Getting In and Out of the water

[schmal]

This is probably going to sound stupid but here goes...

I'm in my early 30's, physically fit, strong enough for my size, not an athlete but better than average fitness I do regular 5 mile runs etc gym 3 times a week...

I have only ever done dives from the shore, either deep water entry via culvert exiting on rocks or beach entry/exit.

My problem is getting in and out of the water, the gear is so cumbersome I find that I am really constantly struggling to maintain balance & control before entering the water, and on exit it is even worse, I am like a beached whale; I generally always require assistance from the DM to get out of the water.

Are there any techniques you guys use to make it easier as I find exiting the water particularly frustrating. I would hope some day to be the person who helps others out of the water, but at the moment can not see that happening....

 

[Beachlover]

This is probably going to sound stupid but here goes...

I'm in my early 30's, physically fit, strong enough for my size, not an athlete but better than average fitness I do regular 5 mile runs etc gym 3 times a week...

I have only ever done dives from the shore, either deep water entry via culvert exiting on rocks or beach entry/exit.

My problem is getting in and out of the water, the gear is so cumbersome I find that I am really constantly struggling to maintain balance & control before entering the water, and on exit it is even worse, I am like a beached whale; I generally always require assistance from the DM to get out of the water.

Are there any techniques you guys use to make it easier as I find exiting the water particularly frustrating. I would hope some day to be the person who helps others out of the water, but at the moment can not see that happening....

When you enter and/or exit the water, do you have your fins on? When I shore dive I always do my entry and exits with my fins off. Are you possibly overweighted? For myself I have found that experience has been my best teacher.Keep diving and all of your skills should continue to improve. Good luck & good diving!

 

[mpgunner]

How many dives have you done? The gear does add up but you will get use to getting in/out with slow and careful steps.

 

[Sas]

Schmal, if you are a new diver, then you'll get used to it I am sure. I struggled a bit at the start and am reasonably fit and strong too, so I don't think is lack of strength or fitness, just unfamiliarity. First time I got back on a boat, I nearly snapped my legs in half as I fell forward against the ladder and my knees bent in the opposite direction they are designed to go in Oops. These days I don't find it too hard. Sometimes shore exits are a hassle if it is very rough but not insurmountable.

As someone else said, take off your fins if possible (though I have found I am used to them and can walk around no hassles now so you will probably get used to them too), and take your time. If you have to get people to help you, so be it, I am sure they don't mind.

 

[spectrum]

Hi schmal,

First off I will say this is a skill that comes with experience. Most of my diving here in Maine involves rocky slippery, seaweed covered shorelines so I know what you are talking about. Diving with a local mentor can be a big help. Bracing each other helps a lot. Learning to read the wave sets and bracing yourself at a right angle to the passing waves avoids a lot of abuse.

Trying to dive at high tide is usually helpful. There will be less to deal with in the tidal zone.

We like to have our hands free. This lets us help each other, use a nearby boulder or ledge for stability or catch our selfs if we slip. To allow for this we clip our fins off to our BC using fin keepers. I get rid of the cheesy plastic clip and use a 1 inch SS split ring to attach the receiver. The part that stays on the fin is a dandy pull tab for my spring straps. The fins remain clipped until we are in water deep enough for us to be stabilized by our BC. They come of and get clipped at a similar depth. This varies with wave action but is usually mid chest deep.

Be sure you have decent boots. The amount of foot support varies with brand and model. You will want something that lets you plant good footings.

Are you cluttered with gear? Gloves and mask go on at the shoreline. Enter the water with no loose items to distract you. When there is any chance of getting knocked over good practice is to have your regulator in your mouth. Sometimes just your snorkel may be enough.

How heavy is your gear? Virtually all of your gear raises your center of gravity. If you are overweighted and diving an AL80 you will have a harder time than if you have an HP80 and your weight is dialed down. That cylinder change alone can toke 12 pounds off your upper body. See here.

Above and beyond all of this comes practice. Learning to judge the best path of entry and to anticipate what the site will look like 60 - 90 minutes latter when you exit. As you work your way north this can become dramatic.

Pete

 

[Ber Rabbit]

Without a description of exactly what makes you feel that way it's a little more challenging to help you. If it's just the fact you have gear on your back that wants to shift around when you move then spend sometime walking around the house in your gear (skip the wetsuit and fins). Wear your mask to get used to moving your mass within the limits of a mask's line of sight.

You need to keep your movements slow and deliberate to maintain control. Moving quickly can cause your gear to shift and the momentum of your movement coupled with the gear shift can throw you off balance. Pay attention to where your chin is, your body will tend to follow your head and your chin's relationship to your body is the easiest thing to detect. If you have your chin down, intently watching the ground by your feet you're going to tend to stumble forward if thrown off balance. Keep your chin up (in the position it would be in if you were looking someone your height in the eye to talk to them) and pick your path before walking it so you only occasionally need to look down at your feet.

It will come with practice.
Ber :lilbunny:

Diving is a buddy sport and I emphasize "hands on" assisting of your buddy as needed to all my students. Support each other when donning/doffing fins, it's ok to work as a team to make entry/exit go smoothly.

 

[Damselfish]

This is probably going to sound stupid but here goes...

Are there any techniques you guys use to make it easier as I find exiting the water particularly frustrating. I would hope some day to be the person who helps others out of the water, but at the moment can not see that happening....

Not stupid at all. Shore entries and exits can be some of the more challenging parts of rec diving. Water is a powerful thing and lots of people have problems. Good technique and practice really will make it much better for you over time until it becomes second nature. Spectrum sums it up well. I especially recommend diving with an experienced local who can give you pointers on the spot.

 

[Garrobo]

If it looks like it's going to be a real problem, how about this? Put your stuff (BCD/tank. fins and weight belt) in a small towable container, tow it out to about four feet, anchor your container, don you gear and go diving. On the way back locate your container, stow your gear and tow it back in.

 

[Hank49]

You have to adjust your gate to compensate for your top heaviness with your gear strapped on. Shorter steps, hunch over a little to get under the weight, and widening my stance a bit helps me.

 

[perdidochas]

This is probably going to sound stupid but here goes...

I'm in my early 30's, physically fit, strong enough for my size, not an athlete but better than average fitness I do regular 5 mile runs etc gym 3 times a week...

I have only ever done dives from the shore, either deep water entry via culvert exiting on rocks or beach entry/exit.

My problem is getting in and out of the water, the gear is so cumbersome I find that I am really constantly struggling to maintain balance & control before entering the water, and on exit it is even worse, I am like a beached whale; I generally always require assistance from the DM to get out of the water.

Are there any techniques you guys use to make it easier as I find exiting the water particularly frustrating. I would hope some day to be the person who helps others out of the water, but at the moment can not see that happening....

Practice. Work on your core strength.