Tips for scuba divers entering the water from a boat: Back Roll and Giant Stride

Boat diving is a fun and easy way to see new dive sites, and new divers often wonder what is the best way to enter then water from a boat. The truth is there is more than one good answer to this question and a lot depends on the type of boat, what you are comfortable doing and what is the safest entry possible.
The two most common boat entry methods are the back roll and the giant stride, although you could also use a seated entry or skip the boat entry altogether and don your scuba gear in the water. However it is the back roll and the giant stride which you want to be comfortable with for boat dive entries.
The seated entry is used when the water is too shallow for a back roll or giant stride and there is a low enough platform to perform the maneuver. Gearing up in the water works well for shallow divers or shore dive entries, but you could only perform this from a boat with the help from a buddy and when the water is very calm.
Even if the prospect of rolling backwards or jumping off the back of a boat into the unknown is a bit scary at first, they are both easy skill to master. Back roll are best for smaller boats, or for entering the water together as a group and giant strides are used from larger boats that have a platform or opening for divers at the read of the boat.

Steps to perform a Back Roll entry

1. After performing your pre-dive safety check sit on the edge of the boat, and inflate your BCD
2. Place one hand over your regulator and use your finger tips to hold you mask
3. Place your spare hand on the back of your head over your mask strap to keep if from falling off then you hit the water
4. Check to make sure no one is below you
5. Then on the count of three roll backwards, and dont worry since you BCD is inflated you will float at the surface
6. Make the OK signal when you are at the surface

Steps to perform a Giant Stride entry

1. Inflate your BCD and Stand on the edge of the platform with your fin tips hanging over the edge
2. Put your regulator in your mouth
3. Place your hand over your regulator and finger over you mask
4. Place your other hand on the back of your head to hold your mask
5. Check to make sure no divers are below you
6. While standing straight look toward the horizon and step forward with one foot
7. You will enter the water with you legs spread apart in a giant stride forward
8. Make the OK signal when you are at the surface

Happy diving 🙂