Leaving the boat backwards

[Viscya]

Giant Stride should be like stepping off a curb. No hop!

 

[jeckyll]

Garrobo: I make sure the ball of the foot I'm pushing off with is at the edge of the platform. Reduces load on the calf. Then simply step off. NO need to force it. Just swing the other leg around and let the momentum carry you forward.

Don't give up on the giant stride yet

 

[Boykin]

Perhaps you should reevaluate your giant stride? Typically the giant stride is merely a step, there's no more pushing off involved with it than with a normal step.

I totally agree, giant stride is a step not a jump, while looking at the horizon.

 

[Charlie99]

We often do a side roll. It's kind of like your falling on the ground hitting shoulder first. Your tank tanks the hit first, breaking the water. Just keep a hand on the mask.

That's the technique I also use in cases where the ladder is relatively close to the water. I find that a giant stride works best off a platform that's at least 2 or 3 feet above the water.

When entering from a low or even awash swim platform, though, it's too easy to get hung up on stuff or bump the ladder when trying to do a giant stride.
In those cases, I just fall off the boat at an angle to clear the ladder, and do a slight twist so I enter the water on my shoulder and the side of the tank. Not very pretty, but nearly foolproof.

 

[dumpsterDiver]

I worked on a charter boat which had a large platfrom. We would line up about 5 divers on the platform as we approached the site, They faced forward, held onto the rail on the transom and when we gave them the ok, we told them to do the Neste Plunge (reference is from a somewhat old tv commercial now). They simply let go of the rail and gebtly fall into the water backwards. Flopping into the water is really safe and easy if the area is clear.

We had VERY little problems with it, and since people land sorta flat on their backs it was easy for them to give a few kicks and quickly get away from the dangers of the boat stern. It is easier than a giant stride.

 

[Bobyjimmie]

Large step out, fall forward, pull back knee to front knee, flop in water holding reg and mask. Should be very stress free with no muscular work involved persay but then again I threw my back out making my bed once just by reaching across and pulling the sheets from the foot to the head with a little twist. You never know what will wreck ya one day and this is from a guy who goes rucking for a workout.

 

[diver 85]

On a dive trip last week I pulled a calf muscle while doing the giant stride. I'm going again in a couple of week and don't want to take the chance of doing the same thing. So I figure to just turn around and go off the dive platform backwards. Anyone use this techniique and any pointers you could provide would be helpful.

Falling backwards is a very easy way to get in(you need to hold onto everything like a giant stride)...also, you might try(don't know a name for it) a head 1st entry---just like a regular dive into a pool---, again secure everything like a giant stride........

 

[dumpsterDiver]

Falling backwards is a very easy way to get in(you need to hold onto everything like a giant stride)...also, you might try(don't know a name for it) a head 1st entry---just like a regular dive into a pool---, again secure everything like a giant stride........

Doing headfirst dives with full scuba gear is definitely more advanced and if someone has trouble with a giant stride, then doing a head first diving entry is probably not a good idea. I sometimes do the headfirst entry but you have to tuck you neck to protect your mask and it also drives you deep very quickly. I need to clear my ears before entry and find myself instantly at a depth of 12 feet or so doing this kind of dive.

 

[jeckyll]

This thread really needs some pictures...
Old skool

The synchronized entry ... a new trial olympic sport in 2024

Interesting technique


Bigger stride


This guy was so worried about his entry he forgot his tanks ... tsk tsk


Nice shot of the foot placement to avoid calf strain


I'm not really sure about this technique ...

 

[laurendell]

LoL!! Those pictures really made me laugh. Thanks!!