Surface Dives

The tuck dive is used when you are stationary at the surface. Use the following procedure when using the tuck dive.

1. With your body stationary and upright at the surface, lift your knees up toward your chest.
2. Use your hands and fins to roll your body into a head-first position.
3. Quickly extend your legs straight up out of the water. The weight of your legs will push your body below the surface.
4. Begin kicking as soon as your fins enter the water. Remember to equalize your ears as you descend.

The pike dive is used when you're swimming at the surface. Use the following procedure when performing the pike dive.

1. As you are swimming, bend your waist until your upper body points straight down into the water.
2. Quickly lift your legs straight up until your entire body is straightened. The weight of your legs will push your body below the surface.
3. Begin kicking as soon as your fins enter the water. Remember to equalize your ears as you descend.

The feet-first dive is used when surface space is limited. A good example is in the middle of a kelp bed, where lifting your legs out of the water can result in an entanglement. Use the following procedure when using the feet-first dive.

1. If you're diving in the middle of a kelp bed, clear a circle by rotating your body and pushing the kelp away from you.
2. While in an upright position, extend your arms straight out and spread your legs apart.
3. Simultaneously push your arms down and fins together to lift your body up out of the water.
4. Allow your head to sink below the surface. Once your entire body is underwater, roll your body into a head-first position.
5. Begin kicking as soon as your body is in a head-first position. Remember to equalize as you descend.

Overhead objects such as boats, platforms, and other divers can cause injury if you run into them as you surface. To prevent injury, keep one hand high above your head and look up during ascent.