By Dan Beard
Fig. 255.
Springing Board.
Upon all those rivers where the big lumber rafts come down and are moored to the banks, the boys not only have excellent floats to swim from, but the material is always at hand for a good springing board, from which they can try any circus trick that suits their fancy. For when they fail the worst that can happen is the smart slap of the water as they strike it on their backs or sides, and the hearty laugh of the lookers-on.
There are few better devices for developing and at the same time keeping supple the growing muscles of a boy than a good springing board. At the seashore, at boat club houses and places of resort they are supplied by the proprietors of the clubs and hotels, and are made by carpenters. But when you are inland and in the country, that is the very time long for one and the very time there are none on hand. All you need to make a springing board is a good elastic plank, and that is seldom a difficult thing to borrow or buy.
How to Set up a Springing Board
Place the plank on the edge of your swimming pool, and under it a box, log, stone, or any other object strong enough for a rest. Now if two or three lads will stand on the shore end, another boy can spring from the other end into the water. This is a very rude plan, but often the time is too limited to waste in work, and all are desirous of a swim, and a rude springing board is better than none. When you have time at your disposal you may fasten the shore end securely to a board and nail the board fast to a log, beam, or other like object, or drive a number of stakes deeply into the ground with their heads flush with the earth and nail the board to the heads of the stakes. (See Fig. 255.)
Back Somersaults
In attempting a back somersault from a springing board there is always danger of coming down in the exact spot you spring from, and striking the board, with more or less serious results. To avoid this push yourself away with your feet as you leave the board and there will be no danger.
Never enter the water when you feel exhausted or shortly after eating a meal. You will derive no pleasure from it and it is injurious.
