Watching competitive diving, I’ve noticed that it seems to the be the practice for divers to immediately adjourn to a whirlpool tub at poolside after their dive. Some divers get into the hot tub and submerge themselves fully under the water, but even those who don’t get into the tub take a moment to use a rag of some kind (looks like a chamois) to slosh water from the hot tub over their heads, necks and shoulders – at the very least.
Submerging in the tub makes sense, especially if there are more dives to come for a competitor, and they need to keep their joints and muscles warmed up and loose. But can anyone explain what purpose is served by sloshing the hot water over the body with a rag? Is it simply a matter of avoiding a chill, is it superstition or is there something more to it?
Understanding this practice will greatly enhance my viewing of tomorrow afternoon’s conclusion of the U.S. Olympic trials.
IANAChampionship-winning professional diver*, but perhaps the impact of one’s shoulders and head with the water could be painful. I’d think it has something to do with preventing muscle strain/damage, too.
Thanks!
*Not going to be a standard abbreviation any time soon.
It’s dang cold in some of those places. For one thing, swimmers like the water to be chilly because they get hot what with all the exercise and stuff. Divers on the other hand do all of their strenuous activity above water. Warm water is a luxury.
Secondly, the air temp that’s comfortable for a wet person is uncomfortably warm for the spectators, coaches, judges, etc.
And it is indeed a kind of chamois. Brand name of “Sammy” after the great diver, coach and inventor, Dr. Sammy Lee. Somewhat smaller and softer on the skin than the car wash variety. All experienced divers know to dab, not rub, on the face though.
Since you’re watching the diving, please visit my thread over in Cafe Society and tell me your opinions of the competition, commentating, etc.
Man, I realized I didn’t really directly answer the question…
The purpose is to keep warm. Some like to completely submerge, but that can lead to some weakness and rapid heart beat if you stay in too long. So others prefer to just splash themselves a bit then go dry off and put on a shirt or something.
Gives some of the clowns coughJustin Dumaiscough some extra camera time as well.
Any other factual questions regarding competitive diving are certainly welcome.
I’ll visit the Cafe Society thread, but I don’t think I’ll have anything substantive to say. My viewing of diving goes roughly like this: “Aaah, that was beautiful!” “Oh, that was too much splash.” “Eek, he’s going to hit his head! Oh, oh, good, he didn’t. That was close.” “Wow, three rotations!”
Nothing technical, I’m just wowed by the beauty of it. I’m afraid of heights and I can’t swim, so it’s quite truly watching something entirely foreign to me. But it’s so amazing.
