Why Do SCUBA Divers Fall Into The Water Backwards?
Candace Reno February 7th, 2025 Posted In: Articles Tags: SCUBA
Why do SCUBA divers fall backwards into the water? Because if they rolled forward, they’d still be in the boat! I wish I could take credit for that joke, but it’s been floating around online for a long time! Funny as it is, why do divers enter the water backwards? The simplest answer is to get in the water!
There are many ways for SCUBA divers to enter the water. How to enter will depend on the type of boat or shore entry. If you are with staff of an operation, then they will probably require or inhibit certain entries. Here’s a list of some of the most common ways for SCUBA divers to enter the water.
Types of SCUBA Water Entries
Believe it or not, there’s more than just one way to enter the water when SCUBA diving. Check out the types of water entries below!
Backwards Roll
Why do divers go in backwards? That would be because the entry requires it. Most of the time, this backwards roll is done off a small boat like a zodiac or something similar. It’s the type of boat that makes standing not feasible so the best way to get in the water is just to roll in.
How does this work? After assembling your gear, you put your fins and mask on, put your SCUBA regulator in your mouth, sit up on the edge of the small boat, pull up your legs and just fall backwards. Try not to jump or flip because you can hit your head on the boat or your SCUBA tank! Ouch!
Why not roll forward? All joking aside, the reason SCUBA divers do not roll forward to get into the water is that you could face plant and hurt yourself. In reality, you could probably roll forward safely, but it would probably be harder than a backwards roll. So why even bother with the harder entry? Forward rolls could also increase the risk of gear falling off like your mask or regulator. Then a big rush of water would come up your nose and make for an unpleasant start to the dive.
Giant Stride
The giant stride entry is by far the most common entry for SCUBA divers when boat diving. Most boats are equipped with railings and height off the water that really promote the giant stride entry. The height of the entry can be at water level or even several feet high!
I’ve had the experience of jumping pretty high off a boat into the water in full dive gear with the giant stride. It’s doable but make sure you don’t take valuable camera set ups on the high jump. Have someone assist by lowering the camera gently to you.
The giant stride entry entails putting all your gear on, getting to the edge of the deck (whether it’s a boat or platform from shore), holding onto your gear (mask, regulator, submersible pressure gauge), and looking to the horizon and taking one giant step forward. The key is also to make sure that all gear is attached and nothing is dangling that can get caught on the boat.
Seated Entry
In the seated entry, you put all your gear on while sitting down on the edge of the boat or dock. With a mask on and regulator in your mouth, you turn either left or right and gently ease your body off the deck and into the water. This helps keep splashing to a minimal and protect anyone that might be below. However, you should always be checking that no one is below you before you get into the water.
Walk In Method
A lot of shore entries are nice because you can simply put all of your gear on and just walk into the water! The downside of these is that sometimes you also have to walk through waves. Make sure you know what you are doing before attempting a surf entry.
In Water Assembly
Sometimes, it is easier for you personally due to injury, age, or some limitation that you need to have a little help. Someone can help put your assembled gear into the water. All you have to do is jump into the water and get the gear on while on the surface. This is the most gentle entry for your body and also your gear.
Easiest Way to Get In
In reality, the best way to get into the water as a SCUBA diver is the easiest. With all that heavy gear, you really are just itching to hit the water fast.
Why Do SCUBA Divers Fall Backwards?
So why do divers go in backwards? It’s a fun entry that some small boats require. I know I always look to see if I can attempt that entry from a boat. It’s not often SCUBA divers get to do it. But it sure is fun!
