A better ice diving class...

[dlent]

Are there any agencies that teach ice diving without using the "Dope on a rope" method? I want to learn how to ice dive running a regular reel like you would in a cave. The ice diving class that I took was practically useless.

 

[texdiveguy]

Are there any agencies that teach ice diving without using the "Dope on a rope" method? I want to learn how to ice dive running a regular reel like you would in a cave. The ice diving class that I took was practically useless.

Hmmm.... take a cave course and walla you have it made.....then take the reel and hand it to your surface tender and clip the line on your kit and take off! There are many folks who use no safety line at all in ice diving. Its a shame you did not get much from your class.....maybe you expecting something to different. Most of the programs I am aware of are recreational based ice diver classes and of course safety based in design...though multiple divers on tethers could be an issue. Good luck and be safe. Brrrrrrrr!!!

 

[SteveAD]

If you've already taken one ice class and didn't like the "dope on a rope" model, which just happens to be the standard, and think there is a better way to do it than what you learned, then what is stopping you from doing it? Afraid Darwin is watching?

 

[The Chad]

LOL "dope on a rope" thanks for the laugh

 

[Rainer]

"Dope-on-a-rope" works for what it's designed for (recreational ice diving). I guess it usually also works for whatever the Coast Guard does (usually). Plenty of full cave divers are doing ice dives with very similar procedures to cave dives. Run a search over on TDS for details. I don't know of anyone teaching such a class, though.

 

[Scubadude773]

Dope on a Rope...LOL
Afraid Dawin is watching...LOL
I am wondering if you are cave certified by NACD or any of the other recognized cave diving groups if you would be permitted to ice dive?

 

[Greg_MacMaster]

Since I work with a law enforcement search and recovery dive team-Should I consider myself looking for the "dope without a rope" when you come up missing? Something to consider. I worry about those who have to go looking for you....on a rope.

 

[dlent]

Reread my post. I'm not talking about ice diving without a line to the surface. I'm talking about using a reel. Do you know what a reel is? I'd rather use a reel, because a 100' floating line doesn't allow you to see much underwater. The ice diving class I took is practically useless. It doesn't even cover gas management. The lecture we were given in the class lasted a whole 5 minutes. What a joke! It also would have been nice if the class had a book.

Since I work with a law enforcement search and recovery dive team-Should I consider myself looking for the "dope without a rope" when you come up missing? Something to consider. I worry about those who have to go looking for you....on a rope.

 

[dlent]

Darwin is always watching. That is why I want proper training. The industry standard ice diving classes are not good enough in my opinion. Maybe I'll just take a cave class and apply what I learned to ice diving.

If you've already taken one ice class and didn't like the "dope on a rope" model, which just happens to be the standard, and think there is a better way to do it than what you learned, then what is stopping you from doing it? Afraid Darwin is watching?

 

[nadwidny]

Darwin is always watching. That is why I want proper training. The industry standard ice diving classes are not good enough in my opinion. Maybe I'll just take a cave class and apply what I learned to ice diving.

Which is what a lot of people have done because they feel the same as you do about recreational ice diving courses.