Posted by Other Ben on October 02, 2000 at 13:56:41:
In Reply to: Beach diving entry techniques posted by Gary on October 02, 2000 at 13:17:36:
I learned to dive in Northern CA and also divemastered there.
Nearly all of my dives have been from the shore in CA.
In bigger surf, you'll want to enter with all equipment on,
walking backwards with a buddy to help stablize each other.
Go as far in as you can (make sure your reg is in, too) and
then turn at go at the same time between waves. It is always
best to get underwater ASAP in the surf zone. If the waves are
not too big (read: won't knock you over), most people walk in
up to their waist and then put their fins on, reg in, turn and go.
Remember to watch the waves/sets for a good 5 or 10 minutes before
going. Timing is EVERYTHING.