A Guide To ICE DIVING - 7 Tips for Freediving under the Ice

Freediving under the ice is an amazing experience, but it can also be extremely dangerous. Safety is paramount in this extreme sport.

Timestamps:
1. 00:00 - Intro
2. 00:32 - Thick Ice
3. 00:51 - Right Tools
4. 01:28 - Dennis accident
5. 03:03 - Push away the ice block far
6. 03:20 - Safety equipment
7. 03:48 - Clear water
8. 04:05 - Focus
9. 04:36 - Never ever dive alone

Huge thanks to:
- Li from @freedivenordic (https://www.freedivenordic.com/) Several shots were used in this video that she filmed!

Dennis for cutting the holes with his chainsaw and sharing his accident story. Esaja for the amazing photos (one used in the cover photo). Alexander, Petter, Dean, Christian, Mai and several others for for joining and contributing to this video.

Here are all seven tips in text:

1. Thick Ice
The first tip is to make sure that the ice is thick enough. 10-15 cm is a minimum. You don’t want to fall in with your equipment before diving. If the ice is too thin it will break when you try to get up.

2. Right tools
The second tip is to have the right tools with you. You can either use a chainsaw or combine an icedrill with an ice saw. If you are strong, it’s possible to use an axe as well. Making a triangle entrance makes it easier for the divers to get up, and it looks pretty dope as well.

3. Push away the ice block far
When you’ve cut a hole in the ice, make sure to remove or push away the ice block far. You don’t want the ice block to slide back and plug the exit or entrance.

4. Safety equipment
Don’t forget the safety equipment. If you plan to dive down deep, use a buoy with a line and attach a lanyard to it. If you plan to swim between holes, have a rope between the holes for guidance. If you plan to swim far it can be a good idea to have a rope around your body. However, make sure that the rope is long enough for you to reach the other hole.

5. Clear water
Make sure that the dive spot has clear water. It’s crucial that you can see where you’re going, that you can see your dive buddy and the exit hole. If the water is murky, don’t dive.

6. Focus
It’s important to focus when you dive under the ice. Be aware of the distance to the hole, make sure you know where you are, follow the light. There is no room for mistakes, so don’t take any risks.

7. Never ever dive alone
Finally and probably the most important tip: Never, ever dive alone. This is always important when it comes to freediving, but extra important under the ice. Even a shallow dive can be fatal if you don’t find the hole. Make sure to always have a safety buddy watching you, even on short or shallow dives.

Видео A Guide To ICE DIVING - 7 Tips for Freediving under the Ice канала Robin Havervall