i think it would have also been easier if we would have put the fins on then walked backwards into the ocean. instead we walked about 3 feet in and had to put them on and that was so hard. i wasnt able to do it and my buddy had to help. but i guess with practice then id be able to do it that way right?
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LupitaM:
Some shore diving locations allow a diver to do that -- don fins on shore and enter the water backwards.
With other shore dive sites, it's much better to walk out past the surf zone and then don your fins.
In my experience, the preferred method to be used is dependent on the dive site. When in doubt, check out what the experienced locals are doing.
At my local dive site, La Jolla Shores (La Jolla, CA), everyone walks in past the surf zone and then puts on their fins. Depending on the tide, it can be a long hike to get to chest deep water -- too far to waddle in fins, if you ask me. Moreover, if the surf is up, it can be helpful to be more mobile (without wearing fins) to duck the waves properly.
Basic OW classes often train at this location. Typically, the students will practice putting on their fins while on dry land. They do this until they can don each fin in 3-4 seconds. Once this is mastered, most of them find it very easy to don fins in the water. Being able to do it quickly gives them more options in case the surf is up.
I know of a couple of DMs who simulate an oncoming wave on the soft grassy area where the students get kitted up. As the "wave" comes, the students are instructed to face the wave and put one hand over their mask/reg while the other hand is holding onto the fins by the finstraps (yet to be donned). Then, the students kneel down/lean into the wave while pointing the top of their head directly into the wave. This action effectively "pops up" the student as the wave washes past and then the student can make progress through the surf zone. This cycle of "ducking waves-popping up-walking out farther" continues until the diver gets past the surf zone...at which point the fins can be donned. Practicing all of this on land makes doing it in the water a piece of cake.
Best of luck with everything...