The three winners are Babak Davoudi from California, Ruben Castro Castillo from Spain and Kimberly Jeffries from Hawaii. Here are their pictures and stories.
Kimberly & hammerhead shark
“Hammerhead sharks are among some of the most amazing ocean animals. Their head shape has evolved to act as a hydrofoil underwater and their bodies are capable of extreme maneuverability. They're absolutely beautiful to see moving underwater. Sadly, despite evolution, Scalloped hammerheads are considered endangered, with their population having decreased around 95% in the past thirty years due to over fishing and shark finning.”
“This particular photo is of a scalloped hammerhead off Darwin's Arch, Galapagos. Schools of sharks will gather to be cleaned by fish and to find mates. It's beautiful to see untouched nature like that.”
“Although this photo was shot in the Galapagos, I'm lucky enough to call Oahu home. We have crystal clear diving all year round and every island in Hawaii has a little different flavor so it's always an adventure in the water.”
–Kimberly Jeffries, California, USA
Ruben & angel shark
Ruben’s angel shark video (The same video was also shared on Instagram)
“I went diving again today and was lucky enough to meet an angel shark. They are fantasic creatures and it’s always good to see them. I think we have to protect them, and the best way to educate and teach people is through videos and images.”
“I am from Madrid, Spain, but live in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Usually I dive in the Canary Islands.”
–Ruben Castro Castillo, Gran Canaria, Spain
Babak & sea turtle
“The picture is from my trip to Hawaii, Oahu, Turtle Canyon dive site, right after I got my open water certification and I was so excited diving in Hawaii. We saw a lot of these huge sea turtles surrounded by small fishes cleaning them. It was my first time seeing turtles that big. They are so calm and the way they swim and glide in the water looks like they are flying. Looking at their faces make me happy and smile. To me they look like ancient and prehistoric creatures.”
“I live in Irvine, California and normally dive around here in Catalina Island, Shaw's Cove, Channel Islands and sometimes going on trips to another places. I dove in Dubai, Hawaii (Molokini and Oahu). I'm getting more serious about diving, it's been my dream since I was a child to dive and it became true when I moved here to California.”
–Babak Davoudi, California, USA
Congratulations to the winners and thank you for participating and sharing your stories, everyone!
The three winners got easy-to-use, nitrox-capable, large-displayed Suunto Zoop Novo dive computers to accompany them on their future adventures.
Main image by Stephen R Woods / Suunto