Cliff diving can also be considered to be one of the most dangerous yet one of the least complicated extreme sports. In fact due to the level of danger that is associated with it, many boards of tourism located in the most famous cliff diving locations refuse to encourage the sport. Although it can be said that this sport can be great fun if you keep some tips of safety in mind.
Why is Cliff Diving Considered to be so Extreme?
Because of the major pressures that the result of the dive can have on your body, cliff diving is considered to be an extreme sport. This of course mainly depends on the height you are diving from, as the cliffs become higher, the danger becoming greater. For example, a cliff dive from around 20 feet (6 meters), by the time you strike the water you will be speeding at around 25mph approximately. This is enough to your break bones, give you a concussion or even compress your spine if you just do not get the right landing. You should keep in mind that if you decide to do any acrobatics you do them at the starting of the dive because if you “belly flop” the possible hazards could be even worse.
Gary Hunt is the only diver who has taken part in all 50 World Series stops and has won more than half of them. Gary Hunt, is a man at the very top of his game winning the World Series Champion five times.
Be Aware of the Obstacles
You also need to make sure that the water you are diving into is safe, in addition to perfecting the landing. Without any doubt, obstacles are the main cause of death and the second main cause of injury whilst cliff diving so it is advisable that before you attempt to dive, you check out the sea below the cliff. Look for things such as branches, rocks and even fishes and try to approximately measure the depth of the sea that you will be landing in. The World High Diving Federation allows only diving into waters that are (30 meters) 100 feet deep if you are jumping from a height of 20 meters or more and at least 50 feet (15 meters) deep if you are diving from a low cliff.
Gary Hunt is also a passionate piano player along with being a Red Bull Cliff diver. His winning streak broke in 2015, after five successive victories, the longest so far in the history of mankind.
The World High Diving Federation recommends that unless there is a professional rescue team waiting for divers in the water, all dives are to be kept under 65 feet (20 meters) because of the risks associated with this sport. Although 65 feet is an incredible height and you may love the thrill that is associated with a cliff dive this high, it would be best to start off small and then work your way up. This way you can know what your body’s limits are and perfect your technique. It could result in serious injury and possibly even death if you dive from a cliff higher than 20 meters.
