Aim
To enter the water safely using the giant stride method.
Reason to Learn
The giant stride entry is the best entry whenever you're entering deep water off a stable platform. A stable platform may be either a boat with a dive platform, a dock, or even the side of a swimming pool. If you dive from larger dive boats this is the entry you'll most commonly use.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: 1-3 Minutes
Here's How:
- Put on all of your equipment according to the method used on your boat. For example some larger boats will ask their divers to put all equipment on including their fins before leaving their tank rack, other boats may ask divers to put their fins on closer to the entry point.
- Ensure that your mask is on properly, your regulator is in your mouth and all other equipment is in place.
- Stand at the edge of the boat with one fin over the edge and the other at a 45 degree angle to your body. If the boat is rocking you may need to hold a rail or ask another diver or one of the boat crew to help you balance.
- Inflate your BCD so that it is a third to half full of air.
- Look down into the area where you're planning to enter the water to make sure it's clear of other divers and potential hazards.
- Place the palm of your right hand over your regulator with you index and middle fingers firmly against your mask. Hold your weight belt buckle with your left hand.
- While looking straight ahead towards the horizon take one big step forward with your back leg.
- Once you've entered the water you should float comfortably on the surface. If you don't, inflate your BCD until you do.
- Once all is OK give the OK signal to the boat.
Tips:
- Don't jump off the boat - look straight ahead and just take a big step.
- If you're wearing a weight belt remember to hold the buckle as you stride – it is not uncommon for buckles to burst open when they hit the water.
- If you start to sink when you're in the water just inflate your BCD to become positively buoyant.