Diving into 1 degree water on a -30 day? Why not?

Ice diving is the most extreme, hardcore type of diving there is out there. Divers endure almost 0 degree water, wear cumbersome dry suits, and get pretty chilly; but the people who do it couldn't love it more.  

These divers are generally well trained, experienced and certified. Cochranite Jean Francois Bolduc, The Dive Shop, Instructor, says besides an adrenaline rush there is nothing more beautiful than looking up and seeing the sun come through the ice.  

Ice diving has become more popular in Canada because of the people who are diving addicts, but couldn't travel somewhere warm. Now it has become more of a badge of honor to be an ice diver.

"The purpose at the beginning was to help people that couldn't afford to travel in the winter time. Because it is a very social activity where you meet people, people wanted to do it all year round. It is more of a challenge than regular diving because of the cold, and being under the ice. It is a spectacular view from under the ice."

Bolduc says the cold isn't necessarily the hardest thing about diving, it is overcoming the fear of being under the ice.

"The cold is not the problem. You have to fight with this fear of the ice. Many people don't realize how impressive it is to sink in the cold water, breathe compressed air, and take in the view."

If ice diving sounds like something you would be interested in, click here for more information.