World’s longest underwater ‘crystal’ cave in deep Russian waters revealed (PHOTOS)

[JCGoodwin]

The water looks amazing and beautiful cave!
So much more to see than under the ice but FW is right if you dive under the ice the water temp would be fine.
I must say though the warm water caves spoil myself and others.
Last season our New Years dive back here in OH was unbelievable like suffering shock.
It had been just one week before I was in the 70º temps of FL.
It only took a roaring wood fire and a double shot of Wild Turkey to bring my temp back to normal.

Thanks for sharing photo's and links it amazes me to find caves are all over the world and make me want to visit!

JCG

[ScubaRob]

These photos are beautiful too. http://ordacave.ru/gallery/

and http://ordacave.com/index.php?mod=ph...albom=3&page=4

Wow! Beautiful caves, and some excellent photography. Thanks for sharing.

[ScubaRob]

I may have to put Russia on my list of "must see" dive places.

+1 on that. I think i will look into it. The problem is I have no cold experience / training.

[bletso]

Now I just need the air fare and a way to get the equipment there. We dive 3 - 4 C every winter here. It's the best diving but never that clear. We can do 1 1 1/2 hrs in that temp, not on a scooter. How did I ever get land locked?

Dale

[Natalia]

+1 on that. I think i will look into it. The problem is I have no cold experience / training.

I do not have a lot of experience as a cave diver, but I dive in cold water all the time. I do not think you need any special training. Maybe it’s useful to hold your face in the water for a few seconds before diving. The only difference is that you need the warm clothing (insulation), and sometimes we use argon. Some people use clothes with electric heaters. And maybe, you feel each 1 degree if it’s a very big difference, when the water temperature is below 6 C.
Experience ... Just one thing. You like or you do not like to dive in cold water. You know it very quickly.
There are a lot of Russian divers who never dives in Russia. They like to dive, but it should be comfortable. So they dive a few times a year in warmer climates.

[Natalia]

Now I just need the air fare and a way to get the equipment there.

There is a dive center near the cave.
http://ordacave.com/index.php?mod=contact&lang=rus
You can book the room, I think.

http://ordacave.com/index.php?mod=ro...urces&lang=rus

[Sludge]

you feel each 1 degree if it’s a very big difference, when the water temperature is below 6 C.

But once it gets above 7°C it's downright balmy...

I was talking to an ice diving instructor one New Year's Eve at Ginnie (when we were complaining about diving in 72°F water and 45°F topside conditions) who told me how they weed out ice diving students. They fill a tub with ice water and you have to put on a mask and snorkel and stick your head down in it for a minute. If you can't handle it you can't take her course.

[MORGAN]

It's not too bad once your face goes numb - it's that first minute that's the worst!

Looking at my logbook, I see that it's been 6 years since I've done an ice dive, and I have no immediate plans for one.... I'm getting spoiled by Florida caves.

[ScubaGypsy]

It's not too bad once your face goes numb - it's that first minute that's the worst!

Looking at my logbook, I see that it's been 6 years since I've done an ice dive, and I have no immediate plans for one.... I'm getting spoiled by Florida caves.

So does this mean that you do not have an interest to join me in diving the True Blue Quarry mineshafts in West Rutland during the Columbus Day weekend? It was a balmy 36 F in the water while 85 F topside!

[JE]

3 c works out to about 37f+ fyi.
Fresh water freezes at 32 F & Salt water freezes at 28f I believe
The worst thing about ice diving is above the surface where you may find high winds & surface temps below zero F ! Exposure is a real concern here. Dry suits are a must {neoprene} & thermo undergarments as well. Once into the water, it is not bad. You're good for about an hour or more of diving below the ice. I've made excursions across frozen lakes, under the ice in mid January when temps were below zero {-17 to be exact} with high winter winds blowing across the ice as well. Talk about freezing the family jewels..it is cold ! I made one dive below lake superior when the ice was just forming. That was interesting. It looked like a glass ceiling as there was no snow cover yet. So, once your inside the caves in the Permafrost of Russia, it would appear to be a pleasant experiance. Definatly cool and I love the photos in this thread. As far as missing the ice diving .....I live in Florida.....I don't miss it ! Ha ! But you have to make the best of your situation where-ever you are located. Very cool thread here. Thank you ! ^_^
Jack