Ice Diving

by Susan Copelas

Published in AB Vol.48, No. 4 (Apr. 06)

Now is my chance, the icing on the cake, the victory lap. I invert myself under the ice, my fins flat against the ice, and give 2 quick tugs to tell the surface support that I am ready to skate. They return the sign, 2 tugs back, and off I go! The guys race away from the freshly cut hole pulling the brightly colored rope that is securely fastened to my waist, and I glide through the wintry, frigid water. The large triangularly cut hole is in sight. 100 feet has quickly flown by, my crew huffing and puffing as they scramble back to help me up from the dark waters. My wet face is instantly exposed to the sub zero temperatures, my dry suit immediately freezes into a sheet of ice, and my hair is a massive cluster of icicles. Don, my surface support, quickly submerges my cold hands into the hotter, and I can feel them tingling as the blood rushes into them. I am now back on the ice; my first ice diving experience turned out to be a blast.

But, as you know, victory laps only come after the hard work is done, although “hard” is relative and subjective. From this experience I learned a ton. Everything from where to set ice screws, to what the most effective knots are, to rescuing missing people, and the necessary safety procedures. Between ice cutting, drilling techniques, and splicing ropes I had a weekend filled with facts and precautions. One aspect of the class that was learned, and not taught was camaraderie. My safety was dependent on my partner’s awareness and knowledge; I will in return give my full attention while my partner is underwater.

Although the water was cold, deflator valves stuck, and wet masks quickly became permanent fixtures of the ice once set down, the air was fresh, the beautiful pines stood along the lake like soldiers at attention watching us indulge. Friendships were formed, diving skills were broadened, and despite the –30^o temps, diving is diving. I’ll take it in any form.

All photos courtesy of Susan’s friend Ukon DonI

	ICE DIVING
by Susan Copelas Published in AB Vol.48, No. 4 (Apr. 06) Now is my chance, the icing on the cake, the victory lap. I invert myself under the ice, my fins flat against the ice, and give 2 quick tugs to tell the surface support that I am ready to skate. They return the sign, 2 tugs back, and off I go! The guys race away from the freshly cut hole pulling the brightly colored rope that is securely fastened to my waist, and I glide through the wintry, frigid water. The large triangularly cut hole is in sight. 100 feet has quickly flown by, my crew huffing and puffing as they scramble back to help me up from the dark waters. My wet face is instantly exposed to the sub zero temperatures, my dry suit immediately freezes into a sheet of ice, and my hair is a massive cluster of icicles. Don, my surface support, quickly submerges my cold hands into the hotter, and I can feel them tingling as the blood rushes into them. I am now back on the ice; my first ice diving experience turned out to be a blast. But, as you know, victory laps only come after the hard work is done, although “hard” is relative and subjective. From this experience I learned a ton. Everything from where to set ice screws, to what the most effective knots are, to rescuing missing people, and the necessary safety procedures. Between ice cutting, drilling techniques, and splicing ropes I had a weekend filled with facts and precautions. One aspect of the class that was learned, and not taught was camaraderie. My safety was dependent on my partner’s awareness and knowledge; I will in return give my full attention while my partner is underwater. Although the water was cold, deflator valves stuck, and wet masks quickly became permanent fixtures of the ice once set down, the air was fresh, the beautiful pines stood along the lake like soldiers at attention watching us indulge. Friendships were formed, diving skills were broadened, and despite the –30^o temps, diving is diving. I’ll take it in any form. All photos courtesy of Susan’s friend Ukon DonI

ICE DIVING