Ice freediving

By | April 22, 2012

Freediving under the ice has attracted a lot of attention. These pictures are the most talked about.

Even in this environment you can find breathing holes though sometimes only the snorkle passes.

It’s best to spot your breathing holes from the surface and make sure to have enough air to back away if you cannot fit.

Far, far offshore…

The air temperature was an issue. I had to pry my belt off. Total dive time was 2 hours and 20 minutes. We used 5.5 mm Dessaults.

underwater shot of me on the surface among ice floats

underwater shop of me going down

Benjamin freezing his butt off in a 7mm Beuchat.
Benjamin Raffi, real cold

Jean Jacques wearing the Dessault face mask. He could not feel the 0C water (32 F).
Jean Jacques with Dessault face mask

Jean Jacques in icy water

Underwater shot of René going for the bottom

Shadow of Ren&eacute on the surface

At one point you have to find an exit.
René trying to find a way to the surface

This time I had to push the ice appart.
Breathing hole found.

Ice formation

Frozen fish special

The Esclapez did not like the cold water I guess.
I spent another 40 minutes swimming with one fin.
Broken esclapez fin

clear ice and weed

clear ice and more weed

ice walker

ice light show 1

ice light show 2

Jean Jacques and René

These contraptions block the ice before they enter the channel and ram the bridge.

To stay in place in the current the best option is to stay behind the tanks.

lights

6 thoughts on “Ice freediving

  1. Brit

    And I thought 49F was crazy. These are beautiful, seems like a truly otherworldly experience.

  2. daniel de lasalle

    bonjour!M.potvin,serait il possible de communiqué par téléphone,moi et mon ami, chassons au harpon depuis 4 ans .On chasse dans le meme lac depuis. J’aimerais discuté, avec vous,a propos de la chasse soumarine et les endroit dans les environs.Je demeure a l’assomption.je vous laisse mon#de téléphone 450-541-8910 car je ne suis pas souvent sur internete. Merci.

  3. dududukkkkkkk

    Ice freediving | Rene Potvin Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wished to say that I’ve really enjoyed browsing your blog posts. After all I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again very soon!

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