Random Post

I have a new-found respect for people who are good in diving (as in the swimming pool kind). I know it's totally random, but let me explain just how.

Due to my recent inactivity, I decided to go swimming at the nearby vancouver aquatic center at false creek this morning, thinking it would be either empty or at the very least have fewer people there. I was really unprepared for the packed pool that awaited me, with about 3-4 people sharing a lane. The lanes are such that if you stopped halfway, the people behind you would catch up with you and you would feel like you're blocking their way. After I did my laps, I decided to get out to avoid the human congestion, and the nearest (ok fine, the only) empty pool around was the dive tank.

I was bobbing around aimlessly at first, then I looked at the springboards and thought "why don't I give it a try?" After all, I used to watch people doing it on TV, and it looks pretty do-able. That's when I discovered that it is much, much harder than it looks. I'm no pro, so I didn't target anything fancy, just a plain simple vertical entry.

The first thing you notice about a spring board is that it starts oscillating from the moment you walk on it, and you have to make an effort to keep your balance. The second thing you notice (ok, maybe that's just me) is that the board's oscillations do not necessarily co-operate with you, and you have to make sure that you choose the right instant to get maximum lift, or you will just flop. Then there is the problem of not knowing when you are vertical in the air (this is without stunts). If you are truly vertical, you should not be able to see anything in front, but before you can make sure that your positioning is ok, the water comes at you with a sudden crash. (gravity waits for no man) It is then that you get your answer:

If you were vertical: the sudden change in depth pressure makes your ears explode in pain, and you hasten to get back to the surface. I only managed this twice out of dunno how many times, and even then I couldn't keep the splash down.

If you flopped: there will be a huge splash, and you feel like you fell face down on the pavement, but you won't end up very deep

I can't imagine how the pros do all their fancy stuff in competitions and still cut the water like a knife. ~ respect. Maybe I can try to learn it when I've got fewer commitments...one day.