Kamloops diving club ready for nationals

One of those competitors is Jace Shantz, who has a lot of emotions heading into a national tournament

“I’m excited as much as scared — it’s my first time. It’s the feel of freedom, almost, because you don’t know if you’re going to flop or if you’re going to rip it,” said Shantz.

It’s that feeling of not knowing how a dive will end up until you hit the water that thrills and excites not only Jace, but teammate Annalisa Bynoe who is also competing this weekend

“I’m excited and both nervous, but nervousness I think improves your performance,” said Bynoe.

Kamloops head coach Neil Barrett is proud of how his athletes have improved since he joined the club in January, and he wants his competitors to celebrate their growth as athletes.

“Get a really competitive experience and then hopefully aspire to get even further, right? So these guys have been training really hard for a couple years and this is an awesome way to award that dedication,” said Barrett.

Diving hasn’t been a traditional sport for most of today’s kids. But many of the Riptech divers like Annalisa were hooked from the moment their feet left the board, and she hopes more of her peers will give it a shot

“It’s an opportunity not many people know. They think diving, you just jump off the board head first, but it’s so much more than that. It takes so much technique and I would just say come and try it.”

Regardless of outcome, the Riptech divers are hoping to take their club to new heights.

by Michael Beck

Kamloops diving club ready for nationals

Our Community