Here's How to Make the Best Pool Bomb According to Science

Water fun in the Boschbad Apeldoorn. Photo: ANP / Piroschka van de Wouw

When was the last time you made a splash in the pool? And was it a spectacular splash, or was it disappointing? In New Zealand, they know exactly how to make an impression with a jump in the pool.

It’s all about the Manu: a jump where you dive butt-first into the water to send a giant column of water flying. Now, science has finally figured out what makes that splash perfect.

Researchers watched dozens of videos from Manu enthusiasts on TikTok and YouTube. They then got to work themselves with 3D-printed diving robots, high-speed cameras and large buckets of water. What do you know? The ideal splash is not about the force with which you hit the water, but about technique.

The winning position is a sharp V. The diver enters the water with the body at an angle of about 45 degrees, with the legs and torso slanting outwards and the buttocks leading. What follows is the most important element: a rapid backward roll under water, combined with a sudden extension of the body. This creates a large air bubble under the surface, which then collapses and bursts upwards like a fountain. Success guaranteed.

But beware: timing is everything. Stretch too early? The bubble will escape before it is fully formed. Too late? The bubble will have collapsed and you will miss out on your splashy entrance. According to experiments with so-called splashbots, the secret is to unfold about halfway through the fall underwater. Milliseconds can make the difference between applause and a weak splash.

Planning to try this out on holiday? Metro explains why you should always take out travel insurance. Are you staying in the Netherlands for a holiday in your own country? Then this can of course also be practiced fanatically!

The Manu is not just a holiday game: it is a serious sport. Since 2024, there has even been a world championship for bombing: the Z Manu World Champs. Participants are not only judged on how high the water sprays (sometimes more than 10 meters!), but also on style, sound and courage. Measuring is knowing: judges now even use underwater microphones and special analysis platforms to judge the perfect jump.

However, experts emphasize : it has to remain fun. It is not just about numbers, but mainly about fun and a bit of chaos is part of it. Because what is more fun than turning the pool upside down with an exaggerated splash?