It’s been a weekend of tough competition at the Nova Scotia Provincials, as diving teams from Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Newfoundland battle it out for a chance to qualify for a spot to compete nationally.
“The kids that achieve the scores and have the correct dive requirements that are needed, they get to go on and compete at a national level,” said Jarrett McKay, President, Nova Scotia Amateur Diving Association.
The competition marks the starting point to the diving season. After today, divers of all ages will be busy taking the plunge at various meets around the Maritimes.
“The diving community here in Nova Scotia is amazing. It’s absolutely amazing,” said Amanda Layton-Malone, Coach. “We’re very supportive of one another.”
Kayden Woodridge, 11, has been diving for the past two-and-a-half years. This is the first year he has had a chance to qualify for nationals.
“It’s a really fun sport and it does give you a chance to go places, unlike a lot of other sports,” he said.
Nick Marshall, 12, has already competed on the national level. But this year, he wants to do even better than last.
“I just want to get a good mark, I’m not worried about medals. I just want to have a good time and maybe get a new personal best.”
Judges say they are looking for five essential elements when it comes to scoring the perfect dive.
“We look at the approach on the board, we look at the take-off, we look at the execution of the dive, we look at the entry and the overall impression,” said Claude Cormier, Judge.
Experts say the hardest elements for an athlete to master is their execution and entry into the water. But beyond the skill, you also need a lot of courage.
“This is a very difficult sport,” said Layton-Malone.
“It’s basically 80% nerves and bravery and the rest is talent. We can work on the talent but everything else needs to be there too.”
“I love the adrenaline, cause when you go to dive and you do really well, it just feels amazing,” said Marshall.
The next event that will be held in Halifax is the Atlantic Diving Championships in May. That competition includes teams from the Atlantic Provinces, Quebec and Ontario.
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