The 8th Annual Ice Hole Festival

February 8-11, 2024 Lake Okoboji, Iowa

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About

The 7th annual Ice Hole Festival, taking place at the stunning Lake Okoboji in Iowa, promises an extraordinary celebration of ice diving prowess and camaraderie. Set against the picturesque backdrop of frozen waters, this unique event not only offers a thrilling dive experience but also contributes significantly to the economic vitality of dive centers, particularly during the traditionally slower month for North American dive shops.

Dive into Excellence with PADI as Title Sponsor

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 has 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.

Building Bridges: The Ice Hole Festival's Special Purpose

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 food and drinks readily available.

Transformative Experiences: Ice Diving at its Best

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.

Capturing Moments: Tom St George, Award-Winning Adventure Photographer

Adding to the allure of the Ice Hole Festival is the presence of Tom St George, an acclaimed adventure photographer with a keen eye for capturing the essence of extreme experiences. Renowned for his skill in freezing fleeting moments in time and his ability to encapsulate the beauty of clear waters and the ethereal rays of sunlight piercing through the transparent ice.

Safety First: Balancing Growth and Experience

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.

Sponsorship Opportunities and Community Engagement

The Ice Hole Festival welcomes additional sponsorships, including Aqualung/Apeks, providing cold-water regs and accessories. Companies understanding the value of fostering collaboration among dive shops are encouraged to explore sponsorship opportunities. Two press releases, one before and one after the event, spotlight participating shops and manufacturers, ensuring recognition for their contribution to this extraordinary event.

Event Highlights

Thursday and Friday:

Dedicated to training professional divers and instructors.

Friday evening:

The legendary ICE Hole Party!

Saturday and Sunday:

Focus on training new divers and professional divers accumulating required dives for teaching.

What They Say About The Ice Hole Festival.

Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it.

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Steve Jobs CEO, Apple.

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John Doe CEO, ABC Corp.

Profitable Winter Programs: Unlock the Potential

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.

Claim Your Spot on the Banner: Sponsor Today!

Dive shops signing up at the sponsor level will have their name prominently featured on event banners, t-shirts, and will be included in both post-event and next year’s pre-event press releases.