Waves crashed onto Canoe Beach on October 29th as the Third Annual Underwater Pumpkin Carving Contest got underway. Over a dozen divers readied their gear, hollowed out their pumpkins, and sketched out their designs with team members. The feeling of competition was in the air, as teams planned their strategy: “I”ll hold the pumpkin, you carve!”,  “Bring a slate in case we need to communicate!”, and “Don’t forget a dive weight to put inside the pumpkin!” were some of the phrases heard among the competitors.

The divers made their way down to Canoe Beach, but upon entering the water, it became quickly clear that the previous days of stormy weather had stirred up the cove – the visibility was only a couple of inches, making safe underwater carving impossible. However, with pumpkins still ready, the carving contest continued, albeit on land. Beautiful marine themed Jack-O-Lanterns were created, with a jellyfish design carved by Three Seas students Emily Duwan and Jess Bechofer winning 1st prize in both the in-person and online voting! Check out all the beautiful carvings and other shots from the day’s adventures on the MSC’s Facebook page, and have a Happy Halloween!