Planking has grown into an epidemic and, as usual, Jamaica has caught on to the new Internet craze.

Otherwise called the Lying Down Game, planking requires one to lay face down, with both hands touching the sides of the body, legs together, and toes pointing downwards.

Sounds simple enough doesn't it? Well, a game requires competition, and this is where the craziness starts.

As persons try to outdo others, and themselves, players have started planking in the most unusual, inappropriate, and dangerous places. The location must also be as public as possible and a photo taken and posted on the Internet.

The game is said to have its origins in North East England, where Gary Clarkson and Christian Langdon both started planking in 1997.

However, the technique of the game has been compared to the manner in which slaves were stowed during the Atlantic Slave Trade in the 16th century.

Slaves were stacked lying face down in the deck of a ship. Not only was the deck made of plank, but the slaves were treated as such, lifeless and inhumane. Because of the similarity, people have started to regard the Lying Down Game with contempt.

Like most epidemics, planking has resulted in death. The first plank-related death was reported in Queensland, Australia, where a 20-year-old male fell from the balcony of his flat, after attempting to plank on the railings.

Recently on 'Smile Jamaica', Carrie Sigurdson, more popularly known as Quizz, discussed the game, which eventually led to one of the hosts planking on a table.

Dubbed the planking ambassador of Jamaica, Quizz told The STAR that, "A lot of people doing it. It's fun and it's a fad and it's gonna fade away, so just enjoy it. It's cool to be cool for a while," she said.

"A friend started the page on Facebook and Twitter and made me the administrator," she explained. So far the Planking Jamaica page on Facebook has gotten over 2,300 likes in less than two weeks.

plank responsibly

The page showcases Jamaicans planking in the strangest places. The planking ambassador herself has planked in Barbican Circle, after deciding against the clock in Half-Way Tree, stressing that persons should plank responsibly.

Commenting on the game being compared to the slave trade, Quizz was adamant. "I've always stood by how my mother raised me. I'm completely colour-blind." she replied, dismissing suspicions that her being Caucasian has to do with her practice of the game.

While there are no reported health benefits, Quizz believes that planking makes people smile and that is good for the soul.