Trampolines protecting divers' safety
05/11/2009 A trampoline is helping to save some extreme sportsmen from injury.
It might sound odd, but the La Quebrada cliff divers of Acapulco could have already been saved by the work of a trampoline.
In the past, divers have suffered from broken bones and twisted backs due to the sport, while many go on to develop Parkinson's disease, which they suspect may be the result of repeatedly hitting their heads against the waves, reports the Star.
However these days, divers are taught safer ways to dive by using a trampoline.
"In the old days," said diving veteran Angel David, "you just climbed the cliffs and learned by doing, but today, we have a trainer."
The trainer, a Canadian named Yves Miller, teaches the divers safer techniques by making use of a trampoline.
"Divers from the 1930s and 1940s sure didn't do that," Mr David told the news provider.
While there may be new training methods in place, the divers must avoid the same jagged rocks and the uncompromising waves.
The trampoline is also being used in other sports like aerial skiing to improve competitor performance.
It might sound odd, but the La Quebrada cliff divers of Acapulco could have already been saved by the work of a trampoline.
In the past, divers have suffered from broken bones and twisted backs due to the sport, while many go on to develop Parkinson's disease, which they suspect may be the result of repeatedly hitting their heads against the waves, reports the Star.
However these days, divers are taught safer ways to dive by using a trampoline.
"In the old days," said diving veteran Angel David, "you just climbed the cliffs and learned by doing, but today, we have a trainer."
The trainer, a Canadian named Yves Miller, teaches the divers safer techniques by making use of a trampoline.
"Divers from the 1930s and 1940s sure didn't do that," Mr David told the news provider.
While there may be new training methods in place, the divers must avoid the same jagged rocks and the uncompromising waves.
The trampoline is also being used in other sports like aerial skiing to improve competitor performance.
