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So many people have asked me what I want to use ascenders for underwater 
that I thought it would be easier to post the reply to the list.  Here's 
the story.  I know a spot below a dam where chinook and stealhead salmon
concentrate during August.  I would like to photograph these fish.  The 
blast from the dam has dug a crater and thrown up a berm.  The fish seem
to like the inside of the crater.  However there is quite a current in 
this crater.  The current runs both out of the crater and into it!  
The problem then is to get myself and my camera gear into the crater 
( and out! ) and provide a stable platform from which to operate the camera.
My plan is to run a line along the lee side of the berm and then into the 
crater.  I will then use the line to aid and protect my entrance and exit
from the crater as well as provide an anchor point for operating the 
camera.  With a camera in hand I will probably need some mechanical 
assistance to move and anchor on the rope.  Hence the need for ascenders.
The problems I see are 1. I don't want to throw the ascenders away after 
the first use in water.  2.  Since the current can run in either direction
the ascenders will need to be able to grip in either direction.  3. The 
water is cold ( 5C? ) so I will need to be able to operate the ascenders 
with a gloved hand.  4.  I would like to use the thinnest rope possible.
5.  How to attach the ascenders to my diving rig so that I can operate them.

Beyond the above use of the ascenders there are several potholes I would like
to dive that are protected by rather slimy looking walls.  However this is 
more of a standard climbing use of ascenders.

Barrie Kovish
Vancouver

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