A good tip to use when diving in freezing weather conditions is not to
breath through your regulator on the surface, do so only after you are
submerged in the water. when it is extremely cold outside condensation
from your breath will instantly freeze in your second stage and can cause
a free-flow situation. Another trick is to bring hot water in a thermos
and just before jumping in pour it in your regulator for a quick defrost.
This works great especially if you are going to do a second dive and your
equipment is iced over from getting wet on the first dive.
Another problem with diving in these temperatures is
that your equipment is stiff as a board. Fins can become difficult to out
on by yourself and make sure to bring spare fin and mask straps because
the can become brittle and beak with age in the freezing temperatures.
Before leaving home to do these type of dives I completely disassemble my
second stage and my BC inflator cap and thoroughly dry the inside before
going in the cold. If you plan on learning to do this type of diving take
an equipment specialty class first so you can keep your equipment in
perfect condition.
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