It is possible to successfully dive from a cliff into a lake or the sea. Indeed, it is an extreme sport practiced by some people, and a tourist attraction in some places like La Quebrada in Mexico, where the famous "clavadistas" dive every day.
However, even though this extreme sport that requires no equipment can be fun and exciting, it can be very dangerous and tourist agencies never promote it as an activity. If you don't know the right way to do this sport, your first dive could be your last.
This article offers tips and information that can help you learn what this extreme sport is all about if you decide to try it one day. As with all extreme sports, having an instructor and following training is essential and wise, so these instructions are provided for a general educational purpose only and do not in any way replace adequate training or experience!
Steps
Step 1. Find a cliff with sufficient water underneath
The required water depth is determined by the height of the cliff; for example, for a 9-12 meter cliff, the water below must be at least 4 meters deep, and not contain any obstacles. If the water has significant waves, make sure that even in the absence of a wave, the depth is sufficient. Do some research on the area you want to jump from and also check the guidelines set by the World High Diving Federation, which contain very useful measurements of height and depth to minimize the risk. Also ask questions to sailors, experienced divers who have already jumped off that cliff, tour staff, and other people who may know if a cliff dive you have chosen is safe. If it is a place that other people have successfully dived from, you may feel safer, and if not, you may decide to avoid that cliff. Read the "Tips" to find famous places to dive.
- Pay attention to the laws regarding the cliff. If it's a tourist attraction like La Quebrada, you can rest assured that no tourists will be allowed to dive. And if it's a place known to divers, you may find warning signs or information you need to know. Ask questions before taking anything for granted.
- Check the access road to the cliff. Unless you want to dive in shoes (see next step), you may have to climb a path full of stones with bare feet and you will need to know which ones are used by experienced divers.
Step 2. Wear appropriate clothing
For a dive of less than 9 meters, wear a safe and aerodynamic costume; avoid fragile and fluttering ones and absolutely do not wear a loose swimsuit. Remember - you will still need to have your costume on when you enter the water!
- For cliffs higher than 9 meters, it is best to dive in soft cloth shorts and wear sneakers.
- Goggles are not recommended during a dive because they will splash off when you enter the water.
- Some people recommend a wetsuit to cushion the impact of water on the skin.
- Do not wear glasses and only use contact lenses if you are able to close your eyes upon entering the water.
Step 3. Check for rocks
Find a pair of good goggles and a snorkel to scour the seabed below the cliff. Get help from at least one other person and look for possible dangers together. You will have to look for hidden rocks, branches, logs or other projections that can hurt you during the dive. While scouting, find a spot where you can get out of the water and back onto the cliff.
An example of the danger when entering the water is the unique situation of La Quebrada. The jump in that place can only be tackled in high tide conditions, and even then, the dive must stop when a wave raises the water level in the gorge! The precision required to make the dive takes years of training and preparation, and it's not something everyone can do
Step 4. Check for obstacles on the cliff itself
Do you notice any protrusions or other possible obstacles that can interrupt your dive or divert your trajectory? Make sure you avoid reefs with these characteristics because they can increase the risk of the dive exponentially. Also check if it is possible to return to shore safely, avoiding rocks and currents.
- Also look for wind problems. The cliff can be perfect, but it is possible that too strong a wind could push you against the rock face. Ask experts who have already jumped from that point.
- Are there any animals near the cliff? Hitting a fish can also cause injury, but hitting a dolphin, whale or seal would certainly be dangerous. Avoid all areas where there is wildlife.
Step 5. Don't be under any illusions - jumping off a cliff exposes your body to risk
Diving off a cliff is not only dangerous for the cliff itself and the water below it, but also for the speed of impact. A jump 6 meters above the water level causes an impact at 40 km / h, which can compress your spine, cause fractures or a head injury.
- The World High Diving Federation recommends not attempting dives over 20 meters without the presence of professional divers in the water.
- Before attempting a cliff dive - can you dive? It is nonsense to jump off a cliff without knowing the basic principles of a good and safe diving technique and the sensations that come with diving. It is recommended that you practice high diving boards in the pool before attempting a cliff jump. And even this training will need to be done under supervision if you don't know what you're doing - diving from any height is dangerous if you don't know exactly how to do it.
Step 6. Take the plunge
You will have to jump off the cliff using your knees as a push. Falling off the cliff is dangerous as you may hit the rock face on the way down. By jumping away from the surface you will avoid the wall and the dangers.
- Start from a standing position, with your feet together, your arms extended over your head, and bend your knees.
- Lower your arms, then bring them back to hip level and swing them forward as you move your legs forward.
- Jump straight forward with your body perpendicular to the water. When still in this position, arch your back and as you do so, gravity will bring you upright.
- In the air, you will need to be as straight as possible, like a rod. When gravity has brought you into this position, bring your arms over your head and make your right hand into a fist with your left over it (or vice versa if you prefer).
- Stand straight, and always keep your toes perpendicular to the water.
- Enter the water vertically, perpendicular to the surface. Do not try to enter the water with your face, abdomen or lower back, as you could be seriously injured.
Step 7. Get into the water correctly
When you enter the water, straighten your arms and legs and arch your back. This way you will avoid going too deep. Swim to the surface and find the predetermined place for the ascent!
If someone is watching you, say hello to let them know you're okay
Step 8. You are done
Advice
- Many cliff diving competitions are held around the world every year. Do an online search to find the ones closest to you and participate as a spectator. You will learn a lot from experienced divers and if you get the chance to talk to the athletes, you may get some useful advice.
- Watch cliff diving videos on the internet to get an idea of how they take place. Listen to the words of experienced divers about the experience and especially pay attention to their tips for jumping successfully.
- The most famous cliffs to dive from include: Dubrovnik, Croatia; Jamaica; Avegno, Switzerland.
Warnings
- Jumping off a cliff is dangerous and can cause injury. You should only do this under the supervision of an expert when you are an expert.
- Avoid doing stunts if you are not a true master. With pike dips or flips you could end up in a hospital bed.
- If the water is too shallow, you could be seriously injured or worse. Always check the depth of the water carefully.
- Never dive off a cliff alone; always have someone help you, on shore or in the water.
- The most common injuries for divers include bruises, fractures, head injuries, sprains, spinal compressions, disc injuries and paralysis.
