Mares founder Ludovico Mares has received the prestigious 2026 Early Pioneer Award from the International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame.
The tribute honors his lasting contributions to underwater equipment design and his deep impact on the sport over the years.
Celebrating a Diving Pioneer
Ludovico founded Mares in Rapallo, Italy, in 1949 at age 50. His equipment design and patents laid the groundwork for modern recreational diving; he evolved from a modest coastal workshop into one of the most well-known scuba diving gear manufacturers.
The posthumous honor celebrates his impact on dive gear manufacturing and his influence across the global underwater community.
Rachael and Michael Steidley accepted the award on behalf of Mares and HEAD Watersports during the formal induction ceremony held in the Cayman Islands. During the ceremony, they shared the story of Ludovico crafting his first dive mask from salvaged round glass and a car tire inner tube.
The story highlighted how his practical need to spearfish and feed his family drove his passion for the future of ocean exploration.
A Legacy Born in Rapallo
Commenting on the induction, Rachael Steidley, Marketing Manager for SSI North America, stated:
“Accepting this recognition on behalf of Mares was both an incredible honor and a tremendous responsibility. Ludovico’s legacy is not simply something we look back on with pride. It challenges us to continue approaching the future as he did with curiosity, courage, resourcefulness and an unwavering passion for the sea. Sharing that message with more than 200 young people made this week even more meaningful.”
Expressing gratitude to the organization, Steidley added:
“On behalf of Mares, HEAD Watersports, our colleagues around the world and the generations of divers who have benefited from Ludovico’s vision and innovation, we are deeply grateful to the International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame. This recognition ensures that Ludovico’s remarkable life, pioneering spirit and place in diving history will never be forgotten.”
