...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.

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...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.

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...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.

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...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

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...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!

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...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