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Wobbly Broomstick
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This exercise makes people wickedly dizzy
- perhaps dizzier than they ever been before. Choose the time
and place carefully. Its best if the following activity doesn't
require too much order! e.g., end of a day's
paddling, on a sandy river bank, and you have a spare 30 minutes.
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 Use a large, flat area with soft landing
e.g., on sand. People should know how to "spot".
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Use
a stick about 6ft long - anything long and thin can be used - a paddle,
broom, etc.
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Invite people into a wide circle and put a
stick in middle. Demonstrate the main parts of the challenge which
are to:
1. hold stick upright, on end of chin;
2. twirl around X times (10 is mild; 20 is
extreme);
3. throw the stick on the ground and jump
over it.
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The group's responsibility is to:
1. count the number of twirls out loud;
2. remind the person to keep looking at
the top;
3. maintain a safe circle of spotters and
ensure the person lands safely.
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If a person can longer balance upright,
they are better off laid out on the ground. Group members should
break the fall if its risky due to awkward balance. This is
advisable for about 1 in 5 falls. And there usually a slightly
dangerous fall in a session which is comfortably handled by a group
which is alert, caring and knows how to "spot" and "catch" people.
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Most people, especially kids, will fall
over before 10 twirls and almost certainly succumb before 20 twirls.
After a few practices, however, many adults can learn how to spin 20
times and complete the jump over the stick and perhaps even stay upright
- that's the ultimate challenge.
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Equipment: ~6ft stick and a large area without
walls and soft ground for falling, e.g, sand or grass.
Time: ~5 mins per person in group
Brief description:
Creates wicked dizziness. Put a 6ft
stick in the middle of a circle. Challenge: Holding stick
vertically on end of chin, looking at the top, spin around 20 times,
then throw the stick to the ground and jump over it. Its almost
impossible! |