Attractions and sensations of an extreme activity
At the end of autumn, with the drop in temperatures, the mountain peaks begin to be covered with white snow, and their ibones, the name given to high mountain lakes, begin the annual cycle of freeze its crystalline waters. It is time to think about preparing the diving equipment to experience one of the most spectacular sensations that winter has in store for us: a dive under the bowels of the lakes.
Ice diving is an extreme sport in a tremendously hostile environment, which requires significant technical and physical preparation, but as a reward, Practicing this activity will give us a unique experience that will flood our body with adrenaline.
A world of visual contrasts (luminosity in the virtual ice ceiling and darkness in the background), of lethargic fauna (amphibians, fish, crustaceans, flora...etc. ) and, ultimately, a host of new sensations await us in this type of immersion. There are numerous factors that place it at the limit of human possibilities (hypothermia, altitude, physical effort, dysbaric accidents due to diving at altitude,...) but they are easily minimized with information, good planning and the appropriate material.
Once encouraged to submerge ourselves in the icy high mountain waters and under a layer of ice whose thickness can range between 20 centimeters and one and a half meters, depending on the exterior and interior temperature, altitude, etc., it will be interesting to conscientiously organize the expedition, following some steps that we cannot omit if we want to keep an unforgettable memory of this dive .
Advanced planning
Previous information
It will be essential to know in advance and with maximum certainty the state of the meteorology in the area. To do this, we will consult the weather reports and the news localabout possible weather changes, the day we plan to have our date under the ice. A good knowledge of the weather in high mountains will be essential for the success of our adventure.We will cancel the diving if there is a risk of avalanches, very low temperature, very thick ice cover, possible storms, heavy snowfall, etc.We will also take care of knowing the exact altitude and the atmospheric pressure to calculate the decompression if at any time it is necessary. For this we will use tables and computers.
Guided diving
Something very important to keep in mind is that we will only do ice diving if we are accompanied by qualified or recognized instructors. >to carry out this specialty, since it will provide us with guarantee and security in our immersion. Ice instructors are trained to analyze the conditions of the ice layer under the lake, something that is essential to guide us safely on the water and to deal with any eventuality that may degenerate into an incident or accident. It is totally inadvisable to try to dive on our own without having the help of experts in this modality.It is characterized by knowing in advance and with the maximum certainty the state of the weather in the area. We will consult the weather reports and local news about possible weather changes on the day of our appointment under the ice. A good knowledge of the weather in high mountains will be essential for the success of our adventure.
Procedures and preparations "on site" prior to the moment of immersion
In situ study of the ice cap of the ibon
The thickness of the lake's ice layer is analyzed to know the resistance and support pressure it will have. With light thicknesses, around 5 centimeters, it is advisable to enter through the shores (less susceptible to freezing). Thicknesses close to 10 centimeters will force us to lend < strong style="font-size: 12px;">a lot pay attention to the outside temperature (if it is below zero the ice resistance will be optimal, but if it is above, the surface layer may be damaged. The thicknesses around 20 centimeters are ideal for practicing diving and installation of material and human equipment near the hole. It is convenient secure with a rope the person in charge of making the hole.Attaching a safety rope
We will always tie a rope near the shore to a tree, rock, etc. If this is not possible, it will be fixed with a pair of ice nails away from the immersion point. This rope will serve to approach the point where the entrance hole will be made and also to help the divers exit towards the shore, in addition to being a point where they can secure a safety reel.
Making the entry and exit hole
We will not make it triangular or rectangular, but never square or round. The reason is that the first two make it easier to enter and exit the hole itself, because divers can support themselves better on the sides. Depending on the thickness, the hole will be made with a proper saw (if the ice layer is thin) or a power saw (if it is of considerable thickness).Team formation
It is recommended diving a total of three divers maximum and one surface diver which will be the one with the reel of thread where the diving divers will be attached. In addition, there will be another group of divers prepared to intervene in the event of any setback indicated by the surface diver, since it is the only one who has contact through signals with divers in immersion.Creating a circle of safety
It will be about 15 meters away from the center of the hole. It is a safety distance so that the ice sheet does not support too much weight, with the consequent danger of cracking or breaking. All divers that pay attention to the outside temperature (if it is below zero the ice resistance will be optimal, but if it is above, the surface layer may be damaged. The thicknesses around 20 centimeters are ideal for practicing diving and installation of material and human equipment near the hole. It is convenient secure with a rope the person in charge of making the hole.Attaching a safety rope
We will always tie a rope near the shore to a tree, rock, etc. If this is not possible, it will be fixed with a pair of ice nails away from the immersion point. This rope will serve to approach the point where the entrance hole will be made and also to help the divers exit towards the shore, in addition to being a point where they can secure a safety reel.
