Diving platform
A diving platform is a rigid, elevated structure used in the sport of competitive diving, consisting of a stationary tower with horizontal boards from which athletes perform acrobatic jumps, twists, and somersaults into a pool below.[1] Standard platforms in senior international competitions are set at a height of 10 meters (approximately 33 feet), with the structure also incorporating lower levels at 3 meters, 5 meters, and 7.5 meters for training and junior events.[1] The platform itself must be at least 6 meters long and 3 meters wide at the 10-meter level, constructed from durable materials like concrete or steel and covered with a slip-resistant surface at least 6 mm thick to ensure safety and performance.[2] Unlike springboard diving, which uses flexible, adjustable boards at lower heights of 1 meter or 3 meters to generate additional spring, platform diving relies on the diver's own power and momentum from the fixed surface, allowing for more complex aerial maneuvers due to the greater height and speed of entry.[3] Competitions, governed by World Aquatics (formerly FINA), require divers to complete a set number of dives—Men perform 6 dives and women 5 dives in both individual and synchronized 10m platform events—judged on execution, difficulty, and synchronization where applicable, with entries aimed at minimal splash for optimal scoring.[4] Platform diving has been an Olympic sport since 1904, originating from 18th- and 19th-century practices in Sweden and Germany where gymnasts adapted tumbling routines to water entries, evolving into a test of precision, strength, and aerial control.[5] The associated pools must maintain a minimum depth of 5 meters, with mechanical agitation for clear visibility and water temperatures of not less than 26°C to support safe, high-level performance.[2]Overview
Definition and Purpose
A diving platform is a rigid, horizontal structure elevated above a body of water, providing a stable, non-slip surface from which athletes perform acrobatic jumps and dives.[6] Unlike flexible springboards, platforms offer no inherent bounce or flexion, requiring divers to rely on precise body positioning and explosive power to initiate movements.[3] This fixed design ensures consistency in competitive environments, where the platform is typically mounted on a tower and projects over the pool edge for safe entry.[7] The primary purpose of a diving platform is to facilitate platform diving, a discipline within aquatic sports that emphasizes aerial maneuvers such as somersaults, twists, and spins before a controlled water entry.[3] In competitions, it enables high-difficulty dives from elevations like 10 meters, allowing athletes to showcase strength, flexibility, and coordination while judges evaluate execution and form.[5] Beyond elite events, platforms support training regimens to build technical skills and are incorporated into recreational facilities for high diving activities that promote physical fitness and enjoyment.[8] Key distinctions from springboards highlight the platform's role in developing pure aerial control, as its immobility demands that divers generate all rotational momentum through takeoff technique rather than mechanical assistance from board deformation.[3] This contrast shapes training approaches, with platforms fostering greater emphasis on in-air adjustments and entry precision.[7]Standard Heights and Dimensions
Diving platforms are standardized by World Aquatics (formerly FINA) to ensure safety and consistency in competitive and training environments. The primary height for elite-level platform diving is 10 meters, with additional standard heights including 7.5 meters, 5 meters, 3 meters, and 1 meter, all measured from the water surface with a tolerance of ±0.05 meters and no negative variation allowed.[9] These heights accommodate a range of dives, from introductory levels at lower platforms to high-difficulty somersaults and twists at the 10-meter level.[2] For sanctioned meets, platforms must meet minimum dimensions to provide sufficient space for takeoff and approach. The length is at least 6 meters for heights of 5 meters and above, while widths vary by height: 1.00 m for 1 m and 3 m platforms, 2.90 m for 5 m, 2.00 m for 7.5 m, and 3.00 m for 10 m. Platforms must overhang the pool edge by specific minimum distances: 1.5 meters for the 10-meter platform, 1.25 meters for 7.5-meter, 5-meter, and 3-meter platforms, and 0.75 meters for the 1-meter platform. The front edge thickness ranges from 0.2 to 0.3 meters, often with an optional incline of up to 10 degrees for smoother takeoff.[9] Detailed dimensions for each standard platform height are as follows:| Platform Height | Width (m) | Length (m) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 m | 1.00 | 5.00 |
| 3 m | 1.00 | 5.00 |
| 5 m | 2.90 | 6.00 |
| 7.5 m | 2.00 | 6.00 |
| 10 m | 3.00 | 6.00 |