Ice axe in river

[rjenbody]

Have any of you river divers tried using an ice axe to hold position on the river bottom. I know one guy who uses a pick axe, but I was thinking an ice axe is designed for the purpose. Just an idea, thought I'd check before I cough up some bucks for one.

 

[pipedope]

An ice axe works great in snow and ice but not so good in mud. It will usually do ok in loose rock.

In mud something with more area works better. In rocks something more pick like might be better.

Answer, it depends on the bottom and what you are doing.

Becareful of entanglement hazards with anything you use.

 

[Detroit Mudpuppy]

For diving the St. Clair river a 12 inch long screwdriver is ideal for digging into the bottom and holding your position in the strong currents. If you want to get fancy you can drill a hole in the top of the handle and attach a lanyard or nylon rope loop. For scrounging around the river bottom I use a long screwdriver for holding my position and a garden shovel for digging around for stuff. Have fun!

 

[Thalassamania]

I usually used two big dive knifes, one in each hand. Wrist straps are a must, I found that out the hard way.

 

[bladephotog]

I've heard of people using small garden hoes, the three or four-tined kind. One in each hand works like a claw. I may try that this year.