On your mark. Get set…spit?
It’s watermelon seed spitting week. Ostensibly to try and beat the world record for watermelon seed spitting set in 1989 by Lee Wheells at 68 feet, 9 1/8 inches, it’s a good week to kick back and savor the cool, wet goodness that is watermelon.
Now that the kids are officially out of school, get the neighborhood together and run your own contest. Set up a “spitway” up to 15 feet wide and 100 ft long. Mark a starting line and keep a long tape measure handy.
Rules
- If the seed lands outside the boundaries, the contestant is disqualified.
- The contestant may get a running start, but their foot may not cross the starting line.
- Each contestant gets 2 spits, just in case one goes out of the bounds.
- Record the distance of each spit, based on the seed’s final resting point.
- Whoever has the farthest seed on the spitway, wins.
Spitting Tips
- Pick a large, black seed. Since it’s heavier, it’s more likely to bounce once it hits the ground, increasing the distance. Heavier seeds overcome wind and friction better as well.
- Stay hydrated. A moist mouth and seed provide less friction upon launch.
- Get a running start. Any movement can provide momentum and a more powerful spit. Besides, it makes for a more fun event, just don’t cross the starting line and don’t let any spinning cause you to miss-fire and shoot the seed out of bounds—or at your friends. Also beware laughing as you can inadvertently swallow your projectile.
- Tilt your head upward and blow hard. A good trajectory can increase distance as can sheer force.
- Loosen up.
- Some people roll their tongue while spitting the watermelon seed to get a stronger burst of air. Make a shoot with your mouth for the seed to come out of, almost as if you’re preparing to whistle.
Have a great summer of fun!
