Definitively ranked styles of jumping off your boat

The pencil dive is a great starter jump and the perfect jump to try when swimming with a life jacket on. Position yourself at the edge of the boat and jump into the water feet-first, keeping your body as straight as possible. The goal here is to minimize the splash down to nothing so think aerodynamically and point those toes.  

Some people dedicate their entire lives to perfecting the simple front dive. To land it without a splash is an accomplishment reserved for the professionals. Get close to perfection by building a strong foundation for the jump with a tall posture, engaged core, and arms raised directly above your head. Once you launch into the water, keep your body in one straight line and exhale to limit the splash. 

The sailor takes your basic forward dive and flips it on its head by removing the arm component entirely. Stand up straight at the edge of your boat and dive or fall forward head-first, keeping your body militantly straight as you descend into the water. To execute this dive flawlessly, make sure your boat is parked in deep water because this dive will make you feel like a submarine. 

A back dive off a boat can be a bit intimidating. The most important thing to remember during this jump is to push off, away from the boat so you stay safe and don’t run back into the boat when you’re underwater. Start with a straight posture and strong core just like you would for a front dive. Hang your heels over the water, position your arms above your head, and push off, away from the boat. Beware of the back smack and keep practicing!  

This three-part dive is impressive to watch and satisfying to land. The first part of the dive is the bend. During this step, you leap upward into the air. While airborne, bend at the waist and bring your torso toward your legs in a brave attempt to touch your toes. After that, you straighten out, extending your body back into a diving position to resemble the folding pocket jackknife. Part three is the water entry. For this stage, keep your legs as straight as possible with a tight, controlled posture for little to no splash. When executed well, this jump is a showstopper, otherwise it could end up a belly flopper.  

The helicopter is a twist on the pencil dive — literally. Jump feet-first into the water but on the way down, treat yourself to a spin. Can you do a 180°? A 360°? A 720°? There are no limits to the challenge. That little spin is sure to boost your mood and land a positive spin on your boating adventure.   

The belly flop — a joy for those watching and a pain to those jumping. Jumpers launch themselves forward into the air in a star shape, facing the water, and awaiting the impending smack of the water on the entire front of their body. If you’re a fan of the belly flop, we salute you. You’re putting your body on the line for the splash which is accounted for in the difficulty rating. Serious belly floppers wear that red water smack across their body like a badge of honor. We would never knock the flop. It’s a sign of bravery and that’s why it’s number four on our list. Soldier on, belly floppers. Never change.  

We did dream this up on our own, but that doesn’t make it any less fun. For this jump, stretch your arms out wide, close your eyes, and dream that you’re holding your two favorite assets. When you feel ready, open your eyes, clap your hands together, spring into the air, and yell “BUNDLE!” before you land in the water. If you can master it, you’re one step closer to making your bundling dreams come true.  

There’s an ongoing dispute about the splash level of the cannonball vs. the can opener. Our pool of definitive data has determined a well-executed cannonball creates a larger splash than a well-executed can opener, earning this jump the highest splash rating possible. So, position yourself at the jumping point of the boat, squat down low, launch yourself into the air, pull your knees into your chest, and yell “Cannonball!” You’re sure to leave viewers in the splash zone.

This is not a beginner dive. The Flying Dutchman requires flexibility, agility, strength, and gumption. Just like Davy Jones’ fabled ship, it’s not for the faint of heart. To pull off this expert move with memorable style, you’ll need height so keep those knees springy. Once you jump off the boat, arch your back, grab your ankles, and soar through the air like the ghastly ship it’s named after. Before plunging into the water, let go of your ankles and stretch out into a dive. Be wary. If you’re not quick enough with the transition, this jump could quickly become a belly flop.