Divers aged from 10 through to those in their 70s will pike, tuck and twist their way into Perth water next week at the 2019 Australian Age Diving Championships.

Launching off platforms and springboards, they’ll be looking for the perfect 10 at HBF Stadium from April 15 – 18.

175 divers from around Australia – 21 of them from WA – will represent their state alongside a visiting team of 23 from New Zealand.

“The championships are a wonderful opportunity for West Australian divers to compete against the other best amateur divers in the country,” says Steven Rose, CEO of Diving WA, the state’s peak sports body for diving.

“Diving is really a sport for life – and this competition will show people that age is no barrier,” he says. “Once you learn to dive, you can do it for the rest of your life. It’s never too late to try, no matter your age.”

Diving continues to grow and Diving WA is working hard to encourage more people to take up the sport.

“Our Go For 2&5 Unearthing Future Champions Schools Program has been fantastic to give students aged six to 14 an introduction to the sport, without the need for water space. Then we give them information and encouragement to enroll in our Learn to Dive or Holiday Splash Programs.

“Diving WA has also introduced an Adults/Teens Program for those aged 15 years and over who are looking to try the sport for the first time or get back into the sport after some time away. Previously there hasn’t been a program that catered for this and we’re proud to now provide this opportunity.”

Diving Australia CEO David Bell says the continued emergence of the sport outside events like the Olympics has shown people who just love to dive that there’s a place for them to compete in the sport.

“Diving is one of the most watched sports at the Olympics and Commonwealth Games and we’re committed to making sure diving continues to grow its profile outside these events,” says David.

Australian diving’s current roll call of notable names includes High Diving World Champion Rhiannan Iffland and 1m World Champion, Perth’s own Maddison Keeney.

At the 2019 Australian Age Diving Championships, athletes will compete in the 1m and 3m Springboard, Platform and Synchronised Springboard events.

In competition, divers are judged by a panel of seven judges who each give a score between zero and 10 points for each dive performed. Divers are judged for their approach to the dive, take-off, elevation, execution and entry. Judges’ scores are added together and multiplied by the degree of difficulty (which is pre-determined) to create the score for the dive.

Western Australia last hosted the championships five years ago.

Spectators are encouraged to attend. For competition information: www.wadiving.com.au

For media opportunities and photos: Ara Jansen – 0424 823 286 / araj@iinet.net.au