Perfect sunny weather and clear diving conditions gave Manly scuba divers a chance to smash their goal in the underwater hunt for potatoes.

Over 100 divers joined Dive Centre Manly’s Underwater Treasure Hunt at Cabbage Tree Bay.  Smashed potatoes were on the menu as this bunch of enthusiastic divers searched the seabed for soggy spuds.

And they smashed another goal too, raising over $1,460 for ocean protection. All donations go to Project AWARE Foundation, a global non-profit protecting our ocean planet, one dive at a time

Andy McCowan won the major prize, a Mike Ball Livaboard Trip in Cairns this July.   “It was a fantastic day diving with a few friends at Shelly Beach. It was great to win the major prize to one of the most amazing dive locations in the world. The funds raised by all the participants will help fund important projects in the future”

Tiarnan O'Dwyer, 14 discovered Project AWARE recently at a Dive Centre Manly  “Dive for Debris” presentation.  He qualified as a junior open water diver over the Christmas holidays and has since done 14 dives.  “There were lots of great prizes at the Treasure Hunt, I was excited to win the trip to South West Rocks and look forward to diving there when I turn 15 so I can make the most of Fish Rock Cave,” said Tiarnan.  

“Dive Centre Manly has a proud tradition hosting the Underwater Treasure Hunt. Now it it’s 18th year Project AWARE is honoured to receive proceeds from the event. The Foundation relies on champions like Dive Centre Manly to go above and beyond and raise much needed funds for our ocean. Holding fundraising events is a great way to get your dive club together for a good cause,” said Joanna McNamara, Coordinator Project AWARE Foundation. 

Thanks to all the sponsors and a big thanks to Dive Centre Manly for organizing this smashing event.  

Prizes generously donated by: Mike Ball Dive Expeditions, South West Rocks Dive Centre, Forster Dive Centre, Tusa, Oceanic, Halcyon, Dive Centre Manly, PADI, Scubapro, Spirit of Freedom, Dive Adventures.