Ice diving [Archive]

ScubaK-Dawg

November 4th, 2003, 02:47 PM

VTernovski

November 4th, 2003, 03:12 PM

I am also interested in this. I actually got a free "ice diving adventure" (won a raffle) with Scuba New York in Yonkers. They don't have any information on the trip yet, but I guess as soon as they do, I'll be there. They do require an actuall Ice-Diving special c-card... at least that's what I've been told. I;ve been diving dry for quite some time now, and becasue of the trip plan I had to go and actually ake the stupid class to get the Drysuit C-card (PADI).. that was a wate of my time (and money) really,.. did you know that PADI teches not to use the BC for bouyancy, but use only the Dry suit for ouyancy?? that blew my mind. anyway... I got the card just for the logistics...

BOATS313

November 4th, 2003, 03:12 PM

I know that my regs have a kit for diving in the ice that keeps the water out of the first stage. An ice class does sound fun.

mwilding

November 4th, 2003, 03:15 PM

Hoboken Dive shop apparently does this every year. The trip up (to New Hampsire or Lake George) is apparently a big kegger. For that reason alone I am going...

:relaxing:

ScubaK-Dawg

November 4th, 2003, 03:57 PM

now that sounds fun. Any idea when they are planning to do the next trip, or do they just wait till the lakes freeze and plan it then?

XJae

November 4th, 2003, 04:04 PM

mwilding once bubbled...
Hoboken Dive shop apparently does this every year. The trip up (to New Hampsire or Lake George) is apparently a big kegger. For that reason alone I am going...

:relaxing:

A diving kegger. That sound like a blast.

The Scuba Connection does an ice trip too.
Hopefully I'll be diving dry soon.

TCDiver1

November 4th, 2003, 04:24 PM

VTernovski once bubbled...
.. did you know that PADI teches not to use the BC for bouyancy, but use only the Dry suit for ouyancy?? that blew my mind. anyway... I got the card just for the logistics...

I keep hearing this and wonder where it's coming from. Unless i'm missing something, i don't believe PADI standards require teaching using your Dry Suit only for buoyancy control. If i'm missing something in the standards, someone please help me here.

We teach using your BC for primary buoyancy control and putting air in dry suit only to offset squeeze and/or cold. I think the main point is don't try to use both at the same time for buoyancy control and get caught having to vent both at the same time on ascent. Having to vent both at the same time is not good and is unnecessary task loading for the average diver IMO.

mwilding

November 4th, 2003, 04:55 PM

ScubaK-Dawg once bubbled...
now that sounds fun. Any idea when they are planning to do the next trip, or do they just wait till the lakes freeze and plan it then? Sometime in March is all I know.

And regarding "PADI Standards" I have just gone through the knowledge reviews in this course and the textbook talks about using the suit for bouyancy except at the surface. My instructor will be going over both ways in the pool and at Dutch on Sunday.

dutchfin

November 4th, 2003, 06:40 PM

Did an ice dive 2 yrs ago with The Scuba Connection. Awesome stuff!! People looking at my Fla tags and wondering what the @#$% I was doing there! Really a great time. I think its an annual thing for them. We went up to Vermont and dove Lake Champlain

BILLB

November 4th, 2003, 08:38 PM

An independent instructor who works with me take divers up to Vermont every year for certifications and dives. If you live in the PA area around Philly, PM me and I will get you in touch with the instructor.

Like DutchFin I am too an original Florida native. But unlike him I am not ready yet for this experience yet.

VTernovski

November 4th, 2003, 09:25 PM

Rick, if you go again this winter. Let me know ans I am there.

dutchfin once bubbled...
Did an ice dive 2 yrs ago with The Scuba Connection. Awesome stuff!! People looking at my Fla tags and wondering what the @#$% I was doing there! Really a great time. I think its an annual thing for them. We went up to Vermont and dove Lake Champlain

VTernovski

November 4th, 2003, 09:28 PM

Between the 2 hour boat ride in 6 to 8 foot swells and an ice dive, I am choosing ice diving anyday.... the worst feeling in the world for me, is being seasick... but that's anotehr topic.

Hey, I just gotmy dry gloves too. well, I had them for as long as I owed my dry suit, but never bothered to put them on, until last weekend. oh my! I am beating myself up now for not doing it earlier. I am love! ..with my gloves! I sleep with them now and hug them goodnight.

BILLB once bubbled...
An independent instructor who works with me take divers up to Vermont every year for certifications and dives. If you live in the PA area around Philly, PM me and I will get you in touch with the instructor.

Like DutchFin I am too an original Florida native. But unlike him I am not ready yet for this experience yet.

TCDiver1

November 5th, 2003, 08:30 AM

mwilding once bubbled...
Sometime in March is all I know.

And regarding "PADI Standards" I have just gone through the knowledge reviews in this course and the textbook talks about using the suit for bouyancy except at the surface. My instructor will be going over both ways in the pool and at Dutch on Sunday.

Morning all. :)

Standards are not necessarily what you find in student course materials. Standards are what is printed in each agencies instructor manual.

One other comment about standards from the only the standards i know .... PADI. Some of what is written in these standards is caste in stone such as key standards or what they call bold type standards. Things that are not key standards or not typed in bold are generally recommendations only and do not need to be strictly adhered too. In these cases its the instructors discretion how to approach the situation.

With that said, i'm not saying your instructor is wrong, he/she is using their discretion based on what is said in the dry suit manual. I don't agree with what is in the student manual and since it is not written (in bold), in the dry suit instructor outline, that you have to use your dry suit for buoyancy, we have the flexibility to teach using your BC instead. In this case, and unless i'm missing something, standards are not being broken by me our your instructor.

Not trying to preach here, just clarifying my understanding of what PADI dry suit standards are.

MikeFerrara

November 5th, 2003, 09:56 AM

Good point Gedunk.

I'm a long way from my instructor manual right now but I think you're correct.

VTernovski

November 5th, 2003, 07:25 PM

I have an idea. Why don't we make this Ice Diving this winter a club dive. Who else is interested?

XJae

November 5th, 2003, 08:15 PM

I'm up for it...
but still need to go dry.
which, like I mentioned, will be doing soon.
[maybe sooner than I thought.]

I just missed this...
TSC offered for this weekend coming up,
Dry suit, Nitrox and PPB, with all dry equip rental for $300.
...I might be able to have them offer it again if enough of us are interested.

ScubaK-Dawg

November 6th, 2003, 08:38 AM

Good idea, we'll just need to find an instructor who doesn't mind teaching it. Maybe we can head up to lake george or somewhere like that for a few days... There's supposed to be some cool wrecks up there.

IzzyTahil

November 6th, 2003, 09:52 AM

hmm i might be interested if the costs/training are not too prohibitive

ScubaK-Dawg

November 6th, 2003, 11:01 AM

I sent some E-mails out to some shops to try to get some more information on a potential ice diving trip. I'll keep everyone updated as I find out more...

VTernovski

November 6th, 2003, 11:31 AM

I've heard nothing but the good things of Mad Dog Expeditions in regards to their Ice-Diving training. You're actually going to get a C-Card for this, and the cost is $350.

http://www.maddogexpeditions.com/project_five/ice.htm

Location is usually in Upstate NY.

ScubaK-Dawg

November 6th, 2003, 01:10 PM

They look like they'd be great. Sounds like they have lots of experience, since they run some arctic expeditions. I sent them a request for more info. Looks like they have Feb 7-8 and Feb 21-22 scheduled (weather permitting). Feb. 7-8 works best for me, I may be taking the instructor course during the other weekend.

VTernovski

November 6th, 2003, 01:48 PM

The only concern I have is that it appears that they do ice diving on St. Lawrence Seaway? wow... We dove the St. Lawrence just a couple of months ago, and the current was rocking. I can't imgaine diving under the same conditions under the ice! Unless they refer to some sort of lake nearby and not the actual river.

dutchfin

November 7th, 2003, 08:44 AM

Actually Vadim, there are quite a few spots on the St. Lawrence where the current is minimal or non-existent. If anybody hasn't tried ice diving, get ready for a rush!! It's also a type of diving that you don't want to do without some type of training. It is an overhead envirement that requires certain tecniques in case of emergencies. You want to make sure you can get back to that hole if you happen to get seperated from the line! I must admit though, that it is probably the most unique kind of diving I've done yet. If it interest you, GO FOR IT ! Have fun and Dive safe, Rick

divinglife

November 7th, 2003, 04:33 PM

Yes, there is an Ice Diving trip coming up!!! It has been scheduled for March 5-7 to Lake Winnipesaukee, NH. There is a course offered in conjunction with the trip. Yes, count me in as well!!! Hey M, you should sign up soon as spots are going fast!!

IzzyTahil

November 7th, 2003, 07:47 PM

March is doable for me!! Count me IN :)

Rick - saw you at DS last w/e and wanted to say hello but didnt want to disturb ya w/ your students!

Everyone - have good dives this weekend.

Dive safe

divinglife

November 7th, 2003, 11:10 PM

Great Izzy!!!
Stop on by the shop some time!!! Anyone who has nothing better to do tomorrow can always stop by and say hi (I'm there all day....boohoo....hehe). At some point this month I really must finish off that dry suit course (stupid eye has made me land based only). Good luck on sunday, wilding. HINT: the hot apple cidar at Dutch is a GODSEND!!!!!!
so now I am looking into undies for the dry suit..... oh it will all look so bulkily attractive, I'm sure.... (the beuaty queen in me speaks out.... hehe).

divinglife

November 7th, 2003, 11:16 PM

oh yeah and in response to the St. Laurence comment, the dive shop I use in Montreal does their ice diving in the St. Zotique area on the river. Apparently its more lake like than river like. The center of the river where the cool wrecks are (Ontario region) doesn't really freeze over because of those currents. There is also a lake near Ottawa (Lake Morrison) where folks ice dive too. I was thinking of hitting the St. Zotique option sometime early next year in order to have some more experience before the big ice diving weekend. If anyone else is interested, let me know.... maybe we could hook something up.

VTernovski

November 8th, 2003, 01:22 AM

I am more linient to go with "Mad Dog Expeditions" for my first time.. sounds like they know what to do. once I did this, I can probably be more confortable doing this with anybody esle down the road... Let's talk more closer to the season...when the mercury drops...

In the mean time, I am off to Bonaire with Izzy and won;t get back on the board until next weekend, a week from now.

cheers!

jetblast00

November 14th, 2003, 09:21 AM

Just an FYI for those in the NY metro area:

Village Divers http://www.villagedivers.com (http://www.villagedivers.com) does an Ice diving trip every February over Presidents Day weekend. It's a trip/class, so all are welcome whether you've done ice diving before or not.

As a bonus (if you like wrecks) it's an ice/wreck dive at Lake Winnipesaukee.

VTernovski

November 17th, 2003, 11:43 AM

jetblast00, do you work for Cal? sorry, just sounded like. I'll be there tonight to pickup my yet another BP/Harness. I'll be sure to ask Cal about the ice diving trip. I've hear that he invested a lot of $ in the equipment to make these types of trip happen.

jetblast00 once bubbled...
Just an FYI for those in the NY metro area:

Village Divers http://www.villagedivers.com (http://www.villagedivers.com) does an Ice diving trip every February over Presidents Day weekend. It's a trip/class, so all are welcome whether you've done ice diving before or not.

As a bonus (if you like wrecks) it's an ice/wreck dive at Lake Winnipesaukee.

jetblast00

November 17th, 2003, 11:57 AM

VTernovski once bubbled...
jetblast00, do you work for Cal? sorry, just sounded like. I'll be there tonight to pickup my yet another BP/Harness. I'll be sure to ask Cal about the ice diving trip. I've hear that he invested a lot of $ in the equipment to make these types of trip happen.

Yes, I'm an instructor at the shop. Sorry if my post sounded like a commercial... Just wanted to let people be aware of another ice trip. Personaly, I'd prefer this ice trip though because I do love wrecks, and this is a wreck dive as well. :D

I'm trying to manage my work schedule right now to go on the ice trip this year. I'll probably be there myself.

And yes, Cal is completely self sufficient with the ice gear, lines, tents, stoves, etc... needed. And yea, it cost probably him a little bit...

VTernovski

November 17th, 2003, 12:16 PM

ah, ok. I've probably seen you at the shop. You guys have any set dates yet? I've heard of the dive and of the wreck, sounds like a good location. What's the cost of the trip and can Cal or you work with the club on getting us a group rate. I am not sure that the money talk is premitted here, so you can probably send me a priavate message in this regard.

Thanks,
-Vadim

jetblast00

November 17th, 2003, 12:40 PM

You'd have to take any $ discussions up with Cal, although I'm pretty sure that the trip price is on the shops website.

We could have met before.. it's a small world. Look at the ice pictures on the wall at the shop tonight to see a colder version of me ;) ...

VTernovski

November 17th, 2003, 01:05 PM

you're right I'd definatelly need to clarify prices with Cal. form the Website, it looks like it's almost twice as much as Mad Dog Exp., and Mad Dog's reputation is hard to beat! ..unless it includes the lodgning?

I'll speak to Cal, but if you have some "lead ways" with him feel free to mention the Scubaboard and WV Club folks that may potentionally book his whole trip for the club dive. I am sure we can come to an agreement of some sort. Let's touch base on that later.

VTernovski

November 18th, 2003, 12:01 AM

Spoke to Cal very briefly today... the shop was full of people and I thought he was teaching a class or something... so I didn�t want to intrude on anything and promptly vacated the premises with my new SS BP (still waiting on my harness).

He said it includes the lodging, which softens the blow of the price, which is still, I thought, is a bit high, considering the lodging is probably based on more than 2 people in the room? (Just speculating here) I didn't go into details.. Who knows, may be he also included the transportation too... I am just purely speculating at this point, but I think I am leaning towards Mad Dog at their sticker of $350 (and a choice of lodging, transportation, etc..) vs. $650. We need to compare apples to apples here, and it just wasn't enough information provided to me at this point.

Perhaps you, JetBlast, can find out the details and let us know?
I am having hard time communicating with Cal via email as it seems he never really reads my entire messages and his replies are usually a one line reply. Not sure if it's me or him.

divinglife

November 18th, 2003, 12:29 AM

650?? that IS a little steep. yeah the Hoboken trip to Winnapasaukee is also in the 350 range (lodging, transport incl).
I was also thinking of going up to Canada (Montreal area) to try it out as they freeze earlier.... would anyone be interested????
I do know a great shop up there and they start ice diving in jan.
(And sofi keeps pushing the canada idea with no takers.... :( )

dutchfin

November 18th, 2003, 09:20 AM

For thoses of you who have never Ice dove before: You will probably have to make some equipment changes and also get your regs envirementally set-up. As for staying warm, the toughest thing I found was keeping my feet warm. Not only will you be diving, but tending lines and being service support and rescue divers. Depending on the size of the class, you could be standing on the ice cover for 6 hrs or more! Makes for some preety cold feet. Even having a tent with 2 propane heaters didn't help with the feet. Just a few thoughts to help you prepare........

rakjar

November 18th, 2003, 09:39 PM

Ice Diving? Are you guys crazy, I went today and dove waters at 50 degrees and was fine in my wetsuit, but I can see even a drysuit would make ice diving comfortable........Have fun though...

dan813

November 19th, 2003, 12:11 AM

Sofie,
I would love to try Canada. Winter or Summer. I will probably be purchasing my drysuit after the new year.
Dan

divinglife

November 19th, 2003, 01:07 AM

Have you done the dry suit class yet???? Cause Rick is actually gonna be in the pool this Sunday with a class. We're doing the Dutch dives in January. Ya, when I get back I will look into Canada in the winter... perhaps a little ice diving before our big trip so I'm not a total newbie.
See you next week!!!

dan813

November 19th, 2003, 01:25 AM

I am already dry suit certified. You handed me the card on Sunday. Did I forget something? What is next week?

jerseygirl

January 6th, 2004, 04:17 PM

You need a hood and gloves as well as drysuit undergarments, many layers of warm clothes, 2 pair of non-cotton thermal socks etc. It is actually more freezing to stand outside on the ice all day waiting to dive - the dives are only 15 mins each but only 2 divers go down at a time. Hoboken's trip is great- last year they rented a bus and all stayed at an ice diver-friendly lodge on upper Lake George. You can get Ice Diver certified with them (PADI) if you take one class and then do all 3 dives over the 2 day weekend for at least 15 mins each. It's about 4 hours drive from the city.

jerseygirl

January 6th, 2004, 04:24 PM

Here's an idea to help with the cold feet- We stood on a thick board which didn't conduct the cold and kept our feet off the ice when we could. I have no idea where the board came from but it worked!

divinglife

January 7th, 2004, 02:26 AM

Hey Jersey Girl!! Yup, there is a bus (and keg) this year as well. Except it will be to Winnapasaukee instead of Lake George. So far about 30 people have signed up... so many loonie folks around here I guess... hehe. I'm still debating going or not. Warm weather is calling my name though....

Sean326

January 9th, 2004, 02:41 PM

Does anyone know of any Dive shops/instructors that are planning to offer an ice diving course in the PA/NJ/NY area this winter (assuming it get's cold enough and the ice is thick enough)? Call me insane, but I'd like to try it. Also, what additional diving gear is required that is specific to ice diving? I already am diving in a drysuit, doubles, and high performance cold water regs, anything else ???

O'Donnel diving in Norristown has a great trip, we're going up on the 30th I think it is around $300.00 for two days of diving.

www.odonneldiving.com

he also is at Dutch about every other weekend, out on the peninsula with a big trailer, grill / hot food, hot tub, lots of equipment air etc. And he teaches anything you want whatever the class size anytime. Great setup.

No... I don't work for him.

WRKNUT

January 10th, 2004, 11:15 AM

Does anyone know of any Dive shops/instructors that are planning to offer an ice diving course in the PA/NJ/NY area this winter (assuming it get's cold enough and the ice is thick enough)? Call me insane, but I'd like to try it. Also, what additional diving gear is required that is specific to ice diving? I already am diving in a drysuit, doubles, and high performance cold water regs, anything else ???

The SCUBA Connection is doing an ICE Diving class the last weekend in Feb.. I Did a class with them a couple of years ago and it was very cool, no pun intended! Go to there website for details, they always keep it updated.
http://thescubaconnection.net

WRKNUT

January 10th, 2004, 11:26 AM

For people interested in ICE Diving I saw that The SCUBA Connection is running a trip the last weekend in Feb. they do one every year. I took the class a couple of years ago, it was great!! Just go to their website for details. www.thescubaconnection.net

RiverRat

January 10th, 2004, 11:43 AM

Dive Junkie

January 13th, 2004, 04:49 PM

Hey guys, i'm finally on the board! The dates for The SCUBA Connection's course are Feb. 27,28,29. Class starts @ 6:00p.m. Dives are on Lake Champlain. See www.tscscuba for details!

VTernovski

February 10th, 2004, 03:48 AM

Pan Aqua is offering a course in February. They have locations in CT and NY. Dives are in upstate NY.
nystore@panaqua.com
www.panaqua.com

Ice Diver Course
New York Location
Dates: 1/28 Dives in CT on 2/7 & 8

Yep... I was there... well, actually I had no idea that Pan Aqua was "running" the show, since I was with Scuba New York, and I was under the impression that it was to be the Scuba New York thing running the show; but whatever... There were so many Pan Aqua's people that we (Scuba New York team) had to cut another ice-hole and do our thing. It was great though! I did my three dives and got certified! I actually can't wait to do the ice-diving dives again,.. and next time, I am bringing my camera!

VTernovski

February 10th, 2004, 03:55 AM

Ok, now since I am certified.. who run Ice diving trips for already certified divers? in other words, I don't want to pay full price for an ice diving class just to go ice diving again... seems that most shops just offer classes (since it's their bread & butter), but about those that want to keep on doing the dives?.. or ir's kinda assume that people do it to get a c-card and that they probably won't ever do it again?

weekender

February 10th, 2004, 03:24 PM

hoboken does, and its a blast. a bunch of divers, a bus and alchohol. how can you lose? they have a regular crew that goes every year. give them a call 201-795-3483. they might not have any spots for this year i believe they are going the first week in mar.

divinglife

February 11th, 2004, 09:00 PM

There is a group of folks that have been going on this trip all 7 or 8 years it has been running... (although I'm secretly convinced some people go for the kegger on the bus... hehe). It IS the first weekend in March (5-7) and it is pretty full but call if you are interested in going. Apparently the ice is so thick right now that they've been driving large trucks across. We've got this great picture in the shop of the extra small hole that was drilled for a mesh bag holding the Heinekens. The last 2 guys coming out did a pit stop at the bag and came out of the hole holding a beer... hehehe.

dutchfin

February 11th, 2004, 09:11 PM

Alchohol + cold temps + cold water = .............???

divinglife

February 12th, 2004, 12:57 PM

hehe.... no, it's cold temps + cold water = post diving alcohol! (or hot chocolate for the fruity.... hehehe (like me))

Sean326

February 12th, 2004, 03:25 PM

Alchohol + cold temps + cold water = .............???

I just got back from two great days of ice diving up in Alexandria Bay.

The actual ratio of dive time to bar time is one of minutes to hours

For example:1 min. under the ice 1 hour in the bar, 3 min. under the ice 3 hours in the bar.... you get the idea.

:coke:

mwilding

February 14th, 2004, 01:41 AM

I have an idea. Why don't we make this Ice Diving this winter a club dive. Who else is interested?I am. I didn't get on the list for the Hoboken trip.

XJae

February 14th, 2004, 07:35 AM

i'm pretty sure tsc has a few spots open for their trip to lake champlain the last weekend of the month.
i'm not signed up, but may be last minute if there's still room.
slim chance at best.

JMG

February 14th, 2004, 04:43 PM

XJae - I'm signed up for TSC's trip at the end of the month. Last I heard, there was one other person signed up and a few maybes, so I'm betting there'll probably still be room. Of course, the TSC guys are on this board now, so I'm sure they'll be able to tell you more than I can.

divinglife

February 19th, 2004, 09:40 PM

sorry to keep this big thread going, but the Hoboken Dive Center just opened up a couple more spots on the ice diving trip (March 5-7) to Lake Winnipesaukee, NH. If anyone is interested send me a PM or phone me at the shop!!!

rscalzo

March 10th, 2004, 12:57 PM

Hey, I was one that trip!

Hoboken Dive shop apparently does this every year. The trip up (to New Hampsire or Lake George) is apparently a big kegger. For that reason alone I am going...

:relaxing:

XJae

March 10th, 2004, 03:10 PM

JMG

March 10th, 2004, 05:04 PM

It was a lot of fun. We dove the pinnacle both days, and had really great weather, so we didn't even bother setting up the tent. There were only three students, two from TSC and one from Vermont. Two of us managed to get all three of our checkout dives done the first day, so we were done with our certs and could just dive for fun on Sunday.

I've put a few of the pictures on the web; check them out at www.princeton.edu/~jguberma/icediving.html

XJae

March 10th, 2004, 05:21 PM

Wow. Those pics are great. Looks like you had a great trip.
Crazy Lamprey eyes...lol.

I see you picked up some dry gloves. Those must have been great.

JMG

March 10th, 2004, 06:05 PM

They were loaners from the kind folks at TSC. They were great, although Doug (sorry, don't know his screen name) was diving with wet gloves and he did all right. We got very, very lucky with the weather.

Can't wait to do it again next year. On the drive back we were talking, and we now have enough people ice certified locally that we might be able to do our own trip a little bit closer, if anything close happens to freeze over.

VTernovski

March 11th, 2004, 03:33 PM

and we now have enough people ice certified locally that we might be able to do our own trip a little bit closer, if anything close happens to freeze over.

Definatelly, count me in. Pics are great! next time I am bringing my Oly 5050 in Tetra to make some underwater shots of everyone!