Archive for July, 2006

Competitive diving, technically called “springboard” diving, is one of the most demanding of water sports. Diving meets are usually conducted under the rules of the Amateur Union of the United States and its various member associations, and are practically the same as the rules which govern Olympic competition. In formal meets, divers are required to perform 5 required dives: forward, back, reverse, inward, and front dive one-half twist; and 5 voluntary dives from among accepted competitive dives.

Each dive is scored on a rather complicated basis, with different dives being given different ratings according to a “difficulty ratings” table, and the diver being scored by his nearness to perfection in each of his 10 dives. When judging a dive, only the dive is considered, without regard to the approach to the starting position. The points to be considered by the judges are: the run; the take-off; technique and grace of the dive during the passage through the air; entry into the water. Judges do not consider or score a diver’s actions beneath the surface of the water.

Points for each dive are awarded on the basis of 10 to 0, according to the opinion of the judges, using a half-point scale, as follows:

There is no short cut to skill in diving. Proficiency can come only after continual practice under competent instruction, and diving requires good physical condition and an innate sense of timing and balance. However, recreational diving as distinguished from competitive, can be enjoyed by almost every person with some degree of swimming ability, and even by those with just enough swimming ability to get from the center of the pool to the side.

Keywords: Sports, Water Sports, Skiing, Skin Diving, Scuba Diving, Kayak Surfing, Swimming

Acrobat dive-The comic possibilities of one acrobat trying to mount to a standing position on his partner’s shoulders are well known to everyone who has seen circus gymnasts, vaudeville comic acrobats, or watched such performers on TV. Divers attempting this one should practice and work out details on land before trying it on end of board. General build-up routine usually includes the “slippery knee,” “foot in pants” and “foot caught in rear.” Once the top man is up and standing on partner’s shoulders, possibilities are again numerous. Dive is often unexpectedly completed because of lack of balance.

Top-pitch dive-Another dive involving some gymnastic ability and preliminary practice on land. First partner takes a back-dive position on end of board with hands cupped in front of waist ready to catch a foot of second diver who approaches, places a foot in partner’s cupped hands, and hands on partner’s shoulders. Second man springs up off one leg as first man lifts and throws him over his head into water. (Sometimes called a Leg Throw Dive.)

Rope dive-Requires a third “character” to “assist” or “judge” the contest between two clowns of about same size and weight. Two partners face each other standing sideways at end of board and holding a 3- to 5-foot length of rope between them. With toes on board and heels off side of board, each begins to lean backward (bodies held rigid) holding rope taut between them. They maintain balance and let out rope slowly, so that their bodies are leaning out a bit farther.
The contest is announced as a “tie” when third “character” quickly cuts rope with knife or sharp scissors which he kept concealed from contestants. Of course, when rope is cut, contestants both fall off sideward.

Back handspring dive-First man lies on back (looking at partner) at end of board, knees flexed (bent upward) and feet on board. Second man approaches, placing hands on partner’s knees. Partner catches shoulders in his hands. A slight push aids in forward momentum and carries second man around somersault or handspring over partner and off end of board for a feetfirst entry. Second man can try for a one-and-a-half somersault in the air, and may make it. Partners on board can follow almost immediately with “Neck Dive.”

Safety in Comedy Dives

The safety factor should never be overlooked for any person who attempts to develop clown divers. Forgetting about safety in attempting to bring a diver along too rapidly would only expose the performer to unnecessary danger and possible serious injury. Conversely, the learner who sticks to fundamentals and the easier comedy dives until he has complete control in approaches, hurdles and body control in the air, will have less trouble when the time comes to try difficult dives. Logically, it is far better to have a diver learn how to do the various regular dives (front, back, twisting, somersault, gainer) first. In doing so, good approaches, hurdles, body control in air, and entries will have been mastered, and the clown antics in similar dives will come much easier.

The performance in a camp, public pool, or home pool show include only the comedy dives that are geared to the safe performance levels of the divers.

Keywords: Sports, Water Sports, Skiing, Skin Diving, Scuba Diving, Kayak Surfing, Swimming

Here again, as with the single or individual comedy dives, there are numerous clown antics which can be performed. Basically, of course, the variety and difficulty of such dives also depends on the skill and daring of the “characters.” Following is a list and brief description of some of the more popular partner comedy dives or stunts:

Leap frog dive-One partner walks out to end of board, bends over to “size up” the situation. Second partner approaches low hurdle and does a straddle vault (hands on partner’s back) over first partner.

Over the back dive-First partner makes a nervous, shaky, crawling (on hands and knees) approach to end of board. Touches top, sides, underside of board. Announcer asks what he is doing. Reply is, “All good divers have to get the feel of the board.” In doing so, he remains on his hands and knees while second partner makes approach, springs and dives over him. Bouncing board causes first diver to fall off board.

Bargain basement-A good dive when “characters” are dressed as women and props include several cardboard boxes, etc. First partner starts approach, trips and falls on stomach as boxes are tossed into the air. Second “shopper” makes a fast walking approach (holding packages or boxes in such a way as to give the impression that his view is obstructed). He walks right over partner’s back, off the board, and continues walking motion during downward flight.

Wheelbarrow dive-Partners assume same positions as for “Wheelbarrow” race on land, then move forward off end of board with rear partner keeping hold of “wheel’s” ankles.

Siamese twin dive-Both partners stand side by side at back end of board, inside arms around each others waists. Both make the approach, hurdle, and dive in unison.

Rolling somersault dive-One partner lies on back, head toward rear of board, legs extended upward, hands grasping ankles of partner who straddles the “bottom” man. “Top” man starts a forward roll toward end of board, pulling bottom man up to a standing position, and so on until “top” man is able to make a front dive off board with “bottom” man following, still holding partner’s ankles.

Horse and rider dive-One of the most common performed by clown divers.
The “rider” makes an approach, hurdle, and high vertical jump with legs spread wide apart. The “horse” has followed close behind and dives into a horizontal position between legs of “rider.” The effectiveness of this dive can be greatly increased if the “rider” is able to perform a regular full gainer dive. If so, “rider” executes a very high full gainer (easier in tuck position and more difficult but more effective in lay-out position) and spreads legs wide apart as body starts downward. The “horse” has delayed his approach until the gainer is almost complete before he dives into horizontal position between legs of rider. Shout of “Hi, Ho, Silver,” as they enter water completes dive.

Keywords: Sports, Water Sports, Skiing, Skin Diving, Scuba Diving, Kayak Surfing, Swimming

Falling leaf dive-A slow walking approach to about a half body length from end of board. Lean backward slightly, allow knees to bend forward, let knees sag to board, arch back and do a “chest roll” (turn face to one side), grasping sides of board with hands, so that enough push can be given to get body and legs around and over the head and off end of board. For persons not familiar with this common “acrobatic” stunt, it is suggested that they try it on soft ground, sand, or a tumbling mat several times before attempting it on the board.

Forward roll dive-Performed the same as on land, with roll being completed in a standing position on end of board, and following with any other dive off the end. A common variation is that in which the initial roll is completed in a squat and/or tuck position at end of board-a slight push, and continue the roll in same position. (The latter dive has also been called the Rolling Stone.)

Half jackknife dive-Regular approach, hurdle, etc. Bend forward and grasp one leg at ankle with both hands. Hold this position throughout dive, including entry.

Side board dive-Regular approach, and hurdle slightly to one side so that only one foot strikes board at end of hurdle. The other foot is well off to the side and below board. The body is well off balance and falls off board sideward.

“Very high” dive-Regular approach, a very high hurdle which takes the diver just beyond end of board during downward flight of body. At highest point of hurdle stiffen body and legs, hook feet, and descend in an awkward position for feetfirst entry. (Sometimes called the Missed Board Dive.)

Swan splash dive-One of the most common comedy dives, in which the diver executes a regular swan or front dive with head held back and body arched in flight. Entry, of course, is flat over on chest and stomach.

Half-gainer splash dive-Actually the dive is completed with a splash in between a half and full gainer.

Toe or heel dive-Hang by toes or heels from end of board momentarily before dropping into water. (Better suited to a high board.)

Banana peel dive-Top surface of board or covering mat must be thoroughly wetted down to make it slippery. Make about a 2- or 3-step approach from back end of board, then slide the rest of the way on heel of one foot and toes and balls of other foot. This slide can be done right off end of board, or diver may stop the slide about a foot from end of board and make a complete twist turn or pirouette on the end before a casual or unconcerned “fall-off.”

Swinging chandelier dive-Hang by hands at end of board, facing board. Start to swing body as on a horizontal bar. At high point of backward swing, let go and drop into a headfirst entry, or tuck body for a cannon-ball entry, or come around farther and straighten body for a back-splash entry. (Best done on a high board.)

Broken back jackknife dive-Starting position is same as for regular standing back jackknife dive. Take spring, but not as far backward or as high as in the regular dive. With arms straight, allow hands to come down on boards, legs spread apart. Push off board and allow body to fall into a back-splash entry with arms and legs extended toward ceiling or sky and chin tucked on chest.

Jump rope dive-Hold a piece of rope long enough for jumping or skipping. Make a feminine skipping approach, holding an end of rope in each hand. Take a high hurdle and spring. Rotate or turn rope around body as many times as possible before entry.

Broken spring dive-Use regular approach and high hurdle (exaggerate arm-lifting motion) . As soon as feet hit board, sink down to a deep knee bend or squat position, knees wide apart, and tip forward, hands in the “prayer” position. Make a grotesque, headfirst entry.

Keywords: Sports, Water Sports, Skiing, Skin Diving, Scuba Diving, Kayak Surfing, Swimming

Rocking chair dive-Diver sits on end of board with legs hanging off end, rolls backward on board, bringing legs overhead and backwards until toes touch board, rolls forward and off board, entering water headfirst.

Get acquainted dive (a good dive for “Follow the Leader”) -Regular approach, hurdle and spring. While in the air, keep pointing to self and shouting aloud your name: “I’m John Sylvester Jamieson.” Entry is feetfirst. A variation could be a half twist after leaving board, so that other participants could see and hear you better.

Statue dive-Diver makes regular approach, hurdle and spring, and while in the air assumes and holds a statue position: a shot-putter; a soldier saluting, etc. Made with feetfirst entry.

Flying squirrel dive-Regular approach and dive. While in the air, spread arms and legs. Tuck head just before entry.

Cannon ball dive- (a) On take-off, strike a tuck position and hold. Enter water in sitting position. (Sometimes called a Pile Diver.) (b) A high-front dive. As body nears water, tuck body and do half of a front somersault. Enter water with a big splash.

Neck dive-Diver lies on back of board, with head just over end of board. Slowly raise legs straight over head until body is balanced on neck and shoulders. Pause. Then allow body to fall over straight, with feetfirst entry.

Sitting bull dive-Take back-dive position on end of board. Bend forward. Keep legs straight, touch toes or grasp ankles. Hold position, lose balance, fall backward. Enter water in sitting position. (Better suited to a low board.)

Whirling dervish dive-Exaggerate approach and spring-full or half turn in air, hands over head on take-off, at sides for feetfirst entry. (Sometimes called a Spinning Top Dive.)

Standing, sitting dive-Take a standing position at end of board, facing forward, spring upward slightly, legs forward, spread sideward. Sit on board and rebound into a front dive. With some practice, clown divers have increased the difficulty of this dive to a Standing, Sitting, Standing Dive and also to a Standing, Sitting, i/2 Twist to a Back Standing Dive. More advanced divers have also added front or back somersaults to the latter.

Ape or monkey dive-An imitation dive by a very hairy person who walks onto board with arms hanging down, knees bent, swaying from side to side. From deep squat or crouch at end of board, a headfirst entry with hands at sides.

Bicycle dive-Run or spring off board, and while in the air “hold handle bars” and revolve legs quickly, as in riding a bicycle. (Sometimes called a Track Man or Runner’s Dive, with arm movements included.)

Cupid’s dive-While in the air assume a “shooting arrow” position. If left arm is forward, bring left foot up and place on right knee. Keep right leg straight. Hold position through entry.

Fountain dive-Fill mouth with water before dive. Good, high spring. While in the air, squirt water from mouth. Spread knees wide apart and place both hands on head for better effect. Feetfirst entry. (Sometimes called a Squirt Dive.)

Applause dive-High-spring dive. While in the air, clasp hands in front of body, behind the back, and overhead before the feetfirst entry.

Cart-wheel dive-Start regular cart wheel (as on land) a few feet before end of board, so that body and legs come over and clear end of board for a feetfirst entry.

Handstand dive-Grasp end of board or sides of board at end. Keep arms straight and kick up to handstand. Hold balanced position momentarily, then push off for headfirst entry, or duck head allowing legs and feet to drop over for feetfirst entry.

Handspring dive-Performed in the same fashion as a handspring on land, with feetfirst entry. When learning, make rather
slow approaches.

Keywords: Sports, Water Sports, Skiing, Skin Diving, Scuba Diving, Kayak Surfing, Swimming