Practical PADI ICE diving in Latvia, the third of four parts

Practical PADI ICE diving in Latvia is a series of descriptions of ice diving training in several parts - Here is First part, The second part, Part Three, and the concluding Part Four on practical ice diving.

can be obtained in Latvia PADI ICE DIVER certificate by learning it in the underwater diving club "Daivings.lv", during the winter, when there is a safe layer of ice on the waters.

PADI ICE Diver

the course features an unusual sub-ice world

Choosing the right diving spots in Latvia

Latvia, with its icy lakes and rivers, offers a fascinating blanket of ice for divers who want to explore the hidden wonders beneath the frozen surface. In this section, we will introduce you to the right choice of diving sites in Latvia, ensuring different skill levels and emphasizing environmental preservation.

Overview of popular ICE dive sites

Dolomite quarry in Sloka, Jūrmala - Located near the capital Riga, Lake Jugla is a favorite choice of diving ICE enthusiasts. The lake offers a variety of underwater topography, including submerged models, platform trees and dolomite rock formations, creating an intriguing environment for exploration.

Dolomite quarry in Sloka

The lake, which has formed on the site of a quarry, is located in the Riga district, in the territory of the city of Jūrmala. In order to reach the reservoir of the Dolomites quarry, you have to spend ~25 minutes on the road from Riga.

Dubkalnu quarry, Ogre– located in the picturesque Ikšķile district. Dubkalnu quarry is one of the most popular recreation areas in Ogre. The quarry is located in the territory of the "Ogres Zilie kalni" nature park. Access to the quarry is easy from the side of Ogre. There is a steep hill on the east side of the reservoir. From here there is a magnificent view of the body of water with many sandy swimming spots. At the top of the hill is a road leading to Ogri. The reservoir is surrounded by forests. Dubkalni Quarry is famous for its crystal clear waters and unique underwater landscape formed by the remains of ancient sand mining. The lake offers diving opportunities in shallow waters suitable for both beginners and experienced divers.

Dubkalnu quarry, Ogre

It is located in the picturesque Ikšķile district

Daugava near the bridge of islands – For those looking for river adventures, the Daugava, Latvia's largest river (367 km), offers diving opportunities under the ice. Divers can explore the hidden treasures of the riverbed, from rock formations to aquatic organisms adapted to the cool waters.

Daugava

Cranes, ships and yachts Mangalsala, Riga

Considerations for different skill levels

For beginner divers, with PADI Open Water Diver certification: Beginners should choose dive sites with shallower depths and minimal underwater hazards. Lakes such as the Dolomite Quarry in Sloka, with their gradual descent and clear visibility, provide an ideal environment for new divers to gain confidence and experience.

Divers, with PADI Advanced Open Water diver certificate: those with some experience of ice diving can go to more difficult places such as Lake Jugla. With different depths and submerged structures, these sites offer opportunities to improve skills and explore the nuances of ice diving.

Experienced divers, PADI Tec Deep diver certificate, experienced ice divers can overcome their limits by exploring the depths of the Baltic Sea. Current flows create an additional level of complexity that requires advanced navigation and buoyancy control skills.

Environmental conservation and responsible diving practices

Respect for wildlife encountered

The cold waters of Latvia support a delicate ecosystem. Divers should keep a safe distance from aquatic organisms, perch, pike and crayfish and refrain from disturbing the natural habitat. Do not touch or collect underwater and marine organisms to maintain ecological balance.

Leave no trace

Responsible divers follow the principle - leave no traces. Dispose of all personal and dive-related waste, ensuring that the underwater environment remains intact for future generations.

Participation in underwater cleaning initiatives

Get involved in local clean-up initiatives. Many dive centers organize underwater cleanups to remove debris and promote environmental conservation. Participation in such activities contributes to the well-being of Latvian water ecosystems.

^{Techniques for successful ice diving}

When preparing to explore the frozen underwater landscapes of Latvia, it is important to learn the key techniques to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Buoyancy control in cold water

Cold water affects buoyancy, so precise control is critical. Practice buoyancy control in a controlled environment before heading out into open water. Proper weighing and learning buoyancy control techniques contribute to smoother and safer ice diving.

Communication strategies in icy conditions

Underwater communications become more difficult in cold water due to limited visibility. Establish clear hand signals and communication protocols with your dive team buddies before each dive. You regularly participate in ice diving events and register in time to ensure that everyone on the diving event arrives at the same time.

Navigation and exploration of underwater ice formations

Navigating underwater ice formations requires a good understanding of the environment. Familiarize yourself with the layout of the dive site and plan your route in advance. Be careful on ice formations to avoid accidental collisions and potential hazards.

When delving into the field of ice diving in Latvia, the correct choice of diving sites, compliance with different skill levels and commitment to responsible diving practices are the basis for a full-fledged and sustainable underwater experience. Stay tuned for our exploration of essential techniques that will enhance your ice diving experience in Latvian waters.

Followed by Soc. networks and learn about ice diving news

The New Year's tradition of the diving club "Daivings.lv" has been going on for 20 years and for the gathering of divers, diving under the ice takes place on December 31 at 10:00 In a dolomite quarry. Visitors to the diving school say that after such lessons, their sleep has also significantly improved, because being under water is a good way to separate yourself from the outside world for a while and relax your thoughts and mind.

River guardians: Diving cleanup in the Daugava