What is the difference between spring board and platform diving boards?

Springboard diving and platform diving are two distinct disciplines within the sport of diving. While both involve athletes launching themselves into the water from a raised platform, there are key differences between the two.

Springboard Diving:

1. Board Height: Springboards are typically 1 or 3 meters high.

2. Flexibility: Springboards are flexible and allow for greater bounce and momentum during take-offs.

3. Dive Style: Springboard diving emphasizes acrobatic skills, such as flips, twists, and somersaults. Divers perform multiple dives in a series, with difficulty increasing as they progress through the competition.

4. Approach: Springboard divers take a running approach before reaching the end of the board, which helps generate power for their dives.

5. Height of Dives: Springboard dives are typically performed at a lower height compared to platform dives.

6. Flexibility and Springiness: Springboards provide more "give" and allow divers to achieve greater lift and height in their dives.

Platform Diving:

1. Board Height: Platforms are typically 5, 7.5, or 10 meters high, with 10 meters being the standard for international competitions.

2. Rigidity: Platforms are rigid and do not flex or bounce. This requires divers to generate power entirely through their own strength and technique.

3. Dive Style: Platform diving places more emphasis on graceful, controlled movements and rotations. Divers typically perform fewer dives but with higher degrees of difficulty.

4. Approach: Platform divers start their dives from a stationary position on the platform, focusing on maintaining balance and control.

5. Height of Dives: Platform dives are performed from greater heights, demanding impressive athleticism and air awareness from the divers.

6. Strength and Form: Platform diving requires strength, precision, and impeccable technique due to the increased height and reduced elasticity of the platform.

In summary, springboard diving involves using a flexible board for acrobatic dives with a running approach, while platform diving emphasizes controlled, graceful dives from greater heights without the aid of a springboard. Both disciplines require immense skill, athleticism, and courage, and they captivate audiences with their breathtaking performances at diving competitions worldwide.