So, what is wading?
Wading is a sport comprised of three events: strength, endurance and speed. Each team has six members that do not change from one event to the next.
Strength
The strength event is one in which both teams start with a standard size inflatable pool (103" x 69" x 22"), a bike pump, a large tub of water and four buckets. The teams race to pump up the pools and fill them with water (14 gallons). Teams must make sure that air and water is being added at a similar rate; the strength event is as much about balance as it is strength.
The Wading Team before a wintertime wade (the sixth man is behind the camera).
Endurance
The endurance event is one in which both teams have to sit in the pool for as long as possible. There is no eating or peeing in the pool, but each team is responsible for drinking six bottles of water every hour. A typical summer endurance round lasts anywhere from 10-14 hours. In the winter, 3-4 hours is lucky; sometimes, the team doesn't last more than 45 minutes.
Speed
The speed event is one in which both teams have to empty the pool of water, deflate it, and get it back into the box. This event is Nathan's specialty; ever since he was a child, he was interested in origami and that skill only helped him become a masterful pool folder. The form of the last event is important, for if one does not fold it right, it will be impossible to get it back into the box.
Travis, the team captain, practices pool folding using the controversial crumple method.
The Wading Team's Promotional Video
The Johns Hopkins and University of Maryland Wading Game
Recent Games:
2/09 - Johns Hopkins vs. University of Alaska Pacific - L
2/22 - Johns Hopkins vs. MIT - W
3/04 - Johns Hopkins vs. University of California, San Diego - L
3/15 - Johns Hopkins vs. Duke - W
4/12 - Johns Hopkins vs. University of Maryland - W
4/23 - Johns Hopkins vs. Harvard - W