A cannonball contest is a lively and entertaining pool competition that involves participants jumping into the water and creating the biggest splash possible.
This is a perfect game for all ages and provides a fun way to enjoy the pool while showcasing some serious splash-making skills!
Accessories or Initial Set-Up Needed
A pool with a deep end is necessary for a cannonball contest. Do not do any cannonballs, or any form of jump, in a shallow pool as that can cause serious injuries. While a diving board isn’t necessary, it will provide much higher jumps and bigger splashes!
Also, non-participating is recommended to watch each jump to determine how big each participant’s splash was.
How To Start a Cannonball Contest
Participants will take turns jumping into the pool and attempting to create the biggest splash possible.
The winner is the person who generates the largest splash, as determined by the consensus of the group or a judge.
Before The Competition Starts
First, determine the order in which the participants will jump. Order can be important, so picking numbers out of a hat or another fair choosing method can be done.
Next, set the number of rounds there will be and how many times each participant will be able to perform a cannonball. Winners can be determined by the number of rounds won or by the overall biggest splash during the whole competition.
Lastly, come to a majority agreement on the judging criteria for splashes. A “winning” splash can be determined by the height, width, or overall impact and the ripple effect of the jump.
Starting the Cannonball Contest
The contest itself is a pretty straightforward process:
- Participants will take turns jumping into the pool, performing a cannonball to create a large splash.
- All spectators or a judge watch each jump and evaluate the size and impact of the splash.
Rules of the Contest
- All participants must use the same diving board or platform area when jumping into the pool.
- Don’t jump until the pool water is back to its normal and calm state.
- Determine the starting distance a participant can run before jumping. If using a diving board, participants must start on the board itself.
- Each participant is allowed a single jump per round. No do-overs!
- Determine how the contest is won. A winner can be crowned by the biggest overall splash over the duration, or by an aggregate of the number of rounds won per player.
Strategy
Tucking your knees tightly to your chest creates a more compact and impactful cannonball. Using the momentum from your jump helps maximize the splash effect.
Try experimenting with different jumping techniques and find the approach that generates the most splashing power.
Also, if given the opportunity, go last so you know exactly how high and impactful each cannonball was before your turn.
Variations to the Cannonball Contest
Try different methods of the contest to make it even more entertaining and competitive:
- Cannonballs with Style: Introduce a “style points” category, where participants are judged on creativity and flair in addition to splash size. 360s and front-flip cannonballs are encouraged!
- Watermelon Jump: A watermelon jump is a variation of a cannonball. Instead of landing on your rear area, a watermelon is a cannonball with forward rotation, landing head first. This can also be referred to as a hammerhead.
- Team Cannonball: Create a team competition, where the combined splash scores of team members determine the winner.
Safety / Precautions
- Always jump in a pool with a deep end. The pool depth should be at least 6 feet.
- Verify that the landing area is clear of any obstacles or other swimmers before jumping.
- Make sure participants are OK after each jump. Some jumps may cause awkward landings.
May the Biggest Splash Win!
Cannonballs are a timeless tradition in a pool. A contest can add some fun and enjoyment to a swim day, and also maybe some bragging rights along the way!
Kids and adults of all ages can enjoy making a splash and seeing who comes out on top.
