Ponnahduslauta

Ponnahduslauta, often translated as diving board or springboard, is a flexible plank used for performing acrobatics or diving. It is typically made of wood, fiberglass, or metal and is hinged at one end, allowing the other end to be depressed and then rebound, propelling the user upwards. The length, width, and flexibility of a ponnahduslauta are designed to generate varying degrees of upward thrust depending on the skill and weight of the user.

These devices are commonly found at swimming pools, water parks, and gymnastics facilities. In aquatic settings, ponnahduslautat are used for recreational jumping and diving, allowing individuals to gain height and momentum for various aerial maneuvers. In gymnastics, a similar apparatus, often called a vaulting board or springboard, is used to gain speed and height for tumbling passes and vaulting exercises. The physics involved rely on storing and releasing elastic potential energy. When a person steps on the board, they bend it, storing energy. As the board springs back to its original shape, it transfers this energy to the user, launching them into the air. The design and construction of ponnahduslautat are crucial for safety and performance, with standards often set by sporting federations.