Splashdown: Shallow diver breaks world record with 36ft leap into paddling pool containing just 12 inches of water



Even with an expanse of deep water to aim at, diving from 36ft would be pretty daunting.

But looking down from that height on a children’s paddling pool containing just 12in of water would make even the most daring thrill-seeker think again.



Swan diving from more than 36ft, this is the moment 'Professor Splash' broke his own world record by landing in a child's paddling pool containing only 12 inches of water.

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Record breaker: Mr Taylor prefers to jump into near freezing water because it helps to absorb the impact

Don't look down: Mr Taylor, known as 'Professor Splash', has perfected a unique diving style that spreads the impact of his body on the water

Throwing out 137 gallons as he hit the freezing water in Trondheim, Norway, Darren Taylor's jump was his 13th Guinness certified record.

Mr Taylor uses a specially adapted diving technique to lessen the impact of his body on the water by spreading it out.

Landing in just a tiny puddle of near-freezing water, he is the world's greatest and most decorated shallow water diver.

Mr Taylor, from Denver, Colorado, has been high diving for more than 25 years.

The water's lovely: Darren Taylor lands in 12 inches of water in a paddling pool after diving from more than 36ft to break his own world record

Splash-down: Mr Taylor impacts with the freezing water in Trondheim, Norway

Dry ground: He wraps up warm after completing his 13th world record

He said: 'The bottom of the paddling pool is not inflated, because that would be against Guinness rules.

'However, there are a couple of foam mats underneath the pool. Believe me, jumping and landing as flat as possible in 12 inches of water is tough enough as it is.'

Mr Taylor was in Norway performing as entertainment for the International Association for Exchange Students.

He said: 'I like the water to be as near to freezing as possible.

'That way the water is dense without being freezing and helps to slow my descent when I impact the water.

'You have to judge the wind, the cold, the time of day and become calm so that each jump is a success.

'With my unique technique I can make each jump a world record one, but I must admit they are not getting any easier.'