1st Ice Dive

[Reallydg]

Wow! And I'm fretting about getting in the water around here in a couple weeks with my 6.5 farmer johns and hooded vest. All I can say about the 3 mil is good luck and better you than me. I'm looking forward to reading your post on how that worked out. Enjoy your dive!

 

[cavew0man]

6 inch string dont seem long enuf,, (hey, its my story)....
Bill

I once caught a fish THIS big!

Good luck! You're a bigger man than I. Pun intended.

 

[DA Aquamaster]

6" is being generous. In water that cold there is a substantial shrinkage factor to consider.

 

[Reallydg]

Well - at least it will be one of those "take your breath away moments" as per your signature.

 

[Gary D.]

I don't like the idea of a shop taking new divers on ice dives especially in a freaking 3 mil. Can it be done? Sure it can and I know several people who have done it. Is it a good idea? I don't think so and personally I think it's irresponsible on the shops part.

Are they doing it for bragging rights or to get a laugh out of new divers? Either way if your going to do it do it right and not skimping on the thermal protection.

Gary D.

 

[themagni]

6 inch string dont seem long enuf,, (hey, its my story)
The wet suit was the exact same size as my 3 mil, id I had to dive in a 7 mil again, I wouldnt do it,
The 3 mil wet suit dive tomorrow will be 20 minutes at best, shorter if I get to cold. Tho, I did not feel the cold today at all, only on my wrist like I said, not even around my mouth or face witch were of course bare. I'll post again tomorrow to let ya's know how it came out ( and I'm not talkin about with the string)
Bill

My point with the suit size is that even if they're both L, the L in the 7mm may not be large enough and a slightly larger size may be required. Watch the fit, not the label on the rack.

If you're determined to do this, I'm not going to fly to Michigan to stop you. Several people used to cold water are trying to tell you that you're not wearing enough protection. If you didn't feel the cold in the 7mm, then that's what you should be wearing. Wearing less can cause you a lot of problems. You're increasing your risk of DCS, among other things. Cold divers use more air, react slower and with less dexterity, and get dehydrated. 3mm is a poor choice. I wouldn't wear one here in June even if I could find one. The shops here don't even stock 3mm suits - summer diving is done in 7mm john + jacket.

If you're going to ignore that and dive 3mm anyway, bring a thermos full of warm water, just a little warmer than you would like a bath to be. When you get out, you can pour this water into your suit. This will fix the "I think I'm going to die" sensation. Bring a second thermos with tea, hot chocolate, or coffee, depending on your preferences. Do not confuse the thermoses.

Good luck.

(Actually, once I wore a 3mm shorty, but that was under a drysuit. It's a long story.)

 

[pittyyofool]

38f and a 3mm wet suit. You are more man than I. And everyone thought I was crazy normally diving a 4/3mm in 62F water, a bit chilly at the end of a 40 minute dive but ok.

So if i am crazy, you are completely NUTTY!

Be Safe Don't get hypothermia. Get out if you start getting cold. Get out immediately If you start shivering, and have someone escort you to the surface. If you shiver then stop it is to late you are hypothermic, and will pass out soon if not warmed promptly. In 38f water with no suit you lose dexterity in 2-3 minutes and Unconsciousness occurs in 15-30 minutes. 3mm Is not much of a wet suit at that temp. At 30 feet it compresses to about 2mm and 60ft 1.5mm. I know someone that went severely hypothermic after a long day of diving in 50f water wearing a 5mm.

 

[kathydee]

And to think I get cold in 80 degree water in a 3mm????
Anything colder I switch to 5mm or more!

OMG! Ice diving in a 3mm?????? Forget it!!!!!

Like others said, please be smart & be careful!

 

[bill-da-ho]

I have dove in my three mil in 45f water, I felt no cold at all, I know 38 is alot colder, and I'm not saying I wont feel it. but the 5/7 mil I just couldnt breath in, or move to well for that matter, it is already a 3x, possibly they make them bigger?? I dont know for sure. This 2nd dive will be in 15 feet of water, if I feel the least bit cold I'm getting out. The dive shop does bring warm water out on the dives,, and a warm up shack/tent. Didnt need the tent yesterday tho, the sun was shinning and I was burnin up standing there waiting to get in the water,,

 

[kathydee]

3X??? Maybe already plenty of insulation?

Be careful & make sure to share your experience !