How to Find Cliff Diving Locations

The sport of cliff diving provides an exhilarating adrenalin rush. Plummeting dives from high cliffs take courage and daring, but can be accomplished by those who enjoy diving and swimming. Acrobatics are not required, but for experienced divers, they can increase the overall excitement of cliff diving.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Guarantee the dive area is deep enough and free from obstructions. The dive zone must not have any submerged rocks or undergrowth. Cliff diving is a dangerous sport but finding the proper diving site minimizes the risk.
2. Look for calm waters when searching for cliff diving locations. Calm waters allow divers to easily scan the water surface and judge distances more precisely. Professional divers at La Quebrada in Acapulco may leap into rough waters, but most have years of experience.
3. Locate an easily accessible flat rock ledge. Diving from a flat space at least 20 feet wide is best. There must be enough room for two divers at a time and for running dives also. The surface of the ledge should be even and unbroken to prevent stumbling.
4. Measure the dive height at both high and low tide. The diving distance should not be much higher than 60 feet for men and about 45 feet for women, especially if divers plan to do some acrobatic dives.
5. Contact local dive clubs. Dive clubs are the best source for information about great dive sites and spectacular scenic locations. Most rocky areas near the ocean or above a lake will have been explored by the locals, and they'll be happy to share their expertise.

Tips & Warnings

• Never dive alone.
• Always check below the water surface before diving to avoid head injuries.