Ice Diving

Click here to see our selection of Scuba Gear.

Ice diving is a type of penetration diving where the diver enters the water through a hole in the ice. It is considered one of the most dangerous types of diving and requires special skills and training to do safely. The diver has to wear either a dry suit to stay warm or a very thick neoprene wetsuit. Gloves, booties and hoods are also necessary as the water can actually be colder than freezing temperatures, sea water freezes at 28 degrees as opposed to 32.

When ice diving the diver is tethered to the surface for safety. A line tender keeps the tether taught so the diver does not become entangled in their line. Another diver with their own line tender is always suited up and ready to go into the water in case of danger when there is a diver in the water. A shelter is often rigged up over the entry hole to keep the tenders and extra diver warm.

When underwater ice diving the diver communicates with the surface by tugging on the tether. Each tug indicates a different message. One tug generally asks whether the diver or tender is ok, two tugs by the diver indicates to the tender to let the line out, four tugs or repeated tugging indicates danger or needed assistance while three tugs indicates an object has been found. Hand signals are used by the divers underwater.

Click to view your cart.