When I lived in New England, I often spent summers paddling around a lake in either a kayak or canoe. Every stroke was an opportunity to stare down into the Keep reading
Tag: sports
Stone Skipping Physics
The current record for stone-skipping is about 88 skips. For most of us, that’s an unimaginably high number, but according to physicists, human throwers may top out around 300 or Keep reading
Kelly Slater’s Surf Ranch
Many of us who grew up visiting water parks instead of ocean beaches have spent time bobbing in a wave pool. They’ve been around for decades. But a new generation Keep reading
The Protection of the Peloton
It’s well-known by professional cyclists that sitting in the middle of the peloton requires little effort to overcome aerodynamic drag, but now, for the first time, there’s a scientific study Keep reading
Swimming, Cycling, and Sailing
Summer brings with it lots of great sports, and whether you love riding a bike, sailing a boat, or just hanging out at the pool, our latest FYFD/JFM video has Keep reading
PyeongChang 2018: Curling
Curling is a deceptively engrossing sport with some unique physics among Winter Olympic events. Athletes slide 19kg granite stones at a target 28 meters away. Along the way, teammates sweep Keep reading
PyeongChang 2018: Cross-Country Skiing
Cross-country skiing, also known as Nordic skiing, is a part of many longstanding disciplines in the Winter Games. Unlike downhill skiing, cross-country events typically involve mass starts, which allow athletes Keep reading
PyeongChang 2018: Ice-Making
When it comes to winter sports, not all ice is created equal. Every discipline has its own standards for the ideal temperature and density of ice, which makes venue construction Keep reading
PyeongChang 2018: Skeleton
Skeleton, the sliding event in which athletes race down an ice track head first, is a fast-paced and punishing sport. Skeleton racers can reach speeds of 125 kph (~80 mph) Keep reading
PyeongChang 2018: Ski Jumping
No winter sport is more aerodynamically demanding than ski jumping. A jump consists of four parts: the in-run, take-off, flight, and landing. The in-run is where an athlete gains her Keep reading