'I can’t pop a manu'

OPINION: I’m 23 years old, a Pacific Islander, and can’t pop a manu.

These characteristics lead me to do one of the most Kiwi things during the summer, and I can’t do it!

This thought comes as Aotearoa kicked off the Manu World Champs for the second time, inviting hundreds of manu-pros to compete.

If you’re unaware, a manu is a type of dive/bomb you do in a body of water to produce a large splash. You might see people performing these when you’re out swimming.

As the summer heat kicks in and more people will be in the water, I can’t help but think of my inability to do the manu.

To be honest, I get a bit of envy when I see others do it with ease, and the fact that I can’t after years of training makes me laugh.

Thousands in attendance for the Manu World Champs qualifiers in Auckland. Photo/Manu World Champs Facebook.

An article by Spinoff highlights that posture is the key to a perfect manu.

Before takeoff, the body forms a "chair pose" - arms up, knees bent, back straight, and bum out. This position sets up the launch.

In mid-air, the diver straightens their body, gaining speed, before tucking just before hitting the water. The bum leads, creating a splash as the body extends and lands with a smooth, explosive finish.

Now, this sounds a lot simpler than it is! I’ve tried it, and it hasn’t worked.

I recall when I was at Bethells Lake in West Auckland with my cousins. It was about 26 degrees, and we finished traversing the huge dunes at Bethells, ready to cool down.

Once we got to the lake, there was a wharf on the side that we decided to start jumping off of. Of course, the usual checking beforehand was that the water was deep enough to jump from, so it was safe.

We then began our attempts at doing manu’s. Of the five of us, not one could do one.

So, we jumped off the wharf for nearly an hour, attempting what I had mentioned before. Emerging from the water, you always sought validation if the splash was big enough or if our technique was correct.

Most times, it wasn’t!

As summer approaches and the weather gets warmer, you’ll probably be called to the water to cool down.

If you attempt a manu in the pool and want to be in the upper echelon of society in New Zealand, be sure to follow these three rules:

1. Ensure the body of water is safe to jump into (the water is clean, and the area is deep for your manu attempts).

2. Follow the technique of some experienced manu-ers (including the 10-year-olds who do this easily).

3. Back slaps are part of the journey (the redness will heal, but the attempt of manu glory will remain).

When we return from the summer, I will finally be able to perform a manu!