Anyone Dove Antartica???

[Nesher]

I'm seriously considering a great opportunity to dive in Antartica. I've done some research of various research and recreational diving expeditions already.


What I want is to hear from someone who has actually done some diving down there. The trip is not until 2010, but, I've got to make a deposit w/in a couple of months.


I'd like to get some intel from someone whose had prior contact. Who did you go with? How were the accomodations on the ship?

Did you take a Russian or American, Australian or New Zealand vessels. Which airlines did you take?


What equipment (regulators) did you use and how did it perform for you? Give me a thorough briefing is possible.

If you're out there let me hear from you..

Thanks

 

[BabyDuck]

you might try getting in touch with jill heinerth at karst productions...

 

[Doc]

Russian "research trip", paid big money. 1986 or so. Their gear.

The diving was "an experience", the voyage was much more.

There was a whole lot of Vodka.

 

[jepuskar]

My guess is its going to be cold...but someone on here will have to disagree with that statement.

 

[Nesher]

Russian "research trip", paid big money. 1986 or so. Their gear.

The diving was "an experience", the voyage was much more.

There was a whole lot of Vodka.

RoatanMan:

Tell me all that you remember about the voyage. Get much Ice Diving done in Chicago these days? Are you teaching in the area? if so, where?
Just curious.

Thanks

 

[drbill]

One of my dive buddies did a big ticket ($16,000) trip there two years ago. Dry suit flooding with 28 degree water on one of her dives... priceless. She did enjoy the trip quite a bit.

A professor of mine in college used to tell us about his experiences diving WET in the Antarctic back in 1957. As I remember it, he looked like a Pillsbury dough boy in black neoprene (or rubber or whatever they used).

 

[zen_man]

A professor of mine in college used to tell us about his experiences diving WET in the Antarctic back in 1957. As I remember it, he looked like a Pillsbury dough boy in black neoprene (or rubber or whatever they used).

I'm picturing this and it's cracking me up.

 

[Doc]

RoatanMan:Tell me all that you remember about the voyage. Get much Ice Diving done in Chicago these days? Are you teaching in the area? if so, where? Just curious.

It was a delayed honeymoon kind of thing and we are talking 20+ years ago. The bottle of champagne that I put in a duffel was soundly smashed and at one point, clothes were frozen solid from the airflight. Argentina- wow, look at all the hot, tall blondes (hey, I married one!). Leather was a bargain. Life began at 2000 hrs. We were some of the only/first guests on the ship that wanted the diving adventure package. They were pretty much so used to older, monied National Geographic reader types from Manhattan. The only other diver was a Scandanavian guy, maybe 10 other guests. Not a comfy cruise liner, a metallic clanky working ship. Hot and cold water as well as compartments. Great food. Happy crewmen. Lectures, movies, slides, Zodiac excusrsions. Two dives after one practice imersion dive. Tethered to each other by a very long loose line. Penguins UW. Anemones and Starfish.

Etherial blue diamond light. It's like that first time you were in warmer climates at 15 feet in a heavy wave zone where they're crashing into the coral heads above and around you. The bubbles, light, colors, everything is unique and absolutely new. Captivating and unforgettable. I am more more able to enjoy something like that now- back then my mind and concentration was locked into the technical challenges that I felt in the diving. I have grown more relaxed and now am able to see things besides my depth gauge or hand tools (that would include cameras) while diving. How little I knew.

1957 wet suit in the antarctic: I'm picturing this and it's cracking me up.

Those suits were odd. There was a funnel-like tube "hole" where you entered them from the upper back. Then the flappy tube was scrunched together and folded up, almost like the US Flag. Then a heavy piece of spring steel clamp was coaxed over it. I never used one, I was too young, but I remember these contraptions vividly.

Ice diving in the Great Lakes? There was once a day, but never 'just for fun'. And besides, "I'm too old to be cold"

This is cool: Dive Antarctica

 

[Tom Winters]

Man oh man, you gotta do it if you have the scratch. I tried to send myself there while I was in the Navy, but after I found out that they wouldn't let me dive down there and I'd be stuck there all winter, I backed off that track. It's still high up on the list, although my wife looks at me like I'm insane. Check out the Norbert Wu book on his dives there.
Before travel companies realized there was a market for this, people wold fly down to Ushuaia, Argentina or Punta Arenas, Chile and buy a spot on a research vessel. The Russkies sounded pretty accomodating when offered American dollars since their economy went to hell after we won World War III (Cold War).
Good luck with a trip there. Dress warmly, and remember that even though you will be south of the equator, the yellow snow avoidance rule still applies down there.

 

[Nesher]

My wife also thinks I'm insane for even considering it.

But, DUI/Optiquatics are sponsoring a trip to Antartica in 2010.

I haven't mentioned the cost yet to my wife. She will really flip.

They are asking for 10 - 11K for the trip? I'm not sure that includes airfare. I'm still trying to get as much information as I can from them now.

If I decide to go I better start saving now.

Yeah, I hear you, on the yellow snow rules...