As the term implies, cliff jumping involves leaping off a cliff edge, usually into a body of water, as an extreme sport.
Variations on cliff jumping might specify the angle of entry into the water or the inclusion or exclusion of human-made platforms or other equipment. Cliff diving and its relative, tombstoning, are specific to a water landing, with diving implying a head-first entry into the water, while tombstoning implies a feet-first entry. Another close relative, cliff jumping using a parachute, is classified as a form of BASE jumping, which is covered in another category.
A man-made platform might serve as an alternative to a cliff as a launch point. These may be built for this purpose or repurposed infrastructures like railway bridges. Jumping from platforms is generally considered a variant of cliff jumping, although platform jumping is sometimes referred to as a separate extreme sport.
The origins of cliff diving can be traced back to ancient Hawaii, where it was practiced as a demonstration of courage and skill. In the 1700s, King Kahekili II of Maui would compel his warriors to leap from cliffs to prove their bravery and loyalty. This practice was known as lele kawa, and it involved jumping feet-first from high cliffs into the water without making a splash.
Over time, the practice evolved from a traditional rite of passage to a popular extreme sport embraced by adventurers worldwide.
Although little is known of the practice in these eras, ancient frescoes depict scenes of people diving from cliffs. The Tomb of Hunting and Fishing in Monterozzi, Italy, dating back to around 530-500 BC, and the Tomb of the Diver in Paestum, Italy, from around 500-475 BC, have such depictions.
Despite the allure of the extreme sport and the thrill of jumping or diving from a cliff, the activity is dangerous. The high velocity reached during a long fall can lead to severe injuries or death. The impact with the water at high speeds can cause rapid deceleration, resulting in concussions, fractures, dislocated joints, spinal cord damage, and other serious injuries. The unpredictable nature of some water bodies, including hidden rocks or shallow depths, further increases the risk.
Between 2004 and 2008, there were 139 incidents requiring rescue or emergency response in the United Kingdom, with 20% resulting in spinal injuries and 12 fatalities. From 2005 to 2015, 83 people were injured, and 20 died while cliff jumping in the UK.
Cliff jumping continues to captivate thrill-seekers around the world. However, the sport's inherent dangers and the likelihood of injuries or deaths cannot be overlooked. As with any extreme sport, it is crucial to be aware of the risks involved and prioritize safety. By doing so, cliff jumping enthusiasts can continue to enjoy that exhilarating experience while minimizing the potential for harm.
Safety measures include choosing the right spot and looking for areas designated explicitly for cliff jumping or those with a good reputation among experienced jumpers. The water must be deep and free from underwater hazards like rocks or debris.
Jumpers should start with smaller jumps and gradually progress to higher ones as they gain experience and confidence.
Maintaining a controlled and safe posture when entering the water is also essential.
Popular cliff jumping locations include Ponte Brolla in Switzerland; Playa Forti in Curaçao; Diving Board Island and Clarence Cover, both in Bermuda; South Point, Possum Kingdom Lake, and Laie Point in the United States; Negril in Jamaica; Nusa Lembongan in Bali; and Amoudi Bay in Greece.
This portion of our web guide focuses on the extreme sport known as cliff jumping.
Recommended Resources
Located in Holyhead, North Wales, Anglesey Outdoors offers a variety of activities and accommodations, including cliff jumping, rock climbing, swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and snorkeling. Accommodation options include eco-glamping huts, traditional yurts, private en-suite rooms, and tent camping. Its coasteering program includes scrambling across barnacle-covered rocks, exploring sea caves, and cliff jumping, with various height options. Contacts are included.
https://www.angleseycoasteering.co.uk/
The Cliff Cruise is an annual freestyle cliff diving competition, camping, music festival, and clean-up event that hosts more than two hundred of the best cliff divers, adventure enthusiasts, and content creators. Each year in a different state, the Cliff Cruise takes a 10-day camping road trip to the best cliffs and waterfalls each state has to offer. Schedules for the upcoming event are featured on the website, and participants need to sign a waiver prior to being able to attend.
https://www.thecliffcruise.com/
This is an informational site dedicated to the extreme sport of cliff jumping. It provides information on cliff jumping locations, equipment, and safety precautions. Detailed guides on the best spots for cliff jumping are provided and may be found based on the viewer's location and travel destination. The website emphasizes the importance of safety and inspecting the area before jumping to avoid underwater hazards. A photo gallery is included, and locations throughout the U.S. are included.
http://cliffjumpingadventures.com/
The website, created in 2007 by a cliff diving enthusiast, tracks good cliff dive jump spots. The locations can be found by region, which includes areas all around the world. Additionally, users can pinpoint the site's map with their favorite cliff diving spot, share their experiences, and post photographs, videos, directions, and other details. The map can also be used to locate new hikes that will lead to cliff diving spots, browse by country and state, or search by zip code.
https://icliffdive.com/
The website features a mobile application for cliff jumping enthusiasts, available on the Apple App Store and Google Play. The app offers a variety of features designed to enhance cliff-jumping experiences, including a sizable cliff-jumping spot database, in-depth guides on height, water depth, and entry points, as well as safety tips and refined search tools, the ability to share discoveries and connect with other jumpers. Directions and best routes to chosen cliff jumping spots are included.
https://nowading.com/
