Put together a high profile businessman, a passionate marine biologist and a UK celebrity mum who all share a passion for diving and you get “Sea Urchins”, a new ocean magazine for kids!
On Sunday 20th November, PADI was invited to the launch event of Sea Urchins at the Sea Life London Aquarium. The event not only celebrated the ocean and its inhabitants but also highlighted the role divers can play at educating the younger generation about the beauty and richness of our oceans.
Keen PADI diver and marine biologist, Samantha Hewitt, announced with emotion and pride the release of the first introductory copy of Sea Urchins before heading to the shark tank of the London Aquarium with a giant copy of the magazine and a surprise celebrity dive buddy.
Joining her in the shark tank was Dragon’s Den and PADI diver Theo Paphitis who showed off his diving skills by doing some funny diving signs to an amused audience of journalists, VIP guests, families, and London Aquarium visitors.
“I studied marine biology, travelled the world, completed more than 1000 dives, worked in publishing and now I am embarking on my biggest challenge yet. Sea Urchins!” commented Samantha. “I hope this magazine will impact the next generation and as many people as possible”.
One of the highlights of the event was a live performance by Samantha’s sister: Stacey Solomon. British singer, celebrity mum, and jungle queen of “I’m a Celebrity, Get me Out of Here” said she was proud of her sister and thrilled that her life-long love of nature led her to create this magazine on the importance of sea-conservation and what we need to do to look after our beautiful oceans.
Stacey recently started a PADI Open Water diving course with the London School of Diving, one of the UK's Leading PADI Dive Centres offering a wide range of PADI courses. Stacey can’t wait to complete her course!
Amongst the VIP guests was Finn, Project AWARE’s ambassador travelling the world to spread the word about the urgent need to protect sharks. Finn had a fabulous morning at the aquarium catching up with Sea Life staff, playing with kids, and pitching his Sharks on Tour adventures to Dragon’s Den Theo Paphitis.
The launch event ended with a raffle with prizes donated by PADI and Sea Urchins partners including a Discover Scuba diving experience for a family of four with the London School of Diving.
For more information and Sea Urchins subscription offers, please visit www.seaurchinsmag.com