Where We Dive
Cambridge Parkside Pools is situated just off Parkers Piece, in the city of Cambridge. Diving in Cambridge really took off in 1963 when the original Parkside Pool opened with "proper" diving facilities. A diving section within the Granta Swimming Club was formed, later to become the City of Cambridge Swimming Club in 1986.
Since the refurbishment in 1999, Parkside's diving facilities have improved enormously, the team are enjoying increased water time and are expanding rapidly. There is a specially designed diving pit, which has an adjustable depth so it can be used for other events.
There are two 1m springboards, a 3m springboard (by Duraflex), a 3m platform and a 5m platform. Click here to see pictures of the facilities*. There is also a bubble machine under each board, which helps in training sessions. As the diver executes a new or complex dive, air is released from the bottom of the pool, rising to the surface as large bubbles that break the water and cushion the landing. A small constant stream of bubbles can also be used to break the surface resulting in increased visibility of the water whilst spinning through the air.
As of early 2008, the centre also has a time delay replay system installed on poolside. This allows divers to view their dives immediately after executing them. Sessions can also be recorded from this machine for review at a later date (subject to diver/parental approval).
*This picture was taken before the 3m platform was installed. This is in the far right corner of the diving pool as viewed in this picture.