ICE HOLE FESTIVAL
Please join us for the 8th annual Ice Hole Festival January 30-31 and February 1-2 at Lake Okoboji Iowa. We will have excellent facilities on the ice with a large tent, commercial heaters and hot beverages.
There will be support for each sponsor store to teach classes or fun diving for those already certified in ice diving. Certifications are purchased through your local dive shop. If you don’t have a participating shop, we can get you set up with one of our event sponsor shops.
PADI has generously stepped up as our event headline sponsor providing unparalleled access to ice training for both instructors and divers and will be the primary certification delivered on site. All shops and agencies are welcome to participate and use our facilities/logistics.
Proudly title-sponsored by PADI, the Ice Hole Festival has garnered steadfast support for creating an inclusive dive event. Renowned Ice instructor trainer Charles DuPont from PADI Canada played a pivotal role in developing the festival, ensuring a focus on professional-level education on the intricacies of ice diving. Territory Director Michael Janssen and esteemed PADI Regional Manager Steve Heaton are among the repeat participants, adding their expertise to the festival’s success.
The festival goes beyond being a mere diving event; it serves as a catalyst for building infrastructure and fostering collaboration among dive shops to strengthen the scuba industry. Founder Richard Thomas envisioned a unique approach to ice diving, transforming it from a tough outdoor activity in harsh conditions to a comfortable and inviting experience. The investment in creature comforts and safety is palpable upon arrival, with well-appointed event tents, heaters, and hot drinks readily available.
The Ice Hole Festival is a transformative experience for participants, from new instructors mastering the rigors of ice diving to dive shops realizing the potential of bringing trained dry suit divers to test their skills in extreme conditions. The event emphasizes collaboration, with participants stepping up to help each other, creating an environment where everyone finds their groove and showcases their potential to become future professional divers.
A professional video producer will shoot daily content for your social media and help
you create amazing content for your business.
Our pro will also create an event recap with your voice over comments to customize
a personalized message to your customers.
While the event experiences growth each year, organizers remain committed to maintaining the quality of the experience over sheer numbers. Safety is the top priority, exemplified by the addition of a special photographer hole and a limit of 60 divers. A third hole is reserved for returning alumni who are properly trained in safety procedures.
The Ice Hole Festival welcomes additional sponsorships. Companies that value fostering collaboration among dive shops are encouraged to explore sponsorship opportunities. Participating shops and manufacturers are featured on banners, t-shirts, event materials and press releases ensuring recognition for their contribution to this extraordinary event.
Dedicated to training for professional divers and new ice diving instructors.
The legendary ICE Hole Party!
Fun dives, training new ice divers, and allowing instructors to aquire required dives.
The Ice Hole Festival aims to showcase the profitability of winter programs, particularly benefiting Southern Dive Centers that traditionally shutter during the winter months. Fourth Element extends its support by offering top-end cold-water exposure wear without minimum buy, facilitating success and fostering new relationships for participating dive shops.
Dive shops signing up as sponsors will have their name prominently featured on event banners, t-shirts, event materials and press releases. Additionally you can take advantage of our professional video producer to create amazing content for you business at preferential rates.