The "Waterman" Ocean Photo Contest & Scholarship

Scubapro Announces a New Contest & Scholarship for Ocean Photographers

By Brent Durand

Dedicated scuba divers spend a lot of time in, on and around the ocean.  As underwater photographers, we pick up additional diving skills, seek out unique marine life and become involved in ocean conservation.  Ancient Hawaiians took pride in being true "watermen" - a tradition that continues to this day with many people around the world.  Stan Waterman is the definition of a true "waterman," and Scubapro has put together a great photo contest and sponsorship in his honor.

Are you a waterman?  Do you have an entry?

Submissions:  April 1 - 30, 2013.  Submit a photo & 300 word essay on why you're a waterman.

Winners:  Announced June 15, 2013

Prizes:  Full Scubapro kit ($5000 value) and PADI training coupon ($400)

Website:  www.scubapro.com/waterman

PRESS RELEASE:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

“Are you a ‘waterman’?”; best response wins $5,400 scholarship

The Waterman Scholarship: honoring a legend, fueling a new generation

To honor SCUBAPRO's longtime ambassador, Stan Waterman, and in celebration of his 90th Birthday, SCUBAPRO, and its partners PADI and Beneath the Sea, are launching an exciting campaign geared towards creating the next generation of ‘waterman’. The Waterman Scholarship will be awarded to the person who, like Stan Waterman, displays a contagious passion for diving, exploration, conservation, adventure and the oceans while inspiring others as well.

"It is no coincidence that Stan’s last name is Waterman. He’s the epitome of the definition and has been inspiring generations of them for decades. He's still living the life of his dreams at 90, and we’ve been honored to be part of it for almost 40 years,” says Joe Stella, SCUBAPRO’s President.

In recognition of Stan Waterman’s extensive contributions, the winner receives a full SCUBAPRO kit (up to a $5000 value) as well as a dive certification or advanced training from PADI (a $400 value) so they can follow in Stan’s legacy. Amateur applicants are challenged to use their creativity and provide an inspired photograph and description about why they are a “waterman”. Submissions will be accepted April 1^st – 30^th and a winner will be announced on or before June 15^th.

What's more, SCUBAPRO is involving the entire online community of ‘watermen’ by asking them to ‘like’ their favorite submissions and vote for a final winner. All of the submissions can be viewed and voted upon on SCUBAPRO’s Facebook page during April and May, enabling everyone to be a part of the competition. “Through the viral nature of social media, it is our hope the campaign will capture the enthusiasm and excitement that both diving and Stan Waterman deliver, inspiring even more watermen to take that giant stride,” says Kate Booth, SCUBAPRO’s marketing manager.

Stan Waterman is thrilled with the campaign. “I am truly honored and humbled by such generous recognition. The nature of the scholarship, with its reach and good purpose, is especially gratifying.“

"Stan's incredible, timeless tales of adventure, exploration and life in the deep make anyone want to rush out and do the same.” Says Stella. “What better way to pay tribute to that?”

To learn more, visit the website, www.scubapro.com/waterman, which shares even more about the original ‘waterman’ through contagious video, photos, and stories while providing details about the scholarship his name has inspired.

Further Reading

• Ten Amazing Photos Fisheye Lens Photos

• Tips for Fun Beach Diving

• Underwater Composition:  Fill the Frame

Where to Buy

Please support the Underwater Photography Guide by purchasing your underwater photography gear through our sister site, Bluewater Photo & Video. Click, or call them at (310) 633-5052 for expert advice!