19 replies to this topic

[Diverbrian]

Not all boats have a DM to help. In fact many of them up here don't. Still there are normally one or two divers and/or the Captain around to help and that is normally enough .

I have pretty strong legs and still have to pause on those last couple of steps and take deep breaths when doing the last bit of heavy climb up the boat ladder. If things are rough, I still get and give help to stabilize gear. I consider myself a pretty independent diver but I expect someone around to hand up my camera and deco bottles to.

Remember, you haven't felt the weight of that gear in the last 30-60 mins of your life. Breathe. Get used to feeling it again. Then do what you need to do. If you need a steadying hand on your tank valve, don't be ashamed to ask. Normally, I can do it with little or no assistance. Some dives just take too much out of me and I am very grateful for assistance.

The exercises suggested here all sound good to me. Strengthening the abdomen, legs, and back is always good. But, don't forget to use the opportunity to breathe deeply when you have to exert yourself. Too many people forget that who may be in otherwise good shape.

[Diversitea]

Thanks for all the support on this. A week of diving 4-5 times a day takes its toll, and that little assistance makes it soooo much easier.

I started doing yoga about 18 months ago, and it has helped with my overall strength. It also aids flexibility. There are several Yoga DVD's available, and even as little as 20 minutes a day makes a difference. Try AM PM Yoga for beginners by Gaiam. It has two simple and non-strenuous workouts, each 18 minutes. After a while, you get stretchier, and your core balance improves...

I am small, and when you figure you're adding 50% to your body weight sometimes, it's no wonder it's tough getting up the ladder!

I also agree about letting the motion of the boat assist, sometimes that is all I need!

[cmt489]

I have a heck of a time while drysuit diving due to all the weight. When diving wet in the tropics it is not bad. In Egypt, the crew thought it fun, however, to turn me around and hoist me out of the water. It gave them a kick to haul me out by my bc. Who was I to argue?

[Cold_H2O]

I am small (5'1") and always have trouble with those last few steps on the boat ladder when diving locally.

The DM's on the charter I use usually grab my yoke and haul me aboard ~
A few have ask the captain if I am big enough to keep or should they toss me back.
A great DM or boat crew makes a huge difference to me without them I would have to ask my buddy to haul me abourd.
Tipping well ensures future great service.

I never have trouble getting on a boat in warm water.

Edited by gis_gal, 11 July 2007 - 06:11 PM.

[scubaski]

I work out with weights and am in fairly good shape. But for some reason the last 2 steps of a boat ladder are difficult with a tank on my back. Does anyone have suggestions for building the muscles used to get back on board?

As a bad back diver the Type of LADDER makes a big difference. I dive only warm water and I use a full foot fin. Narrow rung type ladders are a true pain in my foot, a wide stairway like step is much easier for me to board. My next gear purchase will be a hard sole booty and open heel fins. If you can find some type of hand hold which may not be part of the actual ladder you maybe able to use some upper body strenght on the last 2 steps. I have 1 stronger leg so I always take 1 step at a time and step up with the stronger leg 1st. I think keeping your weight forward a little on the last 2 rungs may help. The photo is of a great stairway type ladder. Wide stair like steps (which you can't see) but more importantly great hand rails on the ladder and large bannister rail attached to the dive platform and boat deck, that you can grab onto for the last 2 steps. Of course the gym workout 2 or 3 time a week has greatly improved my back and overall health. I've seen gym members that are mountian climber working out with there full backpacks on the StairMaster for 30 minutes or so. Maybe a small back with full water bottles and some stairs would help. Good Diving !! Stan