DexterCliff Diving - An Introduction
April 23rd 2008 02:31
The history of Cliff Diving
The Acapulco cliff dive
Growing up in the 70’s one sporting event that was sure to leave my jaw on the floor were the cliff divers of Acapulco. Self explanatory these keen practitioners would climb up rock faces of staggering heights and then launch themselves into the waters below with style and grace.
Using only natural elements as a launch pad, sometimes the platforms are little more than a few inches in width hidden with shrubs and bushes. A logical progression from the rock jumping that most kids attempt, the sports popularity has never really dwindled, nor my fascination with it.
Dating back to the 1700’s in Hawaii cliff jumping was a rite of passage, but I’m sure that as long as there has been deep water located underneath rock faces people have plummeted.
Since then extreme sports need for adrenalin rushes has continued and the bold thrill seekers dive from Waterfalls, helicopters and a variety of other sights.
Going down a waterfall the fast way
From www.whdf.com (The World High Diving Federation) here is some information about the famous rocks of Acapulco.
“La Quebrada, or “The Break”, is the name of the famous rock in Acapulco.
In 1934, the 13 year old Enrique Apac Rios jumped off for the first time in history.
Several mortal injuries and exaggerated spot heights have made a mystical tourist attraction out of a former fishing village. In fact, the top level dive is 26.5 meters high, the lower level 21 meters. The rock profile together with the shallow water, (maximum 4 meters depth) are making this jump extremely dangerous.”
The take off
Competitions are held every year and you can expect seekextreme.com to post the results of some of the more high profile events around the globe.
Video 1 - Acapulco Cliff Diving 2007
Video 2 - Acapulco Cliff Diving 2008
Video 3 - Hold your breath for some unbelievable waterfall dives that are as beautiful as they are high.
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