Featured Image: Photo by Gentrit Sylejmani via Unsplash
Do you want to become a lifeguard, and don't know where to start? Or do you just want to show off at the pool this summer? Well, you should first make sure you know how to dive.
Learning how to dive can be a lot of fun, and diving has been around for a long time. In fact, diving was included in the Olympic games in the early 1900s. But it goes back even farther.
There is a tomb called "Tomb of the Diver" that was constructed in 480 BC. How cool is that?
Have you ever wondered how the Olympic divers learned to dive so well? You may be amazed to find out what they learned to become a part of the team, and how you can learn to do it too (although you may not look like those divers at first).
Learning How to Dive like a Professional
Do you ever wonder what it takes to dive like a professional? You will be shocked to learn you may be able to start learning the skill at your local swimming pool.
Different styles of diving
When learning how to dive, you will discover that there is more than one way. Yes, that's right, you don't just jump into the pool and go, there is a real technique to a proper dive.
Not only is there more than one way to dive, but there are six different positions you can dive from, and they are separated into groups. Wild, I know.
Check it out, you can dive in the following ways:
Forward dive
A forward dive is when the diver jumps up while on the springboard, rotates their body forward, and enters the water headfirst -- or in some cases, feetfirst.
Below is a video of a basic forward dive:
Back dive
A back dive is when the diver stands with their back to the water on the springboard or platform, jumps in the air, and rotates backward into the water.
Check out the video below of how to do a simple back dive:
Reverse dive
Also known as a gainer, the diver faces the water, jumps like a normal dive but then they rotate back toward the diving board.
Take a moment and watch how it is done, with the video provided below.
Inward dive
In this dive, the diver will have their back towards the water, and then when they take off, they will rotate back towards the board.
Watch the video below:
Twisting dive
Any take-off position that contains a twist in it, is considered a twisting dive.
Enjoy the video below and try not to twist!
Armstand dive
The diver can face towards the water or have their back towards the water while doing a handstand and will jump into the water.
The amazing video below shows examples of how to do an armstand dive:
Different exercises to do before diving
Before just taking that huge leap into the water, you will need to teach your body how to dive and how to do it without getting hurt.
Now, if you are just going to dive once, you may not need to take a class, but if you are planning on doing it over and over, you may need to learn the proper way of how to dive. Most divers stretch and do a few swimming routines before they dive. You will learn these things if you take a diving class.
When you practice over and over, your form of diving should improve. The diving class will work your body out, and it will teach your body to accept the way you want to move, and it will help prepare your lungs how to hold air while you are underwater.
Why Diving Is Important to Learn
Learning to dive is essential regardless if you want to make it to the Olympics, or if you are just jumping from the highest board for fun. There are rules you need to know if you are planning on diving competitively.
You do not want to try and show off for your friends and end up breaking your back.
Safety in your backyard swimming pool
Safety is the most important thing about diving. We know you might want to dive right in, but it is not safe to run and jump from just anywhere around the pool.
When diving into your pool at home, we have a few rules to keep you safe:
Proper gear if you want to be a professional diver
If you are planning on becoming a professional diver, then you will need to get the correct equipment.
Professional divers must wear a cap on their heads, and some divers actually wear two caps. The second cap helps hold on their goggles. Further, Olympic divers have found that the second cap helps reduces drag while they are swimming.
In some public pools, they require you to wear a cap because it helps keep the pool clean.
Also, Olympic divers use different types of tape on their body. When the diver hits the water, it can hurt their wrist, and the tape has been found to help reduce that.
For any type of diving, it is nice to have a mini towel to wipe your face off after your fantastic dive. Olympic divers have been seen using shammy towels, which you can find while shopping on Amazon.
How to Learn to Dive like a Professional
Photo by Marco Sartori via Unsplash
When you start you learn how to dive, it is best to start in a sitting position. After you are comfortable with that, then you will move on to a kneeling position. Now, after you have mastered the kneeling position, you should practice in a standing position. Once you have that under control, then it is time for you to go on the diving board.
With all the things that we do in life, we have found that practice makes perfect. No matter how many times it takes, you will get it, and diving can be so much fun, so never give up.
Benefits of Learning How to Dive
Now, depending on if you want to have a diving career or if it is just to impress someone, learning the correct way to dive is essential.
Learning how to dive correctly has its benefits, and here are just a few examples:
Make some money
How cool would it be for your job to involve something you love, diving? There are some fantastic career opportunities for divers, and the paid can be phenomenal.
Have you ever seen a lifeguard and wondered what type of school they went to and how much they get paid?
Well, they actually have to do a pretest, and they must pass it to take the final course to get their certification. You must be at least 15 years old to apply to take the pretest for becoming a lifeguard.
Do you love the water so much you want to spend your entire day around a pool, while also teaching someone? Well, maybe becoming a diving coach would be perfect for you. A diving coach can teach anyone from your local schools or even Olympic divers.
Sports
Photo by Dylan Nolte via Unsplash
Yes, that's right diving is a sport, and in some schools, you can take it as a class.
Diving may seem easy to some, but it takes a lot of work and practice to get all those somersaults in one dive.
Just like in other sports you will be given a certain amount of points on your performance, and you will have a set of rules, you must follow with every dive.
So if you have a passion and want to give it a shot, take a look into the diving sports around where you live. You never know, you could get good at diving and try out for the Olympic team. One day your name might be on the list of Olympic gold winners.
Healthy lifestyle
With any sports, you must have a healthy lifestyle. Eating right, getting enough sleep, and practice will make sure you have a better chance every time you dive.
Swimming, in general, is a great way to work your heart muscle, gain muscle strength, and improve your endurance. Also, swimming helps keep your heart and lungs in shape.
While practicing to become a diver, you should maintain a healthy weight and exercise. For those who have injuries, relaxing in the pool can help relieve pressure off the wounded area.
Learn How to Dive and Have Some Fun
Photo by Chrissie Kremer via Unsplash
Diving is an amazing activity you can do for fun or as a career. Either way, it is safer to take a class to learn the proper techniques and rules on how to dive.
Do you already know how to dive? What age did you learn? Please let us know in the comment section below.
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