Giant stride entry is among the most common methods for entering the water from a dive boat. Although it is relatively simple, the first time can be scary. Here's how to do it properly:

1. Walk to the end of the dive platform or edge of the boat. Put on your fins. (Some boats will require you to put on your fins before approaching the platform and then shuffle over.)
2. Scoot all the way to the lip of the platform and hang your fins over the edge. Your heels should be on the platform, but the bulk of your fins should be well over the water's edge.
3. Look for bubbles: make sure there's no one in the water where you're planning to jump.
4. Hold your weight belt with one hand and use that arm to hug your dangly bits. (No, I mean your octopus and other gagues.)
5. With the heel of your other hand, hold your reg in your mouth and use your fingers to hold your mask to your face.
6. Look straight ahead, off into the horizon.
7. Take a step off and plunge in.
8. Turn back to the boat and signal to the dive master that you're OK.
9. Get out of the friggin' way so the next diver can get in!

I found this picture on Flickr of a Giant Stride entry. Thanks to devittj for showing us the perfect procedure.

I also found this short video on YouTube of a guy preparing for a Giant Stride. It's about 30 seconds long. Watch it and see if you can tell what he did wrong.