This category focuses on the equipment, gear, and accessories involved in the extreme sport of cliff jumping.
Cliff jumping is often known as cliff diving because it is usually performed into a body of water, either as a sport or recreational activity.
A variant of cliff diving popular in the United Kingdom, known as tombstoning, is characterized by an upright vertical position of the body as it enters the water. Products associated with this activity would also be appropriate in this category.
Cliff jumping using a parachute is classified as BASE jumping, and we have a separate category for that.
Cliff jumping is a thrilling experience, and the UK variant is equally exhilarating.
As a 12-year-old growing up in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, my cousins and I pedaled our bicycles to a spring-filled rock quarry one summer. The only way into the water was by jumping off a cliff or climbing down a rope ladder because the quarry's walls were steep and slick. I don't know how deep the water was, but it was considerable, given that none of us could reach the bottom, and those who swam there more often than we did were not afraid of hitting the bottom while jumping from the cliff. It was a long jump, at least from my perception, and the clarity of the water intensified the fear. The fact that I could easily see objects resting on the bottom caused the water to appear shallow.
In the 1960s, kids took on some extreme activities with the view that they were a normal part of growing up, and we generally did so without protective equipment.
However, it's probably fair to say that the popular cliff jumping locations used in this modern sport are probably higher than our rock quarry, and protective gear is used.
Helmets are used by cliff jumpers and tombstoners to protect their heads during jumps. These helmets are lightweight and comfortable yet offer impact resistance. The Black Diamond and Petzl brands are known for their high-quality helmets for extreme sports, including cliff diving.
Depending on water temperatures, cliff divers might opt for a wetsuit or a drysuit to stay warm and buoyant. Wetsuits made of neoprene provide insulation and flexibility, while drysuits keep the wearer completely dry. O'Neill and Rip Curl are popular manufacturers of these suits, offering a range of options for various water temperatures.
Proper footwear might prevent slips and provide grip on rocky surfaces. Water shoes or specialized cliff diving shoes with rubber soles are ideal. Adidas and Merrell offer shoes suitable for the activity.
An impact vest provides additional buoyancy and protection against hard landings. These vests are designed to absorb impact and distribute pressure evenly across the body. Brands like Liquid Force and Mystic are well-known options.
Wearing gloves can protect the participant's hands from sharp rocks and provide a better grip while climbing or holding onto surfaces.
Swim goggles can enhance visibility underwater and protect the eyes from debris or saltwater. Aqua Sphere and Speedo offer brands that are popular with divers.
Of these manufacturers, Merrell specializes in outdoor footwear and designs water-resistant shoes with superior grip and durability. Mystic is known for its impact vests. Focusing on safety and performance, they protect cliff jumpers and tombstoners. Northwest River Supplies (NRS) offers a variety of water sports gear, including gloves that provide protection and flexibility. O'Neill is a pioneer in wetsuit technology, offering a wide range of wetsuits designed to provide warmth, flexibility, and safety. Petzl is known for its innovative climbing gear and helmets, combining safety and comfort in its products.
These and other manufacturers of products used in cliff jumping or tombstoning are appropriate for this category, along with retailers who focus on the activity.
Recommended Resources
Black Diamond is a manufacturer of protective helmets used in a variety of sports. Founded in 1989, the Utah-based company offers various products, mainly designed for climbing. Its Capitan MIPS helmet might be a good choice for cliff diving. Featuring a durable construction of EPP foam with an EPS foam puck, the Capitan's 2-piece ABS shell is designed for a cradle-like fit. Product details, tech specs, and features are provided and available for purchase from the site.
https://www.blackdiamondequipment.com/en_US/product/vision-helmet-mips/
Founded in 1995, Liquid Force is a renowned manufacturer of wakeboarding, wakesurfing, and wake foiling products. Its products include comp vests, which are suitable for protecting from impacts during cliff jumping. For cliff jumping, the impact vest should offer protection and flexibility. One good choice might be its Spector Comp Vest, which features Liquid Force's exclusive poly armor panel for spine and shoulder protection, while its unibody design ensures a good range of motion.
https://www.liquidforce.com/collections/2025-liquid-force-comp-vests
O'Neill is a renowned wetsuit manufacturer founded by Jack O'Neill in the 1950s. O'Neill invented the neoprene wetsuit to allow surfers to remain in the water longer. The company has since expanded to produce a wide range of performance sports apparel, including wetsuits for cliff diving. A recommended option is the O'Neill Psycho Tech Wetsuit, which combines thermal efficiency, durability, and flexibility, and features TechnoButter 3 neoprene and a 4/3 mm thickness.
https://us.oneill.com/collections/wetsuits
Founded in 1969, Rip Curl made surfboards, then began producing wetsuits in 1970. It has become a renowned surfing and other water sports brand known for its high-quality wetsuits. For cliff diving, a wetsuit that provides warmth, flexibility, and protection from the elements is desirable. Suitable wetsuits might include its E7 E-Bomb 4/3 Chest Zip Fullsuit Wetsuit or its E7 Flashbomb Fusion 4/3 Zip Free Fullsuit Wetsuit, both of which are available here, along with other designs.
https://www.ripcurl.com/us/mens/wetsuits.html
