WINTER DIVING
In the winter, dive locations very
depending on current conditions. So for weekly dive locations, call me at
509-868-6531.
Also, we sometimes change the dive day
to Saturday, Sunday or Monday , so we can get in the occational daylight
dive!
A Note
about winter Diving
Yes, some of us do dive all winter. The water is often very clear, the crowds
are few and there is a real sense of peace diving in the winter. Winter diving
also brings with it some unique challenges
Exposure protection. In the winter months, as the
water temperatures drop, dry suits are a must have. You also need to wear the correct
undergarments, gloves, socks, etc. (I actually wear electric gloves). You can rent dry
suits from Atlantis, but it does get expensive. Get a dry suit. Take the class. If you are
going to dive the northwest, you will be glad you did.
Lights.
Afternoon diving in the winter means it'll be dark. Even during mid-day, the sun
is low and it's often overcast. So, bring a light! Or let me know it you need
one an we'll make sure to bring an extra one or two.
Cold water regulators.
As water temperatures drop, regulator free flows increase. We did one dive one winter
with seven divers and only four of us made it to the wreck. Even then, at the wreck I had
a free flow and had to shut down my main tank and let the first stage defrost. Twice!
Of course, this was prior to purchasing my environmentally sealed Atomic M1. Free
flow issues can occur in the winter, and a diver needs to be perfectly
comfortable with air sharing. However, you can eliminate free flows by purchasing a cold-water regulator and by
making sure your regulator is professionally service. Another major cause of free flows is
over breathing the regulator, so you need to be comfortable in the water.
Pre-dive
preparation. In cold water, you can minimize the chance of free flows by
taking a few precautions before entering the water.
The drive to the dive
site. Sometimes just getting there is half the fun! It’s nice to have 4X4
drive, but if not, at least good snow tires.
Warm-up clothes &
liquids. Even though water is 200 times more efficient at sucking the warmth from
your body than air, it’s colder outside of the water than in it. So good warm
clothing for before and after the dive is important. Also, a warm liquid. And be sure to
be plenty hydrated before and after the dive.
There’s
nothing like a quiet evening dive during a light snow. This is about as peaceful as it
gets. And isn’t it amazing that, in our dry suits, we’re nice and warm the whole
time? Sure, this is extreme diving, but it’s fun! We dive the Coeur d’ Alene
docs around Christmas time, and the thousands of colorful Christmas lights seen
from underwater are a site to behold.
Come
join us!
