32nd Annual Underwater Pumpkin Carving

PLEASE NOTE:  THERE ARE NEW RULES FOR 2027!

The Underwater Pumpkin Carving Contest is an annual Extreme Sports Scuba event that challenges divers to put their carving skills to the test underwater.

New this year: Costume Contest! Come dressed in your best costume and compete for the Best Costume Award and a gift certificate. All participants who dress up will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite costume.

Carving a pumpkin on land is easy. Underwater, however, pumpkins become buoyant and much more difficult to control, making this a unique challenge for divers of all skill levels.

A dive buddy is required to participate. If you do not have a buddy, let us know, and we will do our best to pair you with another participating diver who also needs a teammate.

Event Details

Date: Sunday, October 3, 2027
Location: Indian Creek Campground, Beaver Lake, AR
Arrival: Please arrive no later than 12:30 PM to set up your gear.
Group Photo: Be in the water by 12:55 PM.
Start Time: 1:00 PM
Entry Fee: $10 cash per diver. All entry fees will be added to the prize pool.

Carving Contest Prizes:

1st Place: 50% of the prize pool
2nd Place: 30% of the prize pool
3rd Place: 20% of the prize pool

 

Participation and Safety Rules (NEW)

  1. All divers must show proof of current scuba certification and sign an Extreme Sports Scuba liability waiver before participating. Junior divers must have a parent or legal guardian sign the required waiver.

  2. All participants must be in the water by 12:55 PM for the group photo.

  3. All members must be in the water and ready to dive at 1:00 PM. If you or your buddy are not ready to dive at 1:00 PM, you will not be permitted to participate. This ensures every team has the same 45-minute hunt window.

  4. The maximum dive time is 45 minutes or until either diver reaches 700 PSI, whichever comes first. Exceeding either limit will result in disqualification. If you hear the designated underwater honking signal, the carving time is over.

  5. Surface and land-based safety divers will be present during the event. When surfacing, give the safety team an OK signal so they know you are safe.

  6. All divers MUST have a dive buddy. If you lose contact with your buddy, you may search for no more than one minute. If you cannot locate your buddy within one minute, you must safely surface. You may not continue the dive without your buddy.

  7. Unsafe behavior or failure to follow event safety guidelines may result in immediate disqualification and removal from the event.

Carving Rules (NEW)

  1. One pumpkin per diver is allowed. Any size is allowed.

  2. Divers must carve a hole in the top of the pumpkin before getting in the water to allow air to escape.

  3. Divers must not start carving until the diver and the pumpkin are both fully submerged.

  4. Divers are allowed to use carving knives or diving knives.

  5. Divers may not use carving sheets or have anything marked on the pumpkin ahead of the dive window.

  6. No props are allowed on the pumpkins

  7. A time limit of 45 minutes or 500psi is the carving window.

  8. One prize per person.

  9. Only the participants who have entered can judge.

  10. No electric knives.

  11. Participants are required to pose for a photo for social media use.

  12. Practice safe and courteous diving!

  13. Have fun!