Informal Races and Relays

Races and relays can add much to the enjoyment of water sport and can be used to inspire young toddlers to exert their best efforts, or to keep a gang of exuberant teen-agers busy. The wide variety of “stunt” races and relays will provide one to fit any group of swimmers-or nonswimmers -in almost any waterfront or pool situation.

Chariot race-The “chariot” can be a board, life preserver or buoyant cushion, drawn by 2 or 3 swimmers towing a “rider.” To limit interference among the teams in a pool, the race could be run as a pursuit race, with the teams starting at opposite ends and swimming around until one laps the other. In a simpler form, the chariot race could consist of 2 or more swimmers, with arms interlocked about each other’s shoulders, racing other teams.

Crocodile race-The “crocodile” is formed by lining up two teams of equal numbers. Each man in the line locks his legs around the middle of the man behind him. The last man in each line uses only the kick for propulsion, the others use armstrokes. In another form, the teams line up with each man holding the one in front at the hips. Then, with the exception of the man in front, all use the leg kick to propel the team.

Flag race-Even poorer swimmers can participate in the flag race or flag relay. Contestants swim on their sides or backs, holding the flags out of the water with one hand. Flags must not touch the water.

Tunnel race-This is a good one for shallow water, working out best with from 8 to 20 persons divided into 2 teams. The members of the teams stand in line in shallow water or at the shallow end of the pool. The players, with the exception of the last one in line, stand with feet spread wide apart. At the starting signal, the last player in each line swims under water, between the knees of the other players, to the front of the line.

On reaching the front of the line, he stands and spreads his feet apart. The one who is then last in line watches carefully, and when the first swimmer’s head appears above water, starts his underwater swim. When the race is finished the players will be lined up in the same order as at the start.

Scramble ball-Provide about a dozen small corks or ping-pong balls. Divide the players into 2 equal teams and have them some distance apart at the start of the game. Throw the corks or balls into the water between the 2 teams. The object of the contest is for each team to get as many of the objects as possible for their “side.” When all have been secured, blow the whistle to stop the round. Keep score of the number gathered by each side. The game continues until one side has secured the agreed upon number of objects for victory-25, 50, 100, etc.

Egg and spoon race-This has long been a summer camp favorite. Players start from a standing position with a spoon held in the mouth and an egg-or round stone of egg size-balanced on the spoon. The object is to swim the length of the course with the egg held on the spoon. If the egg drops off, it must be replaced before the swimmer may continue or he may be required to return to the starting position. A similar race is the BALLOON RACE in which each contestant must propel a balloon the length of the course without using hands. The usual rules allow the use of feet, shoulders, head or any part of the body except the hand* Another variation is the BLOWING RACE in which a ping-pong ball is placed in front of each contestant, who must race the course keeping the ball in front of him by blowing on it. Touching the ball with the hands, propelling it by making waves, etc., disqualifies him.

Retrieving race-Obtain a dozen or so bright, sinkable objects that will be visible under water. Throw them into the water at random. The object is to see how many can be retrieved in one underwater try.

Umbrella race-Provide each entrant with an opened umbrella or parasol. The object is to swim the course, holding the umbrella upraised, without allowing it to touch the water.

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

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