So You Want To Be An Ice Diver...
The allure of ice diving is a very real one for many hardy divers. Slipping beneath the frozen surface and exploring caverns and creatures that somehow survive beyond frigid temperatures can be an amazing experience. That said, it does come with many a challenge, and even more precautions. Here’s a couple things to consider before looking at ice diving training…
Are you drysuit certified?
Though not technically a requirement, diving with a drysuit under the ice will make for a MUCH more comfortable dive. Diving in a wetsuit is certainly feasible, and tenders and rescue divers at the surface may opt for this just due to the ease of getting in and out, but you will be cold. Like, colder than you’ve ever been. Think polar plunges, but not getting out of the water cold. So, before considering the freezing plunge, maybe take a drysuit course!
Overhead environments.
Most people don’t consider that when they go in the ice, there’s only one way out: back to the hole. Much like cave diving, you will not have access to the surface. This is why proper training is important. You will be equipped with reels, lines, tenders, and redundant means of getting back to where you came.
Do you have the crew?
Ice diving is the farthest thing from a solo expedition. You will generally need a minimum of one buddy pair, a tender, and a rescue diver at the ready in case of emergencies. Add to that the tools you’ll need to get under the ice (chainsaws), protection above the ice (pop up tents, warming huts) and ways to get all this gear on the ice, it is absolutely a team effort.
Have you ever dove beneath the ice? What did you see??
Image: DT Mag