For adventure seeking souls on float trips, there’s nothing like the adrenaline rush from cliff diving. Yet every summer injuries and deaths are reported because of it. Whether your friends dare you to do it or you took the initiative yourself, it’s always important to remember that jumping off a cliff is dangerous. Cliff diving should only be done under expert supervision when you’re a beginner. In fact, it should never be done alone, no matter how experienced you think you are. Here are some tips for cliff diving.
Before you jump, make sure there’s a significant amount of water underneath the cliff. If the drop is 30-40 feet, you’ll need water that’s at least 12 feet deep. This water also needs to be free of objects like rocks, logs and other debris found in rivers and streams. You’ll need to take wave action into account too. Be sure that when the wave is out you still have the minimum amount of water depth below you. And a little research goes a long way. You can check out the World High Diving Federation guidelines for height and depth measurements to reduce your risk for bruises, broken bones, concussion, dislocated joints, compressed spine, injured discs, paralysis and even death. You can also ask boaters, locals and other jumpers who have already jumped off the same cliff. These experienced jumpers may also have some tips they can share. There are also laws regarding certain cliffs. Make sure you’re aware of those before you jump too.
Cliff diving requires secure and aerodynamic bathing suits. This gear needs to stay on when you land in the water! Soft cloth shorts and tennis shoes are good for cliffs over 30 feet. But a wetsuit is ideal since it provides impact cushioning between your skin and the water when you hit the surface. Leave your glasses with your friends and you can wear contacts provided you can keep your eyes shut until your surface.
When you’re cliff diving, the last thing you want are any surprises. That’s why you should have your friends, at least two snorkelers, swim underneath the cliff as “spotters” for possible dangers. They need to look for hidden rocks, branches, tree limbs or any other objects that could injure you when you jump and hit the water. You’ll also want to check the cliff itself for any obstacles like any snags, parts jutting out or anything that could break your fall. Additionally, you should check for the safest way back to shore so you can avoid riptides and other rocks. And never underestimate the wind either. Enough wind could slam you back into the cliff.
Another factor that makes cliff diving so dangerous is the speed of impact. If you jump from 20 feet above the water, you’ll hit the water at 25 mph. As resilient as the human body is, such velocity can compress your spine, break your bones and even cause a concussion. This is why the World High Diving Federation recommends that cliff dives of 65.5 feet or higher only take place with professional scuba divers positioned in the water.
If the above safety criterion have been met, you’re almost ready to make a great jump. But do you know how to properly dive? The problem is too many people think they know when in reality they don’t. When cliff diving you need to propel yourself off the cliff, using your knees as a propulsion unit. You should stand erect, with your feet together, arms raised straight above your head and your knees bent. Next, bring your arms down at hip level and sweep them forward as you drive forward with your legs. When you leap straight out, your body should be perpendicular to the water. On your way down arch your back so gravity can pull you to a vertical position. Your goal in the air is to be as straight as possible, like a pencil. Once you’re straight, raise your arms over your head and make a fist with your right hand, locking your left hand over it and pointing your toes to the water. Never attempt to land on your face, stomach or bottom as you risk serious injury. Once you’ve hit the water you should stretch out your legs and arms and arch your back. This keeps you from sinking too deep in the water. Swim to the surface and wave to your friends to let them know you’re okay.
