If you speak with people who frequently dive at a popular spot, ask them if there is anything important you should know about the spot. Are there rocks in the water? Does the water have a strong current? Is there enough of a platform on the cliff to get a running start? Are there any local laws barring tourists from diving at a particular cliff?[2] X Research source Some popular locations worldwide include: Rick’s Cafe in Negril, Jamaica; Buža Cafes in Dubrovnik, Croatia; Ord River in Kimberley, Australia; Brontallo in Ticino, Switzerland; the foothills of the Himalayas in Rishikesh, India; and Tar Creek Falls in Los Padres National Forest, California. [3] X Research source
The average diving cliffs range between 20 feet (6. 1 m) to 50 feet (15 m) high. While you can always dive from a cliff shorter than 20 feet (6. 1 m), it is not recommended to drive off of cliffs that are higher than 50 feet (15 m), as serious injuries can occur more easily. [5] X Research source
The water needs to be at least 8 feet (2. 4 m) deep. Add an extra 2 feet (0. 61 m) of depth for every 10 feet (3. 0 m) of cliff height.
Avoid jumping near waterfalls. While this may seem picturesque in films, waterfalls often create strong currents and undertows that can make the diving experience dangerous. [8] X Research source
For added safety, you can have friends rotate to be a lookout below the cliff. When one person is jumping, another can watch the water at the bottom of the cliff to make sure nobody swims in the way.
It is good to have strong swimming skills for cliff diving as you may encounter strong currents in the water. So if you need to, take some swimming lessons to brush up on the proper swimming techniques.
Make sure that someone has a cell phone and cell service. If something goes wrong, you are going to want to be able to call for medical assistance. If the area you are in does not have cell phone reception, then keep a vehicle nearby so you and your friends can quickly leave. [12] X Research source
Also consider adding drops of olive oil to your ears to avoid water pressure buildup. When you land in the water, pressure will build up in your ears. So before you jump, add a few drops of olive oil in your ears to alleviate the water pressure. [14] X Research source
Cliff diving in itself is a very dangerous sport. If you or any of your friends are under the influence while out cliff diving, then greatly reconsider returning later in the day when you and your friends have sobered up.
Try watching a few of your other friends or a professional cliff dive first. This may alleviate some of your fears. If it doesn’t, don’t worry. You can still have just as much fun experiencing the moment in person.
Before you jump, focus on your landing spot and visualize your jump. Don’t let yourself become distracted.
If you are diving feet first, you might need an additional running start. Take as many steps as you think you might need to spring your body away from the side of the cliff.
Jump up and away from the cliff, diving feet first. Your body should be rigid like a pencil that is aimed at your landing spot in the water. [20] X Research source Outspread your arms to steady your body when diving feet first. Your body might naturally veer off to the side when you jump. So use your arms like wings to quickly steady and straighten your body. [21] X Research source Press your arms to your sides. Once your body is steady, pull your arms vertically, tight against your body. This will allow your body to slide into the water easily, rather than break through the surface. [22] X Research source Straighten your back. Your body should not be bent when you hit the water. Folding or twisting your body to perform tricks while falling can easily result in a hard collision with the surface of the water. Having your back straight will decrease the pressure forced on your body from the impact. [23] X Research source
Jump outwards from the cliff and angle your body to dive head first. This motion is similar to the one you would do to dive into a swimming pool. You just want to make sure that your body is away from the side of the cliff, and aimed at your desired landing spot in the water. [25] X Research source Straighten your body like an arrow with your arms outstretched over your head and against your ears, and tuck in your chin. Your arms will protect your ears from the water pressure once you make contact with the water’s surface. [26] X Research source Layer the palm of one hand so it is on top of the back of your other hand. You want to hit the water with your layered hands first to protect your head. Your layered hands will safely cut through the surface of the water, and allow the rest of your body to glide into the water. [27] X Research source
The average speeds hit from cliff diving can be between 25 mph (11. 176 m/s) to 45 mph (20. 117 m/s). [32] X Research source
