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Inside Scuba Issue #25

Inside Scuba Issue #25

Byron Conroy & Andy Deitsch
January 12, 2025

Welcome to Issue #25 of Inside Scuba

Welcome to Issue #25 of Inside Scuba, your go-to source for all things underwater! This edition dives into thrilling adventures and innovations, from ice diving in Iceland’s surreal frozen landscapes to mastering the art of the spin shot in underwater photography. We also bring you the latest dive news, spotlight innovative gear from DEMA, and celebrate rising talents in underwater imagery. Dive in and let this issue inspire your next underwater escapade!

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What’s happening in this edition?

Mastering Ice Diving in Iceland: Expert Guide to Thrilling Cold-Water Adventures
Dive News
Becoming a Spinmaster: Perfecting the Spin Shot Technique in Underwater Photography
DEMA Spotlight: Henrik Borg Introduces Waterproof’s Newest Innovations
Instagram Spotlight
Summary

Mastering Ice Diving in Iceland: Expert Guide to Thrilling Cold-Water Adventures

I have lived in Iceland for the past 10 years, diving all over the island during the famous summer diving season. However, of all the dives I’ve done here, it’s the ice diving that stands out as the most memorable—exploring beneath frozen lakes, venturing into flooded glacial ice caves, and diving in lagoons formed by frozen moulins atop glaciers.

Ice diving is tough—make no mistake about it. It requires a lot of equipment, heavy weights, long walks, and dealing with cold temperatures. Thick, restrictive hoods and bulky gloves leave your fingers with little sensation. Even once you’ve overcome those challenges, the water presents its own difficulties: you’ll need top-notch line-laying skills, proficient light handling, and effective communication techniques. However, with practice and a little guidance from this article, you can experience some of the most unique dives of your life. There’s truly nothing else like it.

Ice diving involves specific skills, planning, and equipment beyond the scope of recreational diving. This article outlines the key prerequisites, safety protocols, and top destinations for ice diving.

Laying a line under the ice in Iceland

Understanding Ice Diving

Ice diving is classified as an overhead environment dive, which means divers cannot make a direct ascent to the surface in case of an emergency. Instead, divers rely on a single entry/exit point, which requires a surface team, tethering systems, and rigorous safety protocols. These unique conditions make ice diving both…

Photo Tip of the Week - Becoming a Spinmaster: Perfecting the Spin Shot Technique in Underwater Photography

Spin shots are undeniably gimmicky. The first time you see one, you'll probably love it—but, like circular fisheye shots, the novelty wears off quickly. However, the real value in mastering spin shots lies in what you learn along the way. To get them right, you’ll first need to perfect inward lighting, then refine your ability to balance ambient light with precise shutter speeds. The skills you develop through this process are invaluable and will serve you well in countless other photographic scenarios. So even if spin shots don’t become your favorite technique, I highly recommend learning them for the lessons they offer.

Another great thing about spin shots is how impressive they are to others—especially non-divers and even divers who don’t shoot photos. They often find these shots hard to wrap their heads around, but they absolutely love them. Mastering this technique is sure to earn you admiration from everyone else on the boat.

The classic spin shot, performed on the top of an elephant ear coral

So, What Are Spin Shots?

A spin shot, in essence, involves creating a circular blur effect around a central subject. This effect is achieved by…

DEMA Spotlight: Henrik Borg Introduces Waterproof’s Newest Innovations

Waterproof, the Swedish dive gear manufacturer based just outside of Gothenburg, has been a cornerstone of innovation and quality in the diving industry since its founding in 1984 by brothers Göran and Björn Ehlmé. Over the decades, the company has evolved from a small family operation into a global leader, crafting wetsuits, drysuits, gloves, and accessories that cater to divers of all levels. While at DEMA, we had a chance to meet up with Henrik Borg, a product manager with the company since 1987, who offers some insights into Waterproof's storied history, standout products, and exciting new developments.

Henrik emphasized the family-oriented culture at Waterproof as a key factor in his long tenure. “It's just about family and doing what we love,” he explains, describing how the company fosters a sense of unity among employees, distributors, and customers. This hands-on approach extends to product development; despite overseeing global sales, Henrik remains deeply involved in research and development, often working directly with the design and service teams in Sweden.

Summary

Whether you're braving icy waters, capturing underwater shots, or exploring the latest dive tech, this issue has something for every enthusiast. Thank you for being part of our scuba-loving community. Stay curious, stay warm, stay adventurous, and see you in the next edition of Inside Scuba!

Andy & Byron

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