Most of the “contests” described here are primarily of the type seen at camp waterfront exhibitions; but they may provide some ideas that could just as well be used in the family pool.
Walking under water-Four swimmers are necessary for this contest. Two, each carrying another on his shoulders, walk out from the shallow end of the pool toward the deep end, the object being to see who can stay down the longest.
Tug of war-This contest has many variations and can be tried in either shallow or deep water. For the most impressive spectator show, the rope should be about 30 feet long, with hand loops for each swimmer, and about ten men to a team. Provide some marker at the starting point to show clearly when one team pulls the other across.
Canoe-tilting contest-This is one of the contest “stand-bys.” Two participants are in each canoe, one to paddle, the other to do the jousting. Each fighter is equipped with a pole about 10 feet long, well padded at the ends. The paddlers maneuver the canoes and try to keep them from being overturned. The men with the poles try to push their opponents into the water. For variety, a number of canoes and “fighters” may be sent into the arena; the paddlers may or may not be allowed to take an active part in the battle.
Boxing on a raft-For this contest, a raft should be built which is just about large enough to hold two contestants, if they balance a bit. The men on the raft are fitted with boxing gloves, and the object is to see which one can knock the other into the water. The “champ” may take on all comers.
Log contests-A large, smooth log is a valuable adjunct to water contests. Two of the more popular “log” contests are burling and log walking. In burling, two contestants sit on the log and try to unseat each other by rolling the log. More experienced “burlers” may try this while standing on the log, or they may be provided with long balancing sticks which they may use to help keep their balance and to overthrow their opponent.
In log walking, the object is to try to keep balanced on the log in an upright position. This is a contest against time, and a stop watch should be used to time the contestants and determine the winner.
Pickaback wrestling-This is a popular beach game, but for water sport it should be played in water that is about up to the armpits of the “horses.” Each player is part of a horse-and-rider team, the object being to unseat the other rider. The upper man locks his feet behind his “horse’s” back, while the horse wraps his arms around the rider’s shins. Both parts of the team are important. While the riders are trying to unhorse each other, the horses try to keep a firm balance by active footwork and judgment. In one variation of this game, the riders are blindfolded.
Bucking bronco-For this game the players line up in pairs, with the bronco directly behind the rider. This rider stands with his feet wide apart. The bronco bends his knees and places his head between the legs of the rider. The bronco then straightens his body and carries the rider up on his shoulders. He next attempts to throw the rider backward into the water. The rider may not use his hands to remain on his “steed.” Bronco and rider may then change places. With a small group, eliminations may enable the picking of a champion rider and a “killer” bronco.
Keywords: Sports, Water Sports, Skiing, Skin Diving, Scuba Diving, Kayak Surfing, Swimming
Tags: water sports
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