BackRoll entry??

[tommymo]

Well, i guess let me start off by saying that I am a relatively new North East diver (100<) dives under my belt but growing every weekend. Next spring I'm planning on taking my 23' cc out for some inshore/offshore diving. Currently, I working on some pre-requisites before i begin this new endeavorer those including rescue and O2 certification. I am an avid fisherman and boater so I feel i have that covered. My concern is diver entry, currently i have only dove off of large charter out fits where the giant stride is used.....no problems, my problem is Back Roll entry. I have only done it in my open water in a pool. My question is will my steel 120 hit the side of the boat on entry?

 

[khblair]

the first back roll entry that i did - i was petrified. wont i hit the side of the boat? wont my equipment hit the side of the boat? will i die??????
seriously - i was scared - now - i love it! its so easy. i have never seen anyone hit anything on the side of the boat when doing a back roll. just remember to hold the front and back of your mask. good luck!

 

[SteveAD]

More important than how to get into the water is how to get back into the boat. Make sure you work that out at the dock rather than trying to figure it out at sea.

 

[Saltair]

In small boats I have often just put a knee up on the gunwhale and rolled in sideways. Not in the text book I know but it has worked well for me. I agree with the previous poster. It is way more important to be certain you can get out before you even think about getting in.

 

[boulderjohn]

My advice is not to worry about that, becaue if you do, you will make more of an effort to get clear of the boat than you need, and that extra effort is counterproductive. Just fall into the water.

Yes, and do be sure you know how to get back in!

 

[Steve50]

Don't try to complete the roll underwater - can result in banging your head on the bottom of the boat

 

[nereas]

A back roll entry works best off a RIB.

A front roll entry works better off a small craft. Sideways works if there is not a lot of room for your fins to point forwards while standing on the boat.

You will need a ladder to get back into your boat. Don't forget to put out the ladder before you go into the water. Your wing or B/C will need to be able to float your gear in order for you to ditch it before climbing back up the ladder. Then you can pull the gear back into the boat after you have climbed back in.

Most people take their weight belts off first, and then put that back into the boat first, before climbing the ladder. That's easier.

 

[boulderjohn]

Don't try to complete the roll underwater - can result in banging your head on the bottom of the boat

That's what I wanted to avoid with the comment about making too much effort. If you launch yourself outward rather than drop, you will probably roll.

 

[BidAndDive.com]

Nothing to worry about. If your tank is strapped seriously low, it might hit the boat, but other than that, I can't see anything that should bother you.

 

[TSandM]

Don't try to complete the roll underwater - can result in banging your head on the bottom of the boat

Yeah -- it's really a back "fall" rather than a roll. BTDT.