‘Professor Splash’ swan dives his way to 13th Guinness World Record

Darren Taylor won his 13th Guinness World Record by diving from 36 feet. The only difference being: he performs this feat by diving into a children’s paddling pool.

In speaking about the difficulty involved in accomplishing this astounding feat, he says: “You have to judge the wind, the cold, the time of day and become calm so that each jump is a success. With my unique technique I can make each jump a world record one, but I must admit they are not getting any easier.”
Also known as Professor Splash, he has been performing these jumps for almost 25 years, and travels around the world, attempting to beat his own world records. This particular attempt for his 13th Guinness World Record was performed in Trondheim, Norway for the International Association of Exchange Students.

Since these jumps are very different (to say the least) from deep diving, Taylor has developed a diving technique (which involves spreading his body out) that reduces the impact on his body as it hits the water with incredible force.

What makes these jumps even more difficult for Taylor is that the bottom of the pool cannot be inflated as this would go against Guinness rules. So, he insists that the water should be near freezing so that it slows his descent sufficiently when he hits the water.

With only himself to compete against, and after 13th Guinness records, his ability to perform these jumps successfully has made him the most decorated shallow diver in the world.