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What is the best way to get back in the dingy from the water after a snorkel? I tried using a pipe / rope ladder but that just slides under with no help. Only way is to pull and grunt. There has to be an easier method.

Easy....

Flip in backwards from the water...


Lay on your back with your arms up and hands in the hand holds, dunk your head in the water and at the same time pull your knees to your chest and you will end up doing a backwards somersault into the dingy.

It’s very easy once done and requires very little strength. Was tough to “get it” the first time but is easy now!


Try it you will be a https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ZuQ64DO1MhQ

Try this

https://www.westmarine.com/buy/c-level--seasteps-one-step-webbing-ladder--500705?&mrkgcl=481&mrkgadid=3202694855&cm_mmc=PS-_-Google-_-GSC%3ENonB%3EProduct%2520Type-_-500705&product_id=500705&creative=108171392404&device=c&matchtype=&network=g&lid=92700049312761558&ds_s_kwgid=58700005413519225&ds_e_product_group_id=300915986135&ds_e_product_store_id=&ds_e_ad_type=pla&ds_s_inventory_feed_id=97700000007545409&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIycXwlq225wIVwZ-zCh377QEuEAQYAiABEgKwP_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Seasteps!

Rent this from Island Surf & Sail.

I have the Up-N-Out dinghy ladder (https://up-n-out.com/dinghy-ladders/).
When properly tied to the dinghy, it won't kick under the dinghy and doesn't require much arm strength to board.

If you don't have a ladder, I find it easiest to board at the side of the dinghy nearer the stern where the top of the tubes are closest to the waterline. Keep your swim fins ON then kick upwards and pull yourself up simultaneously.

Some discussion on dinghy boarding in this thread: http://www.traveltalkonline.com/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/Number/199022

Dan

However you decide to get back in the dinghy, be sure to practice while the dinghy is still tied to your boat!

What I do is tie a bunch of loops in the painter for footholds and then tie the end to one of the back handles or near the motor. This helps keep the loops from going under the boat, like you mention. I've seen the videos on the backwards flip, but never tried it.

This was all fun and interesting. I like the flip backwards but not too sure of my dexterity to handle that, but I will try just for the fun of it. I lean to the rental steps, this way I do not need to bring anything down with me.

Is there a way I can save this tread or other threads to "my favorites" so I can see it again as needed?

Thanks for the help.

If you are logged in just click "follow thread" thread option at top
It will be saved in your followed list.

I see the thread options now, thanks for the help

We bring a “Davis swim ladder” (actually just a single step) with us and tie it to a lifting handle on the dinghy. It’s still an undignified struggle to get back into the dinghy, but we have lived to tell the tale.

The step goes in the same bag as the cooler (and sunscreen) that we check on the flight.

Leave flippers on and kick up with flippers while pulling yourself in. This is the easiest way with no other equipment, ie ladders/painters/etc.

If you tie a rope on the opposite side of the ladder to grab it will take away the struggle of getting over the tube.