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Thanks. I haven't ever fallen through the ice and plan to keep it that way. I love having the spud but after hearing that someone went through while spudding and having my experience of the ice shifting with hits of the spud, I became a little less confident in spudding due to my limited knowledge. I'd rather have the spud than be walking blind.
A spud is just another tool to help keep you safe. If you are in a place where you have to spud every step, you're taking a chance just by being there. Some people are bigger risk takers than others. For me, I use the spud on unfamiliar waters where there could be spring holes or other weak spots that are unknown to me. A spud can save your life but it can't make up for taking unnecessary risks on the ice.
Wouldnt unfamiliar waters warrant the need to spud every step? I haven't been on ice yet where the spud goes through or even shows water without more than 4 good hits in the same spot. I am trying to minimize risk while on the ice. I was asking if spudding increases the risk of ice cracking under you. In addition, any other tips or suggestions you have for minimizing "unnecessary risks on the ice"?