGE 2010 -- The dates are set July 31 - August 7. Join us and be part of the most unique event in diving history! We have over 90 hours of amazing footage and are currently in post production! TV Networks we have what you want! Be the first to see it at DEMA 2010!

I owe some very big THANK YOU's! THANK you to my team that has followed the concept from the beginning, to the filming and production crew, to the sponsors, to my family, to the challengers and TO ALL THAT ATTENDED!!! An added thank you to Harry Greenstreet, Dave Kendall, Tina Nelson and Steve Johnson for attending all three years 2007, 2008, and 2009!!!

Register today and JOIN US IN COZUMEL 2010!

Pamelia O. Bertrand, Director

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...13hr Ocean Swim by 13 Year Old! 8/27/09

UDC Salutes Betty Arellanos, 13 year old, local Champ from Cozumel who took the challenge to swim from Akumal to Cozumel swimming 13 hours in huge swells and strong currents with spirit that never ended.

Betty was honored for her attempt by the attendees of this year's Ultimate Diver Challenge with a recognition certificate, diamond ring and $500 cash. Her awards were donated by divers that won the various prizes from competing in the challenges. A special thanks to Richard Whitehead and Scott Martinage, you gave Betty's Challenge treasures that will never be forgotten.

Betty, Your effort is a wonderful example of how even the most lofty goals and dreams can be achieved through courage, determination, and positive spirit! 13 hours, AMAZING!!! www.bettyarellanos.com

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...2010 Dates Announced - Come to take the challenge, volunteer or watch! 8/18/09

The challenges are ready and the stage is set for Cozumel Ultimate Diver Challenge 2010. Are you ready for a fun-filled, exciting vacation centered around DIVING, DIVING, DIVING! The dates are set for July 31 - August 6, 2010. We are now accepting applications and reservations for UDC 2010! Teams are in TWO's. Stay anywhere you like with our packages or build your own! I know you value the extreme importance placed on safety, education and continued training and we would love for you to join us to showcase diving skills used to participate in scuba while completing underwater challenges TEAM against TEAM.

Dive Shops -- Sponsor a team a team of two for only $500 and enjoy exposure to your web site link with an audience of 100,000 plus per month. Enjoy the friendly competitive spirit that divers bring to the event by promoting your name and shop. Your dive shop can also become a dive shop sponsor just by donating $250 or more in product for the silent auction. The cash generated from the silent auction is used to award a cash prize. Company logo and links are added to our web site at www.ultimatediverchallenge.com

Although our sport is typically a non competitive sport, a huge emphasis is placed on continued education, training and safety. Divers work hard to perfect diving skills that maintain individual safety and the safety of others. Divers deserve to be recognized for being the best of the best, like all other sports. Divers will spend their vacation week with a dive experience like no other! Dive buddies will compete to win a title, cash prizes, trips, products currently valued at over $14,000. Divers will enjoy the fun of joining in for the experience and commitment to becoming better divers or perhaps they will become the Ultimate Diver Team with hope to earn the title of the Ultimate Diver.

Join us in Cozumel this upcoming July -- Trips to Wakatobi, Phillipines, Bonaire, Utila, products and PRIZES VALUED AT OVER $14,000 will be given away. Learn about Cozumel as the divers participate in the Discover Cozumel Race on land.
Our Packages are available on line or you can put together your own packages as well. The participant entry fee is only $150* per person. The entry fee includes a minimum of two challenges, tanks and weight belt for the challenges; the land race Discover Cozumel Race and an invitation to opening, mid-week, and closing ceremony! Find a dive buddy and we will SEA you in Cozumel!!

* NOTE - $150 participation entry fee if postmarked no later than May 15, 2010 if staying at the host hotels. If staying elsewhere the participation fee is $200. After May 16, 2010, entry fees will be $200 per dive participant staying at host resort or $250 staying elsewhere.

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...Congratulation Richard Whitehead, The Wild Card Winner of the 2009 Ultimate Diver!
8/9/09

In the end, Richard Whitehead from Bentonville, Arkansas took home the title of the 2009 "Ultimate Diver". By surprise, Richard was voted back into the competition by the top ten divers after the initial elimination. The Top Ten divers had four divers to choose from and Richard was the favorite. Richard waltzed up stage and said, "I am going to make them regret putting me back in the challenge." And by double surprise, Richard showed the divers what it takes to earn the title. The top 11 competed furiously as they faced the final three challenges. Divers started with the Cochran Computer Challenge as each diver's profile were critiqued as each and every movement was captured and detailed by the Cochran. Divers went on to face the Diamond's International Wreck Challenge with surprises that faced difficult decisions. One lucky diver, Scott Martinage of Nashua, New Hampshire discovered the hidden treasure, a diamond ring donated by Diamond's International. To our surprise, he gently lifted the ring and donated it to Betty Arrellanos, 13 year old local girl that was due to face her own challenge just following the UDC event. Betty would be facing 13 hours swimming the channel from Akumal to Cozumel following the foot steps of her mother. At last, the final Nocturnal Night Light Challenge blind sided divers as they were faced with serious night navigation objectives and were completely blindfolded through the maze! Richard Whitehead, an amazing person, an excellent diver and a heart full of grace surprised ALL by donating his $1,000 cash prize generated from the silent auction from the many UDC sponsor donations. Nicolas Coster's Challenges Foundation devoted to teaching scuba for the physically challenged & Betty Arrellanos, following her dreams and challenges as a champion swimmer received the donations. Richard & Scott, Thank you for being part of this year's UDC and THANK YOU so much for showing the world that giving is more important than receiving. I am so fortunate and am very honored to have our paths cross!

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...UDC Get Acquainted Sunset Cruise 7/30/09

The weather is looking great for the "Get Acquainted Sunset Cruise" on Friday Night, July 31 at 6:15 p.m. This is an optional add on to package $25 per person includes Snacks, Margaritas, Beer, Rum & Beverages Albatros Charters pick up at Hotel Cozumel Pier (limited space, reservation required) Full Schedule.

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...UDC Blog and Twitter 7/21/09

Checkout out the UDC blog and on twitter.

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...COCHRAN COMPUTER CHALLENGE 7/20/09

The Top Ten Divers will take the "COCHRAN COMPUTER CHALLENGE" to determine which diver exhibits extreme buoyancy control through precise data analyzing that the Cochran Computer offers. Divers, Do you have what it take to earn the title of the "Cochran Challenge Winner"? The best of the best will win a Cochran Computer & Software donated by Cochran valued at $1,160.

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...2009 UDC Photo Challenge

WIN the 2009 UDC Photo Challenge.

Are you looking for a head start on winning the Photo Challenge of the Ultimate Diver Challenge? By taking the Digital Underwater Photography class with photo pros Nancy & Larry Boucha, you will learn a lot more about underwater photography which will help you make the pictures your brain is envisioning.

You will learn about camera settings, exposure, downloading, animal behavior, camera angles and composition. You will learn the easy to master PADI SEA method (Shoot, Examine, Adjust) to get great photos. Your assignements fit in perfectly with the Photo Challenge.

In the Digital Workflow workshop, you will learn how to use your computer to improve your photos.

Nancy's expertise will help you take great photos. The lessons you learn will stay with you for life. She will be available for coaching for the duration of the week.

By reading the PADI Digital Underwater Photography book and completing the knowledge reviews as well as taking the class, you will receive the PADI Digital Underwater Photography Specialty, which counts towards your Master Scuba Diver Certification, which is the highest non-professional rating a diver can achieve. The course fee is $175 plus the book.

About your instructors: Nancy and Larry Boucha have won several international awards for their photography and videography. As the owners of Scuba Systems dive center in Skokie, Illinois, they have been teaching underwater photography and video since the dark ages of film in the early 1980's. They teach underwater photography and video on the National Geographic Dive trips they lead to some of the world's best diving destinations.

Please sign up in advance. Call Nancy at (847) 674-0222 or e-mail her ASAP, so she can send you the book before the trip.

For the Fish ID Challenge nad the Reef Creature ID Challenge, there are 15 species of fishes and 15 species of invertebrates for you to identify and photograph. You will want the following books for this purpose, available from Nancy Boucha at Scuba Systems:

Reef Fish ID for Florida, the Bahamas and the Caribbean by Paul Humann and Ned DeLoach

View the 2008 Photo Challenge Winners.

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...Meet the Film Crew 7/16/09

Check out the film crew who will be shooting the 2009 UDC.

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...Educational Activity Day 7/14/09

UDC Volunteers & the Cozumel Sports Club will be hosting an Educational Activities Day to allow the local children from Cozumel to experience and learn about the beauty in the underwater world. For more information, please click on the link above, thank you.

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...Meet the Divers 7/10/09

Check out diver bios for the 2009 UDC participants. For those particpants not shown, please submit your bio and photo as soon as possible and you will be included, thank you.

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...UDC Host Announced 7/9/09

It is with great pleasure that we announce Evelyn Vaccaro as the host for the 2009 edition of the Ultimate Diver Challenge. Evelyn is a real lover of the outdoor life, is an avid scuba diver, has traveled the globe and experienced first hand many new experiences.

Former Live-on-Air Host of RSN Television/TV41 - a station geared towards the extreme sports industry, outdoor adventure, travel, dining, local weather, and entertainment news – Evelyn continuously entertained her audience with her comedic/hip/girl-next-door style of hosting, creating an excellent fan base for the show year after year.

For more about our talented host visit her official website at: www.evelynvaccaro.com.

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...UDC Judges Announced 7/9/09

UDC proudly announces Rudy Boesch, Julie Riffe and Nicolas Coster as judges for our 2009 event. For more about our highly acclaimed judges check out judges.

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...Ultimate Diver Awards 7/8/09

The 2009 ULTIMATE DIVER WILL WIN OVER $6,000 in Trips, Prizes & Products donated from our Sponsors!

• Wakatobi Trip (valued at $2500 www.wakatobi.com
  
• Wyland Trophy (priceless) www.wyland.com
  
• Cash Prize Generated from the Silent Auction (last year was $1,000) Silent Auction
  
• Complete set of dive gear from Aqua Performance, BC-Regulator 1st & 2nd Stage), Octopus, 2 Depth & pressure gauge with mask, fins & snorkel (value $1000) www.cozumelscubarepair.com

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