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Cliff jumping is the leaping off a cliff edge, usually into a body of water, as a form of sport. It may be done as part of the sport of coasteering or as a standalone activity. Particular variations on cliff jumping may specify the angle of entry into the water or the inclusion or exclusion of human-made platforms or other equipment. Cliff jumping and its close relative tombstoning are specific to water landing (with diving usually implying a head-first entry and tombstoning implying a feet-first entry). Cliff jumping with the use of a parachute would typically be classified as a form of BASE jumping.
Cliff jumping has inherent dangers due to the high velocity that can be attained during a long fall and multiple cliff jumping deaths are reported every year.
In 2015 a world record for cliff jumping was set by Laso Schaller, with a jump of 58.8 m (193 ft).
The Tomb of the Diver in Paestum, contains a fresco dating to around 500 to 475 BCE that also shows a person diving into a pool or stream of water from a structure.
In recent years, injuries and deaths related to cliff jumping have increased calls for responses from local authorities and emergency services. A reaction to serious injuries and deaths at one popular tombstoning site, Plymouth Hoe, has led to the dismantling of seafront diving boards and closure of parts of the waterfront to discourage the activity.
In 1989 a 22 year-old died from a broken neck after trying to backflip from "about 60 feet" (18 metres).
Before jumping from a cliff or platform a person may take a running approach and then jump into the water and the speed gained from a running approach will increase the person's net impact velocity.
A person can die when they into their lungs 22 ml of sea water per kilo of body mass. For a person weighing 70kg, death can occur when they aspirate one and a half litres of sea water, described as being "...one large inspiration."
For fresh water a person can die when they aspirate 44 ml per kg of fresh water. For a person weighing 70kg death can occur when they aspirate three litres of fresh water.
It was also commented that "Cold water shock causes the blood vessels in the skin to close, which increases the resistance of blood flow. Heart rate is also increased. As a result the heart has to work harder and your blood pressure goes up." Further that this "...rise in cardiac output and blood pressure can precipitate cardiovascular difficulties... and ...In such cases, survival time can be measured in seconds rather than hours."
It has further been commented that "Cold water shock can therefore cause heart attacks, even in the relatively young and healthy."
In relation to cold water shock and sea tempartures it has been commented that "Anything below 15°C is defined as cold water and can seriously affect your breathing and movement... Average UK and Ireland sea temperatures are just 12°C."
It has been commented that "In the 1950s, scientists examined why English Channel swimmers could spend 12–20 h swimming in 12–15°C water, while estimated survival time in these temperatures was in the region of 6 h." and that "...this unusual capability of outdoor swimmers to endure cold water has been attributed to large deposits of subcutaneous fat and a high level of physical fitness; however, these swimmers can also habituate themselves by repeated immersions in cold water." and that the "...cold shock response can be reduced by 50% in as few as six 2-min cold immersions..." whilst the "Habituation of the shivering response needs longer immersions (>30 min)."
Impact with submerged objects or terrain
Submerged objects also pose a direct risk to jumpers, who may sustain severe physical trauma upon colliding with them, or risk becoming entangled and unable to surface. A too-shallow lakebed or seabed can also cause impact injury. In ocean conditions, tides can greatly affect water depth.
Currents and exiting the water
As with any other water-based activity, strong currents and rough waves can make timely exit from the water impossible and can lead to drowning whilst cliff faces and sea walls can also make climbing out of the water impossible.
Popular cliff jumping locations
See also
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