How to Do a Surf Entry Dive

Every place you dive is going to require a different technique for getting into the water. You might roll off backwards from the boat's side or push yourself off from a water-level platform. Some places you'll enter by walking into the water from a beach and then there are ocean dives where you have to pass through the crashing surf. Surf entries are one of the most challenging diving entries, but they can be safe and fun as well.

Instructions

    • 1

      Have all of your equipment on before going into the water.

    • 2

      Watch the waves. Before you enter the water, notice where the waves break and how often they break. You can do this while you are suiting up. You'll want to be as familiar with the present surf's pattern as possible.

    • 3

      Breathe from your regulator as you enter the water. If you stumble you will still be able to breathe. Once you are in deeper water but still at the surface, you can switch to your snorkel to conserve your tank air if you have to swim on the surface swim for a little distance.

    • 4

      Back up into the waves, especially if you have your fins on. Look over your shoulder to see where you are going and to watch oncoming waves. Your buddy should be right beside you, entering at the same time. If you are towing a float, place it between you and the shore so a wave won't push it into you.

    • 5

      Hold onto your mask when a wave is about to hit you. Stop walking. Lean into the wave as it meets you. When the wave passes, resume walking backwards.

    • 6

      Swim. Once the water is deep enough, start swimming at a steady pace, moving quickly until you have cleared the surf zone. If you and your buddy became separated in the surf, wait for him. Make sure to keep a hold of your mask until you are outside of the surf area.

    • 7

      Enjoy your dive, but make certain to save some air in your tank for exiting, as you will need the regulator as you go back through the surf again. Exit the water similarly to how you entered. Outside the surf zone, watch the wave patterns and wait until the surf reaches a lull. Swim toward shore, keeping a hand on your mask. Swim steadily with free hand ahead of you. Check for your buddy every few seconds and swim until you are in knee-deep water.