Why jump in the water and then float around?

[letsgodiving]

It really depends where you are diving. Most boats I have been one actually tell you to wait for your buddy at the surface and descend together. The DM and skipper also expect an OK signal once you are in the water.

Just rolling in and descending isn't even an option on many commercial charters.

 

[hlsooner]

The majority of the problems I have seen from divers in the water occur at the surface before commencing the dive. As has been previously stated, bouncing in the waves, masks knocked off, getting queasy, burning up gas, getting nervous and kicking hard, and some divers going just short of full blown panic for any number of reasons.

I guess you can argue that it is better these divers have their problems on the surface rather than five feet under, but I find that going in with no air in the BC allows me to splash and stop at 5-7 feet comfortably. From there I wait for my buddy on the line, without kicking around and using up gas or getting tossed around. If I ever have a brainfreeze and do not have my air on or lose a mask or regulator, it is just a quick fin kick back to the surface, assuming you are weighted properly.

 

[Rockhound76]

Oops...I forgot about photo divers. On the boats I've used, camera gear is lowered on a line shortly after entry. I sometimes bob up for a moment or two to disconnect the camera (since they never lower as far as I ask for some reason).

Those have been the only times when I've whacked the boat with my head, btw.

I also take that moment to pat my head in "OK" after I unclip the camera (assuming I'm OK, that is...)

For exits, it's easy, since I clip the camera to the camera line before swimming to the ladders.

 

[Walter]

Try to stay on the surface with a set of 119s jammed with an 80 sling and no weight belt and a deflated wing

First, I'd like to point out that while you quoted me as saying the above, it was not me that said it. Please don't misquote me. I realize that was most likely the result of not understanding how to use quotes, but I still don't care to be misquoted. Second, your situation with big twins and a deco bottle is atypical and doesn't belong in this discussion. Yes, there are unusual situations (even if it's usual for you) in which one needs to inflate their BC to stay at the surface.

 

[fisheyeview]

Oops...I forgot about photo divers. On the boats I've used, camera gear is lowered on a line shortly after entry. I sometimes bob up for a moment or two to disconnect the camera (since they never lower as far as I ask for some reason).

Those have been the only times when I've whacked the boat with my head, btw.

I also take that moment to pat my head in "OK" after I unclip the camera (assuming I'm OK, that is...)

For exits, it's easy, since I clip the camera to the camera line before swimming to the ladders.

Lowering a 10k camera set up on a line does not appeal to me or my check book. I'd rather roll in, turn around, grab my camera from the boat crew and then drop.

 

[Nemrod]

"It really depends where you are diving. Most boats I have been one actually tell you to wait for your buddy at the surface and descend together. The DM and skipper also expect an OK signal once you are in the water."


True they often do but I am a rogue diver, I usually roll a litle to the left and reach back and give them the kawabunga (all is good) sign just as my fins dissappear below the surface. If your descending and your buddy is descending then all requirments have been met. Good to roll and go.

As has been stated, obviously camera equipment or other hazards may require a different entry, the OP it did not appear cared anything about a camera.

N

 

[fisheyeview]

If I'm not shooting pics (rare, but it does on occassion happen) then it's a head first entry and a fin wave goodbye.

 

[sharkattack]

First, I'd like to point out that while you quoted me as saying the above, it was not me that said it. Please don't misquote me.

I have a feeling you will get over it. No need to get sensitive. I made my point. I certainly don't disagree with anyone on this topic but not sure with what the problem is with divers hanging out on the surface. By all means, splash and drop. Good way to avoid a crowd below.

How and where we dive is not atypical out here. More common than not.

 

[Nemrod]

Sharkattack, divers are most vulnerable to a shark attaack floating on the surface--lol---just teasing.


N

 

[Rockhound76]

Hehe....I would trust that line w/ my 10k rig much more than I'd trust a deckhand to hang headfirst off the side off rocking boat with 6' gunwales and hand it to me.

I think line with a solid clip is much safer, as it allows the camera to be held well away from the rocking hull and it allows the diver to retrieve it without being "under" the side of the boat.

Keep in mind that most of the boats I dive from usually require a side entry and a bit of a drop to the water.

But, every type of boat has a unique setup. In the Cayman Islands, I recall a divehand lowering my camera rig to me "hand to hand" off the stern once, as it was their method, but I also remember he clipped a line to it, just in case (long way to the bottom, ya know.)