THE PENDULUM To perform this trick the body should be allowed to float on the water with the arms stretched out well beyond the head but in line with the body. The head should be thrown well back and the body kept perfectly still. A good inspiration is then taken and the head brought forward, as if the swimmer wanted to look at his feet. At the same time the hands are drawn very gently towards the head, and by reason of this action the feet at once begin to sink and the body to assume a perpen dicular position in the water. This motion is ac celerated by inclining the head still more forward.
As soon as the body is perpendicular the arms should be gently brought to the front of the body and extended well out, the head in the meantime being sunk between the arms until the face and arms are lying on the surface of the water, as when hanging on' after a plunge. When the arms and head are well down, the feet will instantly rise and the body float on the surface face downwards. In order to come ba 71 to the first position, the head is slowly inclined backward and the hands drawn in to the back of the head. This will cause the feet again
to sink and the body to swing back to a perpendicular posi tion, with the face above water. Then extend the arms well behind the head, keeping the palms upward, and gradually incline the head back until the legs rise again to the surface and the body floats face upward.
These movements if repeated produce a gentle swinging motion of the body, somewhat analogous to that of a pendulum ; hence the name of the trick. They must be done regularly and clearly, or else the effect will be spoiled, and during the whole time the legs must be kept straight and closed.
It is a trick which can be easily accomplished after a little practice by any person who can float, and when well done looks very neat. It is merely a balancing feat, the inflated chest being the centre of action. Inspirations must be taken just as the body is turning face downward, and immediately it is lifted above the surface for the return movement.