You can read more about Sarah's amazing round-the-world attempt on her website at www.sarahouten.com.
Rowing the Pacific
Sarah Outen is about to embark on her second attempt to row solo across the Pacific. We just had to post this photo she just sent of all the Aquapac Noatak Wet & Drybags in her forward cabin, which are full of food for the crossing! (28th March 2013)
You can read more about Sarah's amazing round-the-world attempt on her website at www.sarahouten.com.
You can read more about Sarah's amazing round-the-world attempt on her website at www.sarahouten.com.
Introducing Emily Penn - Aquapac Outdoor Champion 2013
We're
delighted to name Emily Penn - world-class sailor, oceans advocate and plastic
pollution expert - as the Aquapac Outdoor Champion of 2013. With the title
comes a cash award of £1,000 (US$1,600) in recognition of Emily's current achievements
and to support her future endeavours.
To find
out a little more about Emily we interviewed her during a visit to Cornwall -
on dry land, but still suitably close to the edge of the Atlantic.
Aquapac:
First off, many congratulations on the award. Tell us a little about who you
are and what you do.
Emily: I’m
a sailor and I’m passionate about our oceans. I spend most of my time
organizing projects and leading expeditions to tackle challenges facing the
marine environment. I’m currently running Pangaea Explorations – taking scientists
and film makers to remote parts of the planet via our sailing vessel Sea Dragon.
Aquapac:
How did you get into sailing and ocean travel? Have you always been an outdoor
adventurer?
Emily: I
learnt to sail in small boats as a kid in the cold and windy Bristol Channel,
and went on to race for the GBR Sailing Team. I gave that up for an architecture
degree at land-locked Cambridge University, but when the opportunity for a job
arose in Australia I decided to get there without taking an aeroplane. I landed
a ride on the world-record-breaking bio-fuelled vessel Earthrace.
Aquapac:
Was it a free ride?
Emily:
Not really! I became Earthrace’s
Operations Manager, and spent a year running a campaign to promote the use of
alternative fuels. We travelled 25,000 miles around the globe talking to
schools, media, politicians and the public in 120 cities.
Aquapac:
That was quite a trip. So from there how did you get into environmental campaigning?
Emily: It was the
journey on Earthrace across the
Atlantic and Pacific that opened my eyes to the degrading state of our oceans
and the challenges faced by small islands and their communities. After my Earthrace trip, I went back to one of the
places we’d visited – the remote low-lying islands of Tonga – where rubbish disposal
is a big problem. To help address this, alongside Kiwi charity Sustainable Coastlines, I set up an
environmental education program and waste management system.
Aquapac: What did
this involve?
Emily: We organised
one of the largest clean-up campaigns ever instigated, motivating 3,000 people (70%
of the total population) to collect 56 tonnes of rubbish in a single day. Then
we diverted a New Zealand freighter to haul eight shipping containers full of
rubbish away from the islands.
Emily:
Yes. After my time in Tonga, I wanted to learn more about marine debris, so I hitched
a ride on a freighter to California to meet with plastic pollution experts. I
wanted to know more about the great ‘gyres’ that circle each of the world’s
major oceans. More specifically I wanted to know more about floating rubbish –
mainly plastic – that accumulates in an area in the middle of the ocean and
find out where it's coming from, how it breaks down and whether it's getting
into the food chain.
Aquapac:
So that’s how it all came together. Can you tell us about your most recent or
current projects.
Emily:
Three years ago we established Pangaea Explorations, and our first mission (in
collaboration with the 5 Gyres Institute) was to discover and document plastic
pollution in the world’s oceans. We criss-crossed the globe in our ship Sea Dragon, sailing 50,000 miles collecting
samples for scientific analysis and providing unique footage to media outlets
in order to highlight the issue. We went on to investigate the 20 million
tonnes of debris washed out from Japan following the tsunami in 2011, this time
in collaboration with Algalita Marine Research Foundation. In 2012 our spectrum
broadened, from researching ocean acidification on the Pacific equator with
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, to anthropological studies on small
island communities in Kiribati.
Emily:
Learning to sail in challenging conditions (which I did from a young age when I
was considerably more fearless) and going on to spend time at the helm in four
different oceans put me in good stead for my RYA Yachtmaster exam. It was a
privilege to be awarded Yachtmaster of the Year by HRH Princess Anne.
Aquapac:
Very impressive. It seems your life revolves (no pun intended) around the
planet’s great oceans. When you’re not on the high seas, where else have you
travelled?
Emily: When
I was an architect I spent time in Central America studying Aztec and Mayan art
and architecture. In 2007 I wrote a thesis on Shanghai Architecture and travelled
from UK to China by train, through the birch forests in Siberia and across the
rolling planes of Mongolia. My transition from architecture to ocean adventurer
was really driven by my love for non-flying modes of travel that heightened my
awareness of the areas between
destinations.
Aquapac: You've certainly had some great journeys – on land and sea. Tell us about the
Aquapac products you use when you’re travelling.
Emily: My
Aquapac iPad case is essential in keeping our primary navigation device dry on
deck every time a wave crashes over the bow of Sea Dragon. I also use an iPhone case, and everywhere I go I use a
hard lens camera case.
Aquapac:
How did they perform on your recent trips?
Emily:
I think you can say they were well and truly tested. In mid 2012, we attempted to land on a central Pacific island, home to
1400 people. It’s surrounded by reef and constant breaking waves but the local
fishing boat had run out of petrol so couldn't guide us in. We motored our own
dinghy to a gap in the reef with huge waves breaking either side then picked
our moment and… go! As soon as the dinghy was through the gap, we jumped out and
swam ashore through the breaking waves with Aquapac Wet & Dry Bags in one hand and a petrol
can in the other. Drowned rats, we picked ourselves up off the sand and climbed
the rock wall to meet our bemused welcoming committee, who shook our hands with
beaming smiles. Apparently we were the first visiting yacht crew to land ashore
for as long as they could remember.
Aquapac:
A great experience, and no doubt you've had many more like this. What's been
the happiest moment of your career so far?
Emily: You
mean apart from being awarded Aquapac Outdoor Champion 2013? Ha! The happiest
moments for sure are when I’m living a simple life completely cut off from
communications – no phone, no internet, no Facebook. Living on a little island
in Tonga in a banana leaf hut, catching or growing my own food, working with
the local community, where the daily entertainment is watching a psychedelic
sunset so powerful it makes your heart want to explode.
Aquapac:
And out at sea, are there any other special memories?
Emily:
While filming humpback whales in their breeding ground in Tonga we held a
microphone in the water and played the sound of whales singing through the boat
speakers. Listening to that while watching them breach off the bow sits pretty
high up the list of my special memories at sea…
Aquapac:
And what about the scariest memory?
Emily: Being
woken up at 6am, on a remote Pacific island just 3m above sea level, by the
word TSUNAMI!
Aquapac:
That sounds scary indeed. So, when you're not sleeping on remote islands, sailing,
researching, campaigning, teaching, inspiring people and travelling round the
world - where do you live?
Aquapac:
Obviously. And your life sounds a fascinating combination – busy and
stress-free at the same time. Tell us about the people that have inspired you
to get to where you are now.
Emily: Much
of my inspiration is sparked by conversation with the fascinating and diverse
mix of strangers I've met along the way. While it’s hard to pinpoint specific
people, certainly my time spent in New Zealand was pivotal. The Maori phrase
(coined by Pete Bethune of Earthrace)
“Kia Kaha, Kia Mana” - roughly translated as “Be strong and make a stand for
what you believe in” - urged me to go against the norm and dedicate my life to
what I see as important.
Aquapac:
You certainly do that. But do you ever give yourself a day off? What do you do
to relax?
Emily: I
can’t remember my last ‘day off’, as my work and life are completely intertwined,
but my true relaxation time comes when I get out my sketchbook and attempt to
capture my (usually incredible) surroundings.
Aquapac:
Finally, when are you off on your next trip? And where are you going?
Emily: The
Galapagos! First, I will be spending a few weeks at Isabela Oceanographic
Institute. I’m very excited because it’s on an island I stopped at for a few
days on Earthrace and have always
wanted to go back. It’s the kind of place you have to watch where you’re
jumping into the water to not land on a shark, seal, turtle or stingray. The
volcanic rocks are alive with iguanas, penguins and Sally Lightfoots (crazy
looking red crabs). Then we will sail to Panama and transit the Panama Canal. I
can’t wait to explore and put my new Aquapac products to the test!
For more on Emily’s work and Pangaea Explorations see:
www.facebook.com/emilypenn.uk
www.panexplore.com
www.emilypenn.co.uk
Stop Press:
Aquapac has agreed also to become an official gear sponsor of Pangaea Explorations.
www.panexplore.com
www.emilypenn.co.uk
Stop Press:
Aquapac has agreed also to become an official gear sponsor of Pangaea Explorations.
Winners of the Sigma 'Wild Life' photo competition
Just to remind you we asked for "images of human, animal or natural activity in the outdoors which capture the essence of wilderness". We received well over 200 entries from amateurs and professionals alike. Some were funny. Some were odd. But most were just astonishingly stunning images.
Our Guest Judge
The competition was judged for us by Jodie Deakin. Jodie has over 10 years' experience as a picture editor in the world of magazine publishing. She is currently Group Picture Editor at Reed Business Information, where her responsibilities include Farmers Weekly, the PPA Business magazine of the year.
This is what Jodie had to say about judging the entries:
"There was a fantastic number of images entered into this competition and the selection process was certainly not easy. I was particularly impressed by some of the wildlife and nature images but I'm sorry to say that these were quickly discounted during the initial editing process, as although they capture 'wild life' I didn't feel that they fully satisfied the brief of capturing the Essence of Wilderness. I'm aware that my interpretation of what 'the nature of wilderness' is has influenced my decision making process but I trust that you'll all allow me that."
The Winner
First prize went to "Kayaking On A Big Sea" by David Johnston, who is a kayak instructor in Canada.
Jodie's comments:
"Wilderness to me is about wide open spaces and our sense of scale in relation to that space. This image captures that wonderfully, you feel in awe of what the kayaker is doing and also slightly afraid for him as he looks so small against the menacing water."
What Jodie didn't know was... the shot was captured using an Aquapac.
David writes:
"I was pretty excited to open an email this morning from Aquapac and Sigma telling me that I was the grand prize winner for their photo contest. The photo was taken on a cold day in December while I was out paddling the rough waters of Lake Ontario just outside of Toronto, Ontario. It was shot using my trusty Canon Rebel Xti and the Aquapac SLR Camera Case. The Aquapac SLR Camera Case comes out with me every time I'm on the water and it allows me to shoot high quality photos without worrying that I'm going to ruin the camera due to water. For me, it's the essential tool that enables me to get the action shots I'm looking for."
We really hadn't expected this to turn into an advert for our products. NOT that we're complaining!
Winging their way across the pond to David are two prizes. A fabulous Sigma 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC HSM ultra-wide zoom lens (SRP £549.99). And an Aquapac Stormproof SLR Camera Pouch (SRP £55.00).
The Runners Up
Then we asked Jodie to pick two runners up. First was this shot entitled 'Tree Dismantles Abandoned Car'.
Jodie's comments:
"Being in the wilderness allows us time to notice the little details which tend to pass us by when we are hemmed in by our everyday surroundings. The fact that the photographer chose to shoot this tree growing through the car in the close up/abstract way sums this up perfectly."
More than one of us assumed that this image was taken in the jungles of Cambodia or Honduras. But we couldn't have been more wrong.
Aidan writes:
"It was taken about 15 years ago near my then home in the west of Ireland, where a couple of old mark 1 Vauxhall Vivas had been dumped in the bog. The "sally" willow had grown up through one of the door handles (and later, I was pleased to see, it had forced the handle away from the door); I had to step down into the bog at the time, wearing wellies, and was besieged by gnats while I tried to steady myself; there is a little camera shake evident, but overall I think the shot works, simply because it successfully records the nature of the event taking place. The camera was a Mamiya C330 with a 55mm lens, and it was only transferred to digital specifically for the competition, by means of a home-made DSLR scanner, utilising my humble Canon 1000D and a 50mm prime lens; I then dragged it into Photoshop and with my extremely limited skills I tweaked the tone and contrast a little."
The other runner up was Paul Evans with this wonderful desert panorama.
Sadly the constraints of our blog template mean it has to be shrunk down which detracts a bit from the impact (you can see this and all the other images in their full glory on our Facebook page).
Jodie's comments:
"I was immediately struck by the panoramic format of this shot and how appropriate it was for the content. You wonder where the road is going to. It must be important as it's paved, but why then the abandoned looking structure on side of the road. I like the sense of scale of the low flat road and the mountains looming either side."
Paul writes:
"The picture was taken in 2011, in Morocco close to the Saharan desert, just before a dust storm picked up. We were heading to Erg Chebbi (an area of vast sand dunes). The shot was taken on a Sony Alpha NEX-5, shutter speed was 1/320 F-stop f13. The building in the mid ground was a Berber building most likely built by goat herders."
And finally, two Honourable Mentions
Jodie's comments:
"A beautiful art-worked image that embraces not only the scale of wilderness but also the peace that it can bring."
Jodie's comments:
"A very poignant and moving shot that conveys the power that mother nature has."
We didn't promise a prize for Honourable Mentions, but we will be sending a little something to Felicia and John all the same.
A huge thank you, and our commiserations, to everyone else who entered images into this contest. We were bowled over by both the number and the standard of images entered. And thank you also to Sigma Imaging (UK) Ltd for their extremely generous prize.
Tim Turnbull
Chief Executive
4th October 2012
Just to remind you we asked for "images of human, animal or natural activity in the outdoors which capture the essence of wilderness". We received well over 200 entries from amateurs and professionals alike. Some were funny. Some were odd. But most were just astonishingly stunning images.
Our Guest Judge
The competition was judged for us by Jodie Deakin. Jodie has over 10 years' experience as a picture editor in the world of magazine publishing. She is currently Group Picture Editor at Reed Business Information, where her responsibilities include Farmers Weekly, the PPA Business magazine of the year.
This is what Jodie had to say about judging the entries:
"There was a fantastic number of images entered into this competition and the selection process was certainly not easy. I was particularly impressed by some of the wildlife and nature images but I'm sorry to say that these were quickly discounted during the initial editing process, as although they capture 'wild life' I didn't feel that they fully satisfied the brief of capturing the Essence of Wilderness. I'm aware that my interpretation of what 'the nature of wilderness' is has influenced my decision making process but I trust that you'll all allow me that."
The Winner
First prize went to "Kayaking On A Big Sea" by David Johnston, who is a kayak instructor in Canada.
 |
| (c) David H. Johnston |
Jodie's comments:
"Wilderness to me is about wide open spaces and our sense of scale in relation to that space. This image captures that wonderfully, you feel in awe of what the kayaker is doing and also slightly afraid for him as he looks so small against the menacing water."
What Jodie didn't know was... the shot was captured using an Aquapac.
David writes:
"I was pretty excited to open an email this morning from Aquapac and Sigma telling me that I was the grand prize winner for their photo contest. The photo was taken on a cold day in December while I was out paddling the rough waters of Lake Ontario just outside of Toronto, Ontario. It was shot using my trusty Canon Rebel Xti and the Aquapac SLR Camera Case. The Aquapac SLR Camera Case comes out with me every time I'm on the water and it allows me to shoot high quality photos without worrying that I'm going to ruin the camera due to water. For me, it's the essential tool that enables me to get the action shots I'm looking for."
We really hadn't expected this to turn into an advert for our products. NOT that we're complaining!
Winging their way across the pond to David are two prizes. A fabulous Sigma 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC HSM ultra-wide zoom lens (SRP £549.99). And an Aquapac Stormproof SLR Camera Pouch (SRP £55.00).
The Runners Up
Then we asked Jodie to pick two runners up. First was this shot entitled 'Tree Dismantles Abandoned Car'.
 |
| (c) Aidan Gribbin |
Jodie's comments:
"Being in the wilderness allows us time to notice the little details which tend to pass us by when we are hemmed in by our everyday surroundings. The fact that the photographer chose to shoot this tree growing through the car in the close up/abstract way sums this up perfectly."
More than one of us assumed that this image was taken in the jungles of Cambodia or Honduras. But we couldn't have been more wrong.
Aidan writes:
"It was taken about 15 years ago near my then home in the west of Ireland, where a couple of old mark 1 Vauxhall Vivas had been dumped in the bog. The "sally" willow had grown up through one of the door handles (and later, I was pleased to see, it had forced the handle away from the door); I had to step down into the bog at the time, wearing wellies, and was besieged by gnats while I tried to steady myself; there is a little camera shake evident, but overall I think the shot works, simply because it successfully records the nature of the event taking place. The camera was a Mamiya C330 with a 55mm lens, and it was only transferred to digital specifically for the competition, by means of a home-made DSLR scanner, utilising my humble Canon 1000D and a 50mm prime lens; I then dragged it into Photoshop and with my extremely limited skills I tweaked the tone and contrast a little."
The other runner up was Paul Evans with this wonderful desert panorama.
 |
| (c) Paul Evans |
Sadly the constraints of our blog template mean it has to be shrunk down which detracts a bit from the impact (you can see this and all the other images in their full glory on our Facebook page).
Jodie's comments:
"I was immediately struck by the panoramic format of this shot and how appropriate it was for the content. You wonder where the road is going to. It must be important as it's paved, but why then the abandoned looking structure on side of the road. I like the sense of scale of the low flat road and the mountains looming either side."
Paul writes:
"The picture was taken in 2011, in Morocco close to the Saharan desert, just before a dust storm picked up. We were heading to Erg Chebbi (an area of vast sand dunes). The shot was taken on a Sony Alpha NEX-5, shutter speed was 1/320 F-stop f13. The building in the mid ground was a Berber building most likely built by goat herders."
And finally, two Honourable Mentions
 |
| (c) Felicia Simion |
Jodie's comments:
"A beautiful art-worked image that embraces not only the scale of wilderness but also the peace that it can bring."
 |
| (c) John Del Rio |
Jodie's comments:
"A very poignant and moving shot that conveys the power that mother nature has."
We didn't promise a prize for Honourable Mentions, but we will be sending a little something to Felicia and John all the same.
A huge thank you, and our commiserations, to everyone else who entered images into this contest. We were bowled over by both the number and the standard of images entered. And thank you also to Sigma Imaging (UK) Ltd for their extremely generous prize.
Tim Turnbull
Chief Executive
4th October 2012
Win a Sigma lens worth $740 / £550 !
in association with
Wild Life Competition
An Aquapac + Sigma photo competition
We have one Sigma 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC HSM lens to give away, plus a number of Aquapac Stormproof™ Camera Pouches.
 |
| Alaska Bear - copyright Steve Keeble |
How do I win?
The competition is called 'Wild Life'. We're after images of human, animal or natural activity in the outdoors which capture the essence of wilderness.
Do the images need to feature Aquapac cases?
Nope. Though we'll be delighted if they do! (like the great shot above)
What might I win?
First prize is a Sigma lens AND an Aquapac 022 Stormproof™ camera pouch - together worth $815 / £600.
Two runners up will each receive an Aquapac 022 Stormproof™ camera pouch - worth $75 / £55.
More about the Sigma 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC HSM lens
Click here to read about it on Sigma's US website
Click here to read about it on Sigma's UK website
Click here to read about it on Digital Photography Review.
Please note: currently this lens is available with fitting for Canon, Nikon, Sigma, Sony and Pentax cameras only.
More about the Aquapac 022 Stormproof™ Camera Pouch
Click here to read about the SLR pouch on our USA website
Click here to read about the SLR pouch on our World website
How do I enter?
Simply email your images to win@aquapac.net.
In what format?
Any format. But maximum 5MB per email please.
Is there any limit to the number of images I can enter?
No. But again, maximum 5MB per email please.
Am I signing away my copyright?
Absolutely not, copyright remains yours. However by entering an image you do agree to give to both Aquapac and Sigma, and our distributors worldwide, the right to use it in our marketing. Copyright will be credited if the context allows it.
Are you going to use my email address?
Not unless you have separately opted in to the Aquapac mailing list. We won't be giving your email to anybody, not even to Sigma. They have a Facebook page if you want to follow them: www.facebook.com/sigmaimaginguk.
How long have I got?
Closing date for entries is 30th September 2012. We will post images on our Facebook and Flickr pages as they come in.
The winners will be chosen on 1st October by Jodie Deakin, the Picture Editor at Farmer's Weekly Magazine. Winners will be informed by email.
Go on, give it your best shot!
Click here to enter.
Presentation of the Queen's Award
Our apologies if you couldn't get hold of us on Friday, but we closed early for a party to celebrate winning the Queen's Award for Enterprise.
The award was presented to our Chief Executive Tim Turnbull by John Barber, DL. He was representing Her Majesty The Queen, who personally signs the awards.
As in previous years we have had the award encapsulated in plastic - and framed with two Aquaclips.
This is in fact the third time we have been honoured with a Queen's Award.
It's pretty amazing when you think that we were one of only 18 companies in London to get the award this year out of a starting list of 1,000.
After the presentation we had a little party for some of our long-standing suppliers and distributors.
A delicious cake had been baked, designed to look like the new 098 iPhone case...
...which was simply too much for Alfie, the office Mini Schnauzer.
We at Aquapac are all chuffed to bits about this fantastic award. We're very grateful to everyone who contributed to make it happen. Most of all the customers who bought our cases. God Save You All!
London, July 2012.
The award was presented to our Chief Executive Tim Turnbull by John Barber, DL. He was representing Her Majesty The Queen, who personally signs the awards.
As in previous years we have had the award encapsulated in plastic - and framed with two Aquaclips.
This is in fact the third time we have been honoured with a Queen's Award.
It's pretty amazing when you think that we were one of only 18 companies in London to get the award this year out of a starting list of 1,000.
After the presentation we had a little party for some of our long-standing suppliers and distributors.
A delicious cake had been baked, designed to look like the new 098 iPhone case...
...which was simply too much for Alfie, the office Mini Schnauzer.
We at Aquapac are all chuffed to bits about this fantastic award. We're very grateful to everyone who contributed to make it happen. Most of all the customers who bought our cases. God Save You All!
London, July 2012.
Thursday 31st May.
Just received this rather nice letter from Deborah in Reading:
"Just to say how wonderful the Aquapac camera/phone bag was. My 16yr old son dropped his BlackBerry (in the Aquapac bag) into the river Kennet in Theale, Berkshire whilst kayaking last October 2011. Three months later after New Year he had a phone call from a man in Caversham, Reading who had been fishing and caught the bag and phone with his fishing rod, it was fully sealed. We collected the bag/phone which had a few bumps and a little dirty but bag and phone in full working order. My son thought the phone had gone forever but three months later and approx six miles of tributeries along the river, he has the phone and is still using it! What a FANTASTIC product. It kept the phone dry despite the temperature and currents of the river during the winter months. An ABSOLUTE MUST for anything that needs to be kept waterproof as it really works. Thanks for a great product."
Big smiles all round the office today!
Queen's Award for Enterprise 2012
Aquapac has been honoured with another Queen's Award for Enterprise. This is our third Queen's Award in 29 years of business. We are chuffed to bits!
What's it all about then?
The Queen's Awards are the UK’s highest accolade for business success, honouring a select group of truly outstanding UK companies. Winning one is likened to receiving a "corporate knighthood". The awards are presented by The Queen on the advice of the Prime Minister, assisted by an advisory committee that includes representatives of government, industry and commerce, and the trade unions.
And of course, thank YOU!
Our previous award in 2007 was for Continuous Innovation. This time it's for International Trade in recognition of our outstanding export growth over the last three years. We owe it all to you, our customers, for buying lots and lots of Aquapacs!
In particular we owe it to our customers outside the UK. Seventy-five percent of our sales go overseas to more than 60 countries right across the globe. While over ninety percent of our manufacturing still takes place here in the UK.
Actually, it's more than just rapid sales growth. We submitted a detailed "Declaration of Corporate Responsibility" proving to the committee that we take very seriously staff welfare, environmental policy, customer service and our relationships with suppliers. We made the cut there, too.
Yes, we won the award, but we couldn't have done it without our customers. We'd like to thank you all, from the bottom of our hearts, for helping us win this wonderful accolade!
“We enjoyed working with Aquapac on a successful business partnership in summer 2011. They pushed the boat out to get a large order made during their busiest months. We congratulate Aquapac and we are delighted to have played a part in their winning of this prestigious award” Norman Wick, Sony Central & Southeast Europe
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