LAUPS Sponsors
Our club sponsors provide prizes and services for our annual International Photographic Competition. Some wonderful prizes will be distributed for this year's International Contest including dive trips to exotic locations and other dive related items. Please take advantage of the many fine products and services that our sponsors offer.
Sponsorship Info
For information on becoming a sponsor, download our sponsorship form. Sponsors get to take advantage of our website for press releases and web links. Our Google pagerank is high and will increase yours.
Platinum Sponsor: Reef & Rainforest - Dive and Adventure Travel
From the remote islands of Indonesia to the mysterious wrecks of the Truk Lagoon, Reef & Rainforest has specialized in designing personalized itineraries to exotic destinations since 1995.
As a fully accredited and registered US Travel Agency, we work with you to tailor each trip to your specific interests and create an escape perfectly suited for you. We can provide you with accommodation, diving, air tickets, land excursions and transfers.
Let our experience be your guide!
Our all-diver staff has many years of experience in creating exciting and smooth-flowing itineraries for our clients. We visit new destinations every year and are proud to provide you with the latest information and honest recommendations for your own adventure.
Reef is only half of what we do!
We know that you are coming to us for a diving vacation, but also encourage you to take advantage of the other amazing experiences in the area, including Rainforests. We put equal care into arranging your side trip to see wild orangutans or planning your visit to an exotic tribal village or even setting up a traditional massage for two.
Platinum Sponsor: S/Y Siren
Platinum Sponsor: Lagoon Resort - Fiji
Pacific Harbour is the gateway to the world renown dive paradise of Beqa Lagoon. From our jetty, we will whisk you away to some of the best dive spots in the Pacific Ocean. At the Lagoon Resort, we have an on-site dive operation run by highly experienced, professional and knowledgeable dive instructors from Beqa Adventure Divers who are ready to take you to some breath taking locations.
In September 2004 John Earle (Research Associate in Zoology, Bishop Museum, Honolulu, Hawaii) during just 7 dives on Shark Reef, Fiji personally observed 267 species of fish.
We have a number of competitively priced dive packages are also available as well as the shark dive which Ron and Valerie Taylor said "You really have the best shark dive in the world"
Platinum Sponsor: Lembeh Resort - North Suluwesi, Indonesia
North Sulawesi offers unparalleled marine biodiversity, with a wide range of dive experience options. But for divers interested in searching out encounters with bizarre and beautiful critters, Lembeh Strait, located near the port town of Bitung, hosts the best muck diving on the planet. And besides the sand, divers can take the plunge on pinnacles, walls and slopes of extravagant hard and soft coral gardens as well as a number of wrecks, some dating from WWII. Diversity is the operative word here.
Lembeh Resort offers comfortable accommodations set in beautifully landscaped tropical gardens overlooking Lembeh Strait. For a truly exceptional experience in a relaxed and professional atmosphere, Lembeh Resort is the obvious choice.
The Lembeh Resort dive team have extensive experience diving in the strait and their infectious enthusiasm will result in the best possible dives day after day. Our focus on personal attention means that we will do our utmost to ensure that our guests fulfil their dreams and see most if not all the critters on their wish lists. Unlimited diving is offered to resort guests, with the majority of the 40+ sites within the strait only minutes away by boat. So guests can rest assured that they can accomplish as much diving as they desire.
The spacious camera room and equipment washing/drying facilities are only steps from the boat. Once a guest has made his or her first dive our dive team will see that the equipment is carried, washed and stored and then be on the boat assembled and ready for further dives. Special consideration will be given to photographers, whose delicate equipment often seems the center of their universe. Our boat crews will treat camera gear with the respect it deserves. The friendly and cheerful people of North Sulawesi are as much a selling point as the diving. Our professional, courteous and attentive service will be as memorable as the critters.
Platinum Sponsor: Bilikiki
Platinum Sponsor: Manta Ray Bay Hotel and Yap Divers - Yap
Over 100 Manta Rays live year round in the waters surrounding Yap. In the winter (usually December to late April) the Mantas congregate in even greater numbers in Mi'l Channel for the mating season. During the summer season, they spend their mornings in Goofnuw channel in the Valley of the Rays.
Every morning, huge Manta Rays cruise into protected channels that penetrate the barrier reef. They come to "Cleaning Stations" where small specialized reef fishes called cleaners pick off tiny parasites that the Mantas pick up in blue water while feeding. The Mantas slowly circle the cleaning station and frequently pass within inches of the observing diver's heads. Small Mantas are generally about 8 feet from wingtip to wingtip. The larger rays are up to 14 feet across.
Founded by diver Bill Acker, Manta Ray Bay Hotel and its diving outfitter Yap Divers became world-renown for offering spectacular manta encounters in the island’s many hard-coral channels. But Yap is no longer known simply for mantas. Today’s divers journey from around the world to photograph unique underwater species such as mating Mandarin Fish, Pegasus Sea Moths, Antennarius Commerson Giant Frogfish and Inimicus Didactylus Scorpion Fish. Travelers are also treated to the unique hospitality of one of the Pacific’s richest, most intact cultures.
Platinum Sponsor: Nai'a - Fiji
Dive the Fiji Islands' finest coral reefs and fish-filled channels. Swim alongside humpback whales in Tonga, explore World War II shipwrecks in Vanuatu or discover Kiribati's truly wild and unexplored Phoenix Archipelago.
From manta rays to mantis shrimp, dolphins to dartfish, or voracious sharks to vibrant soft corals, NAI'A found Fiji's ultimate dive sites! Experience the diversity and drama of pristine South Pacific coral reefs at their most colorful and lavish.
Enjoy charming Fijian and Pacific cultures during the vacation of your dreams from the comfort of Fiji's premier live aboard diving vessel and her famously friendly crew.
Whether you're into underwater photography or videography, marine research and conservation or just plain good fun with your best dive buddies, NAI'A has an expedition to suit all urges. Down kava and dive with scuba celebrities like Stan Waterman, Rod Klein, Howard & Michele Hall, Paul Humann and Ned DeLoach.
Platinum Sponsor: Reef Photo & Video
Five important reasons to make Reef Photo & Video
your #1 source for underwater photo & video
equipment:
We are divers and photographers - Everyone on our
friendly staff is an underwater photographer. We use
the gear that we sell, and we keep up with the latest
imaging products for both underwater and topside.
Underwater Photography is our ONLY business - We're not
a dive shop. We concentrate all of our energy on the
ever changing world of underwater imaging.
Selection - We represent over 35 top manufacturers of
the finest imaging equipment available anywhere.
Huge Inventory - Our extensive inventory means that we
probably have what you need in stock for immediate
shipment.
Free Shipping - Orders over $200 qualify for FREE
ground shipping!
Our mission is to provide You with the most
comprehensive and competitive source for equipment,
education, and service available anywhere! So please
browse our on-line catalog, contact us, or call us toll
free at 877.453.8927 to speak with a friendly
representative.
Platinum Sponsor: Uncommon Adventures Travel Agency
I opened Uncommon Adventures after circumnavigating the world for 25 years in search of unique dive and adventure destinations. My travels have taught me many things about the intricacies and logistics of venturing to the far corners of the world. Most of all I have realized how helpful it would be to have a travel consultant who has actually visited the areas I wished to explore.
We will use our extensive firsthand experience and personal passion for dive and adventure travel to help you create an extraordinary journey. We also offer group trips and great rates on special packages.
We live in an amazing time, when all of the world is within our reach. Life is short. Enjoy!
James Harlan
Platinum Sponsor: Ed Robinson's Diving Adventures
VIP Sponsor: The Los Angeles Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is a
crown jewel of Los Angeles' museums. A national leader
in exhibitions, education and research, the Museum is
L.A.'s second oldest cultural institution, opening its
doors in 1913. It is the largest natural and historical
museum in the Western United States, safe guarding more
than 33 million spectacular, diverse specimens and
artifacts.
Three floors of permanent exhibits enthrall the entire
family with minds-on exploration. The towering "Dueling
Dinosaurs," complete skeletons of a Tyrannosaurus rex
and Triceratops in battle, greet visitors in the
majestic Grand Foyer. In addition to special
exhibitions, the Museum boasts magnificent permanent
halls that feature grand dioramas of African and
American mammals, rare dinosaurs and fossils, marine
animals, Native American and Pre-Columbian cultures,
and historical artifacts from California and Southwest
history, as well as early Hollywood memorabilia. The
exquisite Gem & Mineral Hall features the largest
collection of gold in the United States. The
kid-friendly Discovery Center welcomes children and
families with hands-on, interactive education. Children
can make fossil rubbings, dig for fossils, observe live
animals such as snakes, fish and lizards and touch
animal pelts. The accompanying Insect Zoo, the largest
in the West, presents live insects from around the
world.
The Museum is also an active research center. The
Research & Collections Department spans the areas
of living and fossil invertebrates (echinoderms,
crustacea, worms, entomology, and mollusks),
vertebrates (birds, mammals, reptiles, fishes),
mineralogy, anthropology (Native American,
Pre-Columbian and Pacific) and history (California and
Southwestern).
VIP Sponsor: Post + Beam Video Services
Contact Post + Beam for the professional editing of your videos and DVDs.
Services include Uncompressed Online Edit Bays, DVD Authoring + Graphics, Tape To Hard Drive Digital Video Transfers, MPEG2 + Internet Video Compression, DVD + Video Duplication, Standards Conversions, 120" Digital Projection Screening, New Media Consultation, Computer Graphic + Print Services
at Santa Monica Studios
3025 Olympic Blvd.Suite 112
Santa Monica, CA 90404
310-828-1128 phone 310-828-8211 fax
VIP Sponsor: Weldon Color Lab
See the Weldon Difference yourself!
LightJet prints from digital files on Fuji Crystal Archive or Ilfochrome paper
Drum scans and flatbed scans
Mounting, finishing, and custom backlit display prints
Weldon Color Lab
8945 Exposition Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90034
888.893.5366
Gold Sponsor: Hollywood Divers
SCUBA DIVING LOS ANGELES
- We are The Premier Scuba Center in Los Angeles
- Technical Diving and Tech Gear
- Great Prices and a Huge Selection
- Friendly Professional Instructors
- Scuba Instruction, Private Courses, All Levels of Scuba Training
- Scuba Trips, Local and Exotic
- Scuba Gear Repairs
- UnderWater Photo and Video
- Studio Dive Gear Rentals
- Store Hours 10-7 Mon-Fri, 10-6 Sat, 10-3 Sun
- Call 323-969-9875 or 877-OK SCUBA
- Dive Shop Location: 3575 Cahuenga Blvd. West, Los Angeles, CA
Gold Sponsor: Sea & Sea - The Underwater Imaging Company
Gold Sponsor: Spare Air by Submersible Systems
• Over 200,000 sold - over 25 years in service.
• Smallest, most compact redundant emergency air system available.
• Easy to use - get life giving air in seconds!
• Tested & approved by the US Navy and users like you!
Gold Sponsor: Torgney Nautical Jewelry
See our exclusive line by visiting our On-Line Catalog, stopping by our store or on the road at one of our many trade shows.
At Torgny & Co. our passion for SCUBA diving has given us many encounters with the wonders of the sea and we know you will see that in every detailed quality piece.
Silver Sponsor: Second Stage Ocean Sports
Silver Sponsor: Pelican Products
Pelican
Protector Cases are designed for active professionals.
They are sized for every need and far exceed the
highest standards of industrial, airline, military and
commercial applications. They are watertight to 30 feet
and unbreakable! Pelican Protector Cases provide
no-nonsense, hard-knocks protection coverage for
on-the-job situations, regardless of the hazards of
transportation, handling and site conditions. An
incredibly light structural foam resin shell with a
neoprene O-ring seal and exclusive purge valve, it
always looks new and is resistant to dents, scratches
or corrosion. Inside, pre-scored "Pick 'n' Pluck" foam
or padded dividers protect even the most sensitive
equipment. It also includes locking flanges, massive
multiple latches for absolute security and a
comfortable moulded fold-down handle.
Pelican offers extensive array of
professional lighting tools for all missions in the
cockpit, on the ground, or underwater. From
NVG-compatible and IR flashlights to heavy duty Xenon
and LED submersible work lights. All are guaranteed for
life and built tough for extreme conditions.
Silver Sponsor: H2O Photo Pros
H2O Photo Pros is your #1 Professional resource for the
ultimate digital imaging tool for underwater
photography - the Nikon D200!
We stock housings from the following:
• Sea & Sea
• Aquatica
• Ikelite
• Hugyfot
Place your order for this incredible tool for
underwater photography from H2O Photo Pros - We shoot
what we sell!!!
SONY's HC3 HD camcorder is taking the underwater video
market by storm. We are now taking orders for housings
being made available by the following:
• Amphibico
• Gates
• Light & Motion
• Ikelite
We HIGHLY recommend that if you are going to be making
the transition to HD soon, that you place your order
with us - We have them in stock and ready for
shipping.
Silver Sponsor: Paul's Photo
Bronze Sponsor: Peace Dive Boat and Scuba Center
Join us on one of our Multi-Day live aboard or Single
Day scuba diving adventures under California's
magnificent Channel Islands.
From San Nicolas and Santa Catalina in the south to San
Miguel and all the Islands in between, we provide
world-class diving experiences in comfort, convenience
and safety.
The Peace located in Ventura Harbor, is 65' long, has
11 double & 12 single bunks and provides quick air
or nitrox fills up to 3700psi.
Enjoy our famous hot tub!
Bronze Sponsor: Randy Harwood Photography
Randy Harwood has been SCUBA diving since 1975 and has been photographing the marine environment for over 20 years. Diving all over the world, he has visited Mexico and Latin American, many of the islands in the Caribbean , Hawaii, Fiji, Micronesia, the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, The Republic of the Maldives, French Polynesia, the Phillipines, Africa and Australia. He regularly dives in California and still considers the kelp forests of California a favorite dive destination.
Active in the Los Angeles Underwater Photographic Society for over 20 years, he has served as the Society President for almost 8 years.
Randy's "Underwater World" calendar has been in continuous publication since 1986. He has contributed numerous photographs and articles to books, advertising media and magazines, including "Outdoor Photographer", "SCUBA World", Rodales "SCUBA Diving", "Outdoor California" and many more.
Bronze Sponsor: Spectre Dive Boat
Sleeps 32 Divers
Spacious Sun Deck
Laurge Freshwater Hot Tub
Dive Track Navigation System
A Crew That Makes the Difference
Bow Gate
Live Game Tank
Fast Sleek 85' Hull
Galley that Seats 32
Fast Air Fills to 3000 PSI
Camera Freshwater Rinse Tank
Individual Storage for 40 Divers