Coldest dive sites in USA

[David_57]

Not really. I just don't like AK Peckerwood shore divers.

X

Come on down Mr. Super I dont shore dive X or is this a shore dive? Water is a toasty 39F

 

[texdiveguy]

Water is a toasty 39F

Great photo....what a wonderful looking day for an ice dip!

 

[David_57]

When I took the Ice Diving Course I did not have a drysuit so did the course in a wet the water was 37F at the time, I was so nervous did not feel the cold, now 4 years later and many Ice dives under my belt in a drysuit, wonder how I managed in a wet suit funny what nerves can do!!

 

[texdiveguy]

When I took the Ice Diving Course I did not have a drysuit so did the course in a wet the water was 37F at the time, I was so nervous did not feel the cold, now 4 years later and many Ice dives under my belt in a drysuit, wonder how I managed in a wet suit funny what nerves can do!!

When I started diving in coldish water...I to was in a wet suit.....it was not 37f but still a chilly 42f....and would do 1 hour dives.....I was crazy too!!!!

 

[Thalassamania]

Off the coast of Northern Maine I've seen water temperatures down to not quite -2C.

 

[texdiveguy]

Off the coast of Northern Maine I've seen water temperatures down to not quite -2C.

Yep, 28.4f is cold water for sure.....brrrrrrrr!

 

[Thalassamania]

The difference between -2C and +5C really means very little, actually it means little till about +10C when you start considering a wet suit.

 

[David_57]

The difference between -2C and +5C really means very little, actually it means little till about +10C when you start considering a wet suit.

Well I am surprised at this comment my experience has been there is a big difference between -2C and +5C at -1C your extremities get cold a lot quicker, and much more of a chance of free flows.

 

[texdiveguy]

The difference between -2C and +5C really means very little, actually it means little till about +10C when you start considering a wet suit.

I don't really consider 50f wet suit conditions for extended safe diving......it can, and has/is done, as I have myself dove below this range ....but it's not recommended. As to free flows they can occur under varying cold water conditions.

 

[Thalassamania]

Well I am surprised at this comment my experience has been there is a big difference between -2C and +5C at -1C your extremities get cold a lot quicker, and much more of a chance of free flows.

Hands getting cold is a difference, at lower temps you better have dry gloves. Free flow is BS, there are bulletproof regs that will ever freeflow (unless the suffer a first stage seat problem or other mechanical failure) as long as proper procedures are followed. ScubaPro just doesn't happen to head that list.

I don't really consider 50f wet suit conditions for extended safe diving......it can, and has/is done, as I have myself dove below this range ....but it's not recommended. As to free flows they can occur under varying cold water conditions.

I've used wet suits (of proper design: 9mm, skin two sides, GN-231N, attached hood, no zippers, farmer johns, elbow high 3 finger mitts, knee high booties, etc.) up under the Arctic ice, no problem what-so-ever. I have never seen a Cyclon 300, a Sherwood Magnum Blizard, or an AGA, freeflow from cold. Hell ... I used to dive Oceanic Omega and Omega IIs up there and I'd come out of the water with an iceball the size of a grapefruit around the first stage ... but no freeflow.