SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Jan. 26, 2025 The 3rd boot dive awards sponsored by BAUER KOMPRESSOREN in Hall 12 featured an exciting ceremony, numerous guests, the who's who of the diving industry, and beaming faces among the winners.
The announcement of the winners was eagerly awaited, as high-class players and innovative companies, as well as regions of the diving scene, competed against each other in each category. The evening was expertly hosted by experienced presenters Anna von Boetticher and Jan Schulte.
Award Winners A renowned expert jury, consisting of the editors-in-chief of the diving media divemaster (Dr. Friedrich Naglschmid), PLONGEZ! (Dr. Nicolas Barraque), TAUCHEN (Alexander Kassler), taucher.net (Armin Süß und Tina Gfrörer), VDSTsporttaucher (Dietmar Fuchs), and WETNOTES (Nina Zschiesche), and by public voting determined the winners:
- INNOVATION: The Avelo System
- CLIMATE: Better Oceans
- DESTINATION: Malta, Gozo und Comino
- PRODUCT: SEAYOS
- PERSONALITY: Dr. Steffen Scholz
Boot Director's Remarks Boot Director Petros Michelidakis expressed his thanks to the jury and the fans of the public voting: "The award winners impressively demonstrate how innovative the diving scene is. There is no standstill here - on the contrary: people are working tirelessly to advance the protection of the oceans. For divers, an intact environment is of the utmost importance, as the protection of our waters is deeply rooted in their identity. I am thrilled that we are able to welcome this visionary community to our diving halls here at boot."
Special Award for Climate Protection The winner of Better Oceans in the CLIMATE category received a special surprise: this year's sponsor of the boot dive award, BAUER KOMPRESSOREN, added a brand-new BAUER JUNIOR II breathing air compressor to the prize money awarded in all five categories at boot Düsseldorf. BAUER KOMPRESSOREN has a long-standing and enduring commitment to marine and water protection and continuously supports marine protection projects and the people who carry them out, very often on a voluntary and private basis. That is why BAUER KOMPRESSOREN was keen to honor the winner in the CLIMATE category with this special award.
Award Winners in Detail
- INNOVATION: The Avelo System
- Buoyancy control like a submarine
- The Avelo System takes a new approach to buoyancy control in recreational diving. In contrast to a conventional buoyancy compensator (BCD), the Avelo System does not require an air bladder at all, but instead uses the addition or removal of water.
- CLIMATE: Better Oceans
- Marine conservation meets water sports
- Better Oceans is a platform and network for everyone who loves the sea. It provides a space for marine conservationists, water sports enthusiasts, and scientists to connect and collaborate.
- DESTINATION: Malta, Gozo und Comino
- The diving paradise in the Mediterranean
- The Maltese archipelago is a top diving destination due to its mild climate, short distances to dive sites, excellent underwater visibility, and rich marine life.
- PRODUCT: SEAYOS
- The First Standalone GPS for Scuba Divers
- SEAYOS is a versatile autonomous positioning device for professional and recreational divers offering positioning, cartography, and communication functionalities.
- PERSONALITY: Dr. Steffen Scholz
- Focus on the deep - sunken wrecks
- Dr. Steffen Scholz is a passionate explorer who documents and explores shipwrecks. He is dedicated to raising awareness for the protection of the oceans and encourages young technical divers in their development.
Conclusion The boot dive awards highlight the innovation and dedication of individuals and organizations working to protect our oceans and advance the diving industry. The winners represent the best of the diving community, from cutting-edge technology to sustainable practices and breathtaking destinations.