SNORKELING TIPS FOR ENTERING THE WATER FROM LAND

Entering Water From The Land
Looking at the various land based entries, it is very important that when you are evaluating the condition that you take into account both your entry location as well as your exit location. Make sure that they are both easy. If the fins you are using are barefoot fins (which most snorkel fins are), it is best to put them on your feet, near the water's edge. Once they are on your feet, you want to walk in the water backwards. You should also shuffle your feet to allow any critters to get out of your way. It is also a good idea to have your mask in place or if you prefer have it down around your neck. Holding onto it with your hand is not advisable. If you were to slip you would probably let go of the mask. When you are about chest deep making sure that the mask and snorkel are in place, simply turn around and you are on your way. If your fins require the use of water shoes or neoprene boots then you may choose to enter the water walking forward while holding on to your fins. A good way to hold them is is with the adjustable straps loosened and your hands through the straps like they were bracelets. This will allow your hands to be free. When you are chest deep put them on as well as your mask and snorkel. Remember again as you begin walking out shuffle your feet to give fair warning to the marine life to get out of your way.

Land based entries from a low pier or a low dock are dependant on the depth of the water where you are entering. If the water is shallow enough to stand you might want to enter using what is commonly called the controlled seated entry. To do this, sit down on the dock or pier with your legs dangling in the water. With fins on and mask and snorkel in placed. Bring both of your hands to one side of your body with your palms down and fingers facig away from the water. You then will rock your body to that side while simultaneously turning your body so that your chest ends up facing the dock as you enter the water. Some piers and docks have ladders that may be used to get in and out of the water. When ascending or descending a ladder, be mindful of the portion of the ladder that is in the water. It may be slippery. Footgear is also recommended in this instance for better gripping and pretection from anything shap that might be attached to the ladder. Do not descend or ascend a ladder wearing fins. You will just embarrass yourself if you do. Have your mask and snorkel in place when making either of the aforementioned entries should the water be deeper than first estimated.

If the dock or pier is elevated not allowing for your feet or lower legs to be partially submerged then your next option would be what is called a giant Stride entry. The depth of the water in which you are doing the giant stride entry needs to be too deep to stand and be in an area that is free of any submerged items that may cause injury. The area of water should also be large enough to allow for approximately 2 to 2 and 1/2 lengths of your body in front and to the sides to allow for any unanticipated change in direction. There is actually no "set" height restriction in which this type of entry may be used but I would highly recommend that the distance from your feet to the water be no more than 4 to 5 feet away from each other. The proper way to do the Giant Stride Entry is as follows:

1. Don your fins away from the entry area and have your mask and snorkel in place.
2. Approach the entry area walking backwards to avoid the possibility of tripping over your fins.
3. Once at the entry point facing the water.
4. Place your feet on the edge of the dock so that the arches of your feet are are resting comfortably at the edge.
5. Look down at the area in which you are about to enter to make sure that it is safe to enter.
6. Let your snorkeling buddy know that you are ready to make your entry.
7. Place four fingers of one hand on the faceplate of your mask with the palm of the same hand on the part of the snorkel that is in your mouth. You want to maintain this contact all the way into the water as these are the pieces that will be most likely to shift out of place when they make contact with the water on your entry.
8. Your other hand should be placed accross the lower front portion of the snorkeling vest to keep it from riding up when you enter. This is especially important if you choose to make your entry with the vest partially inflated. Failing to do so may cause varying degrees of discomfort stemming from the crotch strap.
9. Look straight out accross the water rather than down at the water.
10. When you step out, do so as if you were stepping over a huge puddle of water.
11. Either seconds prior to stepping or somewhere along the way you will have to hold your breath by taking a big inhalation from your snorkel afterwhich you need to block the mouthpiece opening with your tongue.
12. Keep your legs separated until your fins enter the water at which time you bring them together as if you were "coming to attention". It also provides the upward thrust which will slow or stop your descent

If done perfectly, a portion of your head will remain above the waterline. The farther away from the water (height-wise) you are will play a factor in how much of you head will be submerged.

There will also be some natural instincts that will need to be overcome when doing this entry. The first is to keep yourself from jumping rather than stepping into the water. People who jump into the water have a tendancy to bring their feet together before breaking the surface of the water which is the wrong position when wearing fins because it eliminates the upward thrust needed. Another natural reaction is putting the arms out before breaking the water. You really don't want to do that because your mask will be dislodged. In fact, you should let go of the mask until you make sure that the strap did not slide up.