7 Tips for Diving Fresh Water Lakes

[DiverWire]

(DiverWire) When it comes to strapping on scuba gear and heading out to dive, the first images that come to mind are crystal clear waters, tropical locales, and unlimited visibility. Salt water creatures like lobsters, octopuses, and sharks capture the imagination. People dream of vivid coral reefs teeming with exotic life, colored as only Disney could imagine. The reality, however, is that an extremely large portion of the diving population spends their diving time in fresh water lakes. While the sport is essentially the same, the differences in environments pose some unique challenges. 1.) Know Your Altitude Altitude diving is considered any dive made 1000ft above sea level or higher. If you aren’t using a dive computer, then ...
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[drrich2]

From #3.)

Using split fins or a style of fin that is less likely to disturb the bottom is another way to avoid stirring up a murky cloud.

Did you mean to say paddle fins, or 'instead of split fins?' I dive splits, but I know from the forum they can create some turbulence in the path of a diver skimming the bottom.

Enjoyed your article.

Richard.

 

[Redshift]

Interesting how the first advice is gear, instead of education. "Learn different kicking techniques to avoid disturbing the sediment" would have been much better.

 

[Agility]

As a fresh water diver I am missing one IMHO essential advice: redundant cold water suitable first stages.
Most lakes in Europe are very cold at depth, freeflowing regulators are a non issue if they can be shut down without losing access to the breathing gas.

 

[drrich2]

Redshift:

The simplest and easiest thing to do is often the best recommendation since it's more likely to consistently happen.

Richard.

 

[Alexander1975]

Iam diving regularly cold and dark lakes in the Netherlands and would recommend a good dive computer with LCD or OLED screen. Below 15 meters / 50 feet everything is really pitch black and a good readable computer makes your ascents (rate) much easier.