Achieving a Splash-Free Rip Entry in Diving

A student athlete at the University of Florida, Emma Whitner excels in SEC diving competition with the Gators. One of the sport’s fundamental skills that Emma Whitner has worked to perfect is eliminating splash through a rip entry. This type of headfirst entry centers on placing the two hands together in such a way that the palm faces the water and creates a flat surface.

This can be demonstrated while standing by raising one arm over the head, with the palm facing straight up. The other hand is placed under that hand, with the thumbs interlocked and the fingers wrapped around the forward facing hand. At the same time, the arms are squeezed together to a point where they press against the head. The palm of the top hand should be flat enough that a book could be easily balanced on it.

In achieving a rip entry, the arms are kept straight and rigid, in a position where they cover the ears. This is important for stability, as arms that move too far back will create an arch upon entry. If they are too far forward, however, the water will pull the arms toward the stomach. A well executed rip entry creates a soft sound, something like ripping paper, and bubbles instead of a splash.