Norris Kellam, the Human Cork

Norris Kellam's great talent in life was floating. For which he earned the name "The Human Cork." In May 1933 he attempted to break the world record for staying afloat by floating in a saltwater pool in Norfolk, Virginia for over 86 hours. Unfortunately he didn't make it. After 71 hours and 19 minutes he was overcome by sharp cramps and sunburn and had to climb out of the pool.

There's more about Kellam at hamptonroads.com. The images are from the Norfolk Public Library.



     Posted By: Alex - Fri Oct 17, 2014
     Category: Human Marvels | Sports | World Records | 1930s





Comments
It's the same as flying, It's all about the BMI! :lol: :coolsmile:
Posted by Tyrusguy on 10/17/14 at 09:25 AM
I've always heard that doo-doo floats.
Posted by Expat47 in Athens, Greece on 10/17/14 at 11:24 AM
Nearly anything will float if the salinity of the water is high enough. And the displacement over the surface is great enough.

Seems like Mr. Kellam had both in his favor.
Posted by KDP on 10/17/14 at 03:33 PM
As for the spectators, I thought I have a boring life.
Posted by BMN on 10/17/14 at 03:36 PM
Since when is being fat enough to float a skill??
Posted by Patty in Ohio, USA on 10/18/14 at 10:11 AM
My best friend's grandma used to fall asleep floating on her back. After floating out to the middle of the lake a couple of times and one of the kids having to swim out and wake her up, they tied a rope to the end of the pier with a loop that she'd hook over her big toe so that she couldn't float so far away.
Posted by ScoutC on 10/19/14 at 09:03 AM
Should have been "tied a rope with a loop to the end of the pier." Misplaced modifier - sorry!
Posted by ScoutC on 10/19/14 at 09:05 AM
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