If extreme, unusual and challenging scuba diving scenarios appeal to you, try diving under the ice. Ice diving is one of the most adventurous scuba specialties because you confront conditions and see beauty few others ever experience. Plus, you might get a chance to play with your exhaled bubbles on the bottom of the ice. Flash your PADI Ice Diver certification card to get instant respect, and usually a lot of questions from other divers about what it's like under the ice.

What Qualifications Do I Need?

You must be a PADI Advanced Open Water diver who is at least 18 years old.

How Does It Work?

Teamwork is essential for ice diving, so you'll start by learning the roles and responsibilities of support personnel, tenders and safety divers. You also discuss types of ice, site selection and preparation, the effects of cold, emergency procedures and handling equipment issues. During three closely supervised ice dives, you'll practice:

• --Using specialized ice diving equipment and safety lines.
• --Signals and communications along with line tending and line-securing techniques.
• --Handling problems and safety diver procedures.

Because this is an intense and unique training opportunity, we would like to have you make an appointment to come in to speak to our staff about the class and ensure you are ready for diving under the ice.

We will conduct one classroom session at Scuba Shack to cover your personal gear and then have you learn about and configure the special equipment prior to hearding out for two days of diving where you will complete three dives under the ice.

Do I Need My Own Equipment?

Yes - in addition to all of your normal scuba equipment we are requiring that you use a dry suit for this class. Proper thermal protection is critical given this extreme environment. Additionally, your regulator must be suitable for cold water operations. You will also need a redundant air supply (we will discuss during you interview and at the classroom session) As part of the enrollment process, our staff will review your equipment and provide recommendations to safely participate.

What Do I Do Next?

Here are the steps to follow:

1. 1. Call or email Scuba Shack to schedule your appointment to come in and meet with us.
2. 2. Ensure your gear is ready for ice diving
3. 3. Get ready to experience a unique diving adventure

Is There Anything Else?

Yes - everyone who takes the PADI Ice Diver class must complete Liability Forms and an RSTC Medical Questionnaire. Based on your responses on the medical questionnaire, you may be required to have your physician clear you for recreational scuba diving. A fully completed medical questionnaire is an absolute requirement prior to any in-water activity with Scuba Shack.