The Back Roll Entry: How Divers Enter the Ocean by Boat at Oceans 5 Gili Air

The Back Roll Entry

The Back Roll Entry | Oceans 5 Gili Air

When you imagine a group of divers heading out for an underwater adventure, you might think of giant modern dive boats with dozens of tanks lined up on deck. Or perhaps you picture small traditional boats bobbing gently just off a tropical beach. Around the world, diving operations use many types of boats—from big dive vessels that can carry 50 divers at once, to small wooden outriggers perfect for just a handful of explorers.

Each boat design often comes with its own method for entering the water safely and comfortably. At Oceans 5 Gili Air, we stay true to the island’s laid-back vibe and local charm with three traditional wooden boats. These boats are well-suited for small groups and flexible trips to the beautiful dive sites around the Gili Islands. And when it comes time to enter the ocean, we use a classic technique: the back roll entry.

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What Is the Back Roll Entry?

The back roll entry is exactly what it sounds like. Divers sit on the edge of the boat, face the inside, and gently roll backwards into the sea. For new divers, the idea of tipping backward into the water might feel intimidating at first. But rest assured—this entry is safe, easy, and widely used by dive professionals around the world.

The back roll entry works especially well on smaller boats with low gunwales (boat sides) and limited deck space. There’s no need to stand up and shuffle around in heavy gear—just sit down, check your surroundings, and roll in.

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Step-by-Step: How We Do It at Oceans 5 Gili Air

At Oceans 5, we want every diver—beginner or experienced—to feel comfortable with each part of the dive experience. Here’s exactly how we teach and perform the back roll entry from our traditional boats:

1. Sit Ready on the Edge

Fully geared up with your mask on and fins on your feet, you sit sideways on the edge of the boat with your tank facing the water. Your legs hang over the side, ready for entry.

2. Inflate Your BCD (Just a Bit)

Before rolling in, inflate your BCD about halfway. This ensures that when you hit the water, you’ll stay comfortably on the surface instead of sinking immediately. You don’t need it fully inflated—half full is perfect.

3. Secure Your Regulator and Mask

Take your regulator and place it firmly in your mouth. With the palm of one hand, hold the regulator in place. Use two fingers of the same hand to press gently on your mask to keep it from shifting on impact. This prevents your mask from flooding or slipping off as you hit the water.

4. Use Your Other Hand for Stability

Your free hand helps secure your mask strap at the back of your head or holds onto your weight belt—this is mostly up to your instructor’s preference and what feels most comfortable for you. Both methods are fine.

5. Cross Your Legs

Crossing your legs ensures your fins stay clear of the boat edge as you roll back. It also keeps your legs streamlined during entry.

6. Look Behind You

Always glance over your shoulder to check that the water is clear and that no other divers are directly behind you. This step keeps everyone safe.

7. Roll Back and Enjoy!

When you’re ready, simply lean back and roll into the water—show the fish your back! The motion is gentle, and the ocean will welcome you with a splash.

8. Stay Buoyant and Clear the Entry Zone

Once you’re in the water, top up your BCD inflation if needed to ensure you’re floating comfortably on the surface. Then, swim a few meters away from the boat so other divers can enter safely behind you.

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Why the Back Roll Entry Works

The back roll entry is not just tradition—it’s practical and safe. It avoids unsteady standing in rocking boats, reduces the risk of slipping with heavy gear, and keeps the entry process quick and efficient so everyone can get in the water calmly and start their dive.

At Oceans 5 Gili Air, our team takes extra care to guide new divers through this entry step-by-step during your first dive trip. You’ll quickly realize that what looked scary on land feels like second nature in the water.

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Dive the Local Way

Using traditional wooden boats and the classic back roll entry is part of the charm of diving with us on Gili Air. It connects you to a style of diving that respects the local heritage while maintaining the highest standards of safety and comfort.

So next time you join us for a dive—whether you’re a new Open Water student or an experienced diver exploring the deep sites around the Gilis—get ready to sit down, cross your fins, roll back, and drop into a world of adventure.

See you on the boat!

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Ready to roll? Book your next dive with Oceans 5 Gili Air and experience the ocean the traditional way—one back roll at a time.