Celebrities, distinguished guests and a red hot sports car help showcase Cayman’s red hot diving

The Cayman Islands pavilion was a busy hub of activity as the world’s dive industry gathered at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando for the annual Diving Equipment and Marketing Association’s (DEMA) 2013 Show November 6 – 9.  As always, Cayman stepped up with a strong presence by showcasing new and exciting developments on its dive scene.

Divetech unveiled the Guardian of the Reef, a 13-foot bronze sculpture soon to be Grand Cayman’s newest dive site. At a pavilion floor party, the Cayman Islands Minister for Tourism Hon. Moses Kirkconnell awarded prizes to the winners of Cayman’s T’anks A Lot dive rewards program. Dive pioneer Ron Kipp launched a new book about his experiences during the early days of Cayman’s dive industry. The International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame displayed historic diving artifacts and equipment in advance of installation events on Grand Cayman. Star power was added when country music star Stephanie Quayle, who debuted a new music video shot on location at Sunset House, and with a message about shark conservation, stopped by to visit her pals at the busy Sunset House booth.

“It’s a good way to get the message across,” said Quayle about the song and video Big Blue Town.

“DEMA is a time of networking − face to face conversations with our partners in the dive industry − and meeting new guests to showcase the services that we have to offer,” said Nancy Easterbrook owner of Divetech.

Cayman rewarded dive travel partners who promote the destination and participate in its dive rewards program. For sending the most people to Cayman in 2013, Weaver’s Dive and Travel Center of Boulder, CO won a weeklong dive vacation courtesy of Sunset House and Cayman Airways.

“It shows the faith that the Cayman Islands have in dive retailers as being a fist point of contact with the traveling diver,” said Steve Weaver who praises Cayman’s consistently great diving and convenient location. “It is relatively easy to get to Cayman and the quality of accommodations and dive operators is outstanding.  I find that my clients want to return to the Cayman Islands time and time again.”

Jeff and Donna Dornbos, owners of JND Scuba Center of Palm Bay, FL, won the use for a year of a red Cayman Porsche because they participated in the program and their names were selected at random. The Dornbos, who consistently send clients to Cayman, opted for a $7500 cash prize.

“Winning is such a great opportunity for us to tell others about how great the Cayman Islands are − the water is clear, the marine life is abundant and it is truly a relaxed vacation,” said Donna Dornbros. “I believe the Cayman operators are so supportive of one another and they truly work together to make this a pleasant experience.”

This cooperation helps keep Cayman diving fresh and exciting as new dive sites and programs are created. The newest star on the dive scene will be the bronze statue, the Guardian of the Reef, to be sunk in 60 feet of water this January as Divetech celebrates its 20th anniversary. The Guardian was a popular attraction at DEMA, with both the sculptor Simon Morris and print artist Rogest on hand for photos.

“We look forward to having divers visiting him in just a few months,” says Nancy Easterbrook, adding that a portion of the dive fees for the Guardian of the Reef will help fund an ocean conservation program in local schools.  “Preserving our ocean is a cause near and dear to many people’s hearts.”

The Guardian of the Reef is sure to join Sunset House’s Amphitrite, a bronze mermaid sculpture also created by artist Simon Morris, and the USS Kittiwake as Cayman’s most popular dive attractions.  Amphitrite, sunk off Sunset House more than a decade ago, is one of the dive industry’s most-photographed dive attractions, and the Kittiwake, sunk as an artificial reef two years ago, is growing in popularity.

“For season we are adding extra one and two tank trips to the wreck to accommodate guest demands on the West Side, and also requests from people staying on the East End of Grand Cayman who want to dive the Kittiwake too,” says Rod McDowall Red Sail Sports Operations Manager.

Red Sail Sports, Sunset House, Divetech and the Southern Cross Club were among the Cayman contingent at DEMA. Although show attendance was light, everyone agrees the connection with dive partners was great and they look forward to good results in 2014.  General Manager Keith Sahm says from his perspective the Cayman Islands, and the Caribbean as a whole, are doing well in the worldwide competition for divers.

“Despite the economic ups and down, divers are still diving, but they’re just sticking closer to home and the Caribbean and the Cayman Islands offer that,” he says.

About Us

The Cayman Bottom Times is news collaboration by five leading dive operators to promote the superb diving of the Cayman Islands, and keep the diving public informed of important developments and events. Divetech, Ocean Frontiers, Red Sail Sports and Sunset House in Grand Cayman, and the Southern Cross Club in Little Cayman, all members of the Cayman Islands Tourism Association, represent more than 100 years of solid experience in a destination that is recognized as the birthplace of recreational diving. With a unique combination of deep wall and shallow reef diving, several wrecks, and world-famous Stingray City, the Cayman Islands has cemented its place as the top diving destination in the Caribbean.

Offering diverse and wide-ranging dive programs on both Grand Cayman and Little Cayman, the members of this dive group represent the best Cayman has to offer; Divetech (www.divetech.com ), Ocean Frontiers (www.oceanfrontiers.com ), Red Sail Sports Grand Cayman (www.redsailcayman.com ), Sunset House (www.sunsethouse.com ) and the Southern Cross Club (www.southerncrossclub.com ).