Adding a new dimension to the sport of diving, cliff diving is defined as the acrobatic perfection of diving into water from a high cliff. Braving the rough rocks, divers take a plunge in the hard-hitting water beneath to experience a thrill to last for a lifetime The sensational sport originated from the Hawaiian Island of Lanai in 1770. Kahekili, the king, demanded that his men leap off high cliffs and enter the water feet first without a splash, to prove their courage and loyalty. Today, after centuries, the activity has expanded into a sport that is marked by immense courage, focus, thrill and risk. This exciting sport requires a sound technical education and extensive training before one takes the first plunge. Apart from courage, self-confidence, extraordinary physical control and possessing the ability to make quick decisions is a must for this extreme sport. Unrelenting courage, uncompromising focus and the ability to make crucial decisions in a second are what make a successful cliff diver. Cliff diving is one of the riskier kinds of diving; hence, extreme caution is a must. To the benefit of the divers, certain standards have been set to minimize the risk factor. Some of these include determining the height of the jump (23 28 meters for men, 18 23 meters for women), an ideal entering speed of 75 100 km/h, and a free fall time of 3 seconds. Cliff diving is usually done in areas surrounded by calm waters. There are innumerable enticing natural sites all across the world that offers locations for this sport. Apart from a recreational activity, this extreme sport has also been taken up as a profession by brave hearts who continually conduct spine-chilling shows for the audience at various venues all over the globe. |
