Dipping the board is the act of putting the tip of the board into the water during a forward approach on the 1-meter springboard. Most often seen in senior level competitions where the age and physical maturity of the competitors is advanced, dipping the board can create a “wow” effect for the crowd and does show the strength and power of the diver in question. Dipping the board though can do more harm than good for the diver.
When the diving board hits the water creating the “dip,” it can slow the springboard down, get the diver out of their rhythm, possibly cause the diver’s knees to buckle, loose their balance on the end of the board, or not get enough spring to complete their dive.
Additionally, a vital part of judging is concerned with the overall impression of the dive and dipping the board can cause a distraction that may cause them to reduce the score.