How to Create the Perfect Cannonball
After a long winter it has finally warmed up to summer-like temperatures. With Memorial Day behind us and most pools open, it’s time to focus on one of the most important aspects of summer: How to achieve the perfect cannon ball.
We got our research from three distinct sources: Better Homes and Garden’s Blog, an article in Popular Mechanics, and our own childhood recollections. Here’s what we found:
- Size Matters: The main goal of most cannon balls is to create the biggest splash possible, and that requires size. The champion of a recent world cannonball competition came in at a whopping 383 pounds.
- Perfect Form: In absence of size, correct form is going to be your best bet for getting a large splash. Keep your body loose and lean backward slightly. The more surface area you have hitting the water, the bigger splash radius you’re going to create.
- Get some air: Form is great, but to achieve a truly great splash from a cannonball, you’re going to need some height. Getting a good jump and you’re almost guaranteed a splash.
- When all else fails, turn to science: Substances that repel water will help your body create an even bigger splash when you jump in. Wear a wetsuit before you hop in. Popular Mechanics suggests covering yourself in Vaseline may also help, though you’re more likely to look ridiculous doing it!
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Photo Credit: littlefishyjes