giant stride

[keuka1]

Any tips on doing the "giant stride"? Of all the skills needed in diving, this one leaves me clueless. At least half the time I'm in so hard that my gear is catty whampus when I come up. I know that I'm not supposed to jump and I know that the two feet aren't supposed to come together. Others seem to do this and don't even get their heads wet! Any suggestions?

 

[String]

just take an exagerrated step forward off the platform whilst looking at the horizon (and holding mask on, reg in and the other hand holding anything that could smack you in the face).
Keep the fins parallel to the water along with air in suit and/or BC and you shouldnt sink much if at all when you splash in.

 

[Cacia]

it is like a rescue jump in lifeguard class.....scissor your legs towards each other as you enter the water and this motion keeps your head above the surface due to the counter motion of your legs. Also, you should have your hand on your mask and reg.
watching the horizon will keep your body from flopping forward because your body always follows your gaze for some reason. (true even if you are jumping a horse)

 

[veek]

Are you over-weighted? Is your BC inflated?

Also, retractors may help keep your gear in line.

 

[Cacia]

or....if you like, go in negative and use the downward motion to just disapear, exhaling and emptying your lungs on the way. I love to do that.

 

[Humu-out-of-Water]

Any tips on doing the "giant stride"? Of all the skills needed in diving, this one leaves me clueless. At least half the time I'm in so hard that my gear is catty whampus when I come up. I know that I'm not supposed to jump and I know that the two feet aren't supposed to come together. Others seem to do this and don't even get their heads wet! Any suggestions?

Watch out if you have a crotch strap:11:

 

[Bratface]

Just get the front of your fins out over the surface you are standing on. Make sure you have already put some air in your BC. Hold your regulator and your mask in place with one hand. If you wear a weighbelt, hold it in place with your other hand. Look out over the horizon and step out. Once you surface, give the big OK sign.

 

[Charlie99]

Step forward enough that your tank clears the ladder!

 

[Bratface]

Yes, you don't want your tanks to hit on the way down. But that's usually not a problem. That's why it's called the GIANT stride.

 

[Charlie99]

Yes, you don't want your tanks to hit on the way down. But that's usually not a problem. That's why it's called the GIANT stride.

It happens often enough on a couple boats in Maui that part of the boat briefing is a reminder to do a "giant stride", not a bunny hop.