So drought has really affected the lake that I was planning to go to to cliff dive this next weekend. I am concerned about this because I also read this article about how dangerous cliff diving is…
Here is the article:
“Tips To Safely Attempt Cliff Jumping
Published : 14th June, 2010 Popularity : 29 or more times read Views : 596
There is no better way to get your adrenaline pumping then trying out cliff jumping. If done with guidance and safety in mind then it can be a great and exciting recreational activity to get into. Here are a few tips to think about before you cliff jump to make yourself safer. This is a dangerous activity and fatalities have occurred when cliff jumping so you should take safety considerations seriously and be prepared before thinking about jumping.
You must be aware of your surroundings and more importantly of the water you will be jumping into. Once you have found a potential cliff for cliff jumping, first assess the water below it, you need to investigate the depth of the water, what is under the water e.g. dangerous rocks and also what the waters tide is like. The water must be very deep so that you don’t hit the bottom, assessing any obstacles in the water like rocks is important too as you don’t want to jump where there is many rocks at the bottom that could cause injury. Also you need to investigate whether there are strong tides or currents at the base of the cliff, as these could pull you into the cliff face once you have jumped. When you check the waters always wear shoes in case of sharp rocks you can injure yourself on.
If you are still unsure about the surrounding never attempt to jump. There are many established cliff jumping sites around the world so just ask around or look for more information on the internet of places locally that you can go to. Always start on a small jump and move up little by little, this is to get you used to it and progress when you are more experienced at the small jumps. It may seem silly but you must jump rather than fall hence the name, jumping should ensure hitting the water arrow straight on which is safer.
You should also ask why you want to jump off a cliff, if it is because of peer pressure and want to impress your friends you should not do it. If you are really scared or feel under pressure,you may end up having an accident because you are not focusing correctly on the jump. Cliff Jumping should only be done at your own will, and stay focused, you have to jump for fun and not feel pressured to because of friends.
Once you have confirmed it is a safe spot and worked out that you are jumping on your own accord then start on a small cliff, no more the 20-30 feet above the water to begin with. Now to the technique, step to the edge of the cliff to start with. Make sure that your hands are pressed to your sides and that your feet are tightly together, this is to ensure you enter the water as straight as possible. This is also good prevention of injury, as your limbs are tightly tucked in you minimize the possibility of them being pulled to the side when you get in the water.
Next your should visualize how you will enter the water, think about keeping your body as straight as possible, keep your posture tight and rigid until you have stopped traveling in the water . You must also get your timing right, this is crucial you need to jump when you are fully balanced and focused. Once you have prepared and you are confident in your preparation then jump and enjoy, the jump doesn’t last long so enjoy it while you can.” 23 months ago