Whispering-gallery mode lasers

A diving system for launching a person into a swimming pool or the like that is particularly well suited for use in a limited space which normally precludes the use of a conventional board. The system employs a relatively short board pivotally secured to a base member and having two arcuate shaped spring members that are anchored at one end in the base and which are cojoined at the opposite end by a crossbar passing under the board. The crossbar is arranged to ride in contact with the working surface of a slide affixed to the board so that rearward movement of the crossbar is promoted when the board is deflected under a relatively light load and is resisted when the board is deflected under a relatively heavy load. The slide includes a generally concave shaped working surface for receiving the crossbar and, automatically changes the fulcrum ratio of the system to present a more flexible board to a lighter or less active diver and a stiffer board to a heavier or more active diver. The slide extends generally longitudinally the board.