High diving
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High diving is the act of diving into water from relatively great heights. High diving can be performed as an adventure sport (as with cliff diving), as a performance stunt (as with many records attempts), or competitively during sporting events.
It debuted at a FINA event at the 2013 World Aquatics Championships in Barcelona, after the sport was added to the federation's list of disciplines.[1][2] In the world championships, men jump from a 27-metre-high (89 ft) platform while women jump from a 20-metre-high (66 ft) platform. In other official competitions, men generally dive from a height of 22–27 metres (72–89 ft) while women dive from a height of 18–23 metres (59–75 ft).[3] The sport is unique in that athletes are often unable to practice in an authentic environment until the days leading up to a competition.[1] High divers have achieved speeds of descent of 96 kilometres per hour (60 mph).
History
[edit]
Initially, diving as a sport began by jumping from "great heights". Then it was exclusively practiced by gymnasts as they found it exciting with a low probability of injury. It then evolved into "diving in the air" with water as the safety landing base. Efforts by Thomas Ralph to name the sport "springing" were not realized, as the term "diving" was by then firmly rooted. It soon became a sporting event pursued by many enthusiasts. In the early years of the sport, finding suitable places to jump was an issue, and people started jumping from any high place – in Europe and the United States they started jumping from bridges, then diving head first into the water. This evolved into "fancy diving" in Europe, and, particularly in Germany and Sweden, as a gymnastic act. The sport further improved with gymnastic acts being performed during the diving process, and was then given the names "springboard diving" and "high fancy diving", which were events in the Olympics of 1908 and 1912. The first diving event as a sport, however, was in 1889 in Scotland with a diving height of 6 feet (1.8 m).[4] Today, in Latin America, diving by professionals from heights of 100 feet (30 m) or more is a common occurrence.[5]
Cliff diving has been documented as far back as 1770 when Kahekili II, king of Maui, engaged in a practice called "lele kawa", which in English means jumping feet first into water from great heights without making a splash.[6] The king's warriors were forced to participate to prove that they were courageous and loyal to the king. The practice later developed into a competition under king Kamehameha I, and divers were judged on their style and amount of splash upon entering the water.
The first female world champion in this sport was Cesilie Carlton of the United States, who won the first gold medal at the 2013 World Aquatics Championships with a total score of 211.60.[7][8] The first male world champion was Orlando Duque of Colombia who received a score of 590.20.[9]
Overview
[edit]Pool diving
[edit]Until 2018, the only permanent regulation-size high diving platform in the world is located in Austria, but it is not used during the winter period. In 2018, Zhaoqing Yingxiong High Diving Training Center,[10] which contains the first year-round regulation-size high diving platform, opened at the Zhaoqing Sports Center in Zhaoqing, China.[11] The training practice is generally done on 10-metre-high (33 ft) platforms. The "competition dives" are collectively put in place in pieces, similar to the way a dress is made.[12] Dives such as five somersault dives can thrill, but some competitors prefer to perform simpler dives.[12]
Outdoor diving
[edit]Some outdoor diving involves launching from significant heights. One such diver noted, "There is adrenaline, excitement, danger – so many different energies go through your mind when you jump off. That goes away and then you hit the water come up and it's a massive elation, you feel such self achievement." A rescue team of scuba divers may be involved in some instances, and are required for any official competitions.
Cliff diving
[edit]
Cliff divers practice the different components of their dives in isolation and only execute the complete dive during championship competitions. Cliff dives are considered extremely difficult and dangerous,[13] a challenge to every competitor; in addition to the physical challenges, they can be mentally challenging to perform.
Events
[edit]Both men and women participate in the High Diving World Championships, but the diving height for women is limited to 20 metres (66 ft). The Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series is held annually and draws crowds of up to 70,000 people. Participants dive from a variety of locations including castles, cliffs, towers, bridges, and the Copenhagen Opera House.[14] Efforts were made by divers to make this sport an Olympic event for the 2024 Summer Olympics held in Paris, France,[12] however the highest platform was the usual 10 metres (33 ft).[15]
World record high dives
[edit]There is considerable debate surrounding record claims for the highest dive, which largely revolves around criteria for what constitutes a valid dive.[16] ABC's Wide World of Sports produced world record high dives for its Emmy award-winning sports anthology show for more than a decade. They required contestants to dive or execute at least one somersault and exit the water without the assistance of others. In 1983 Wide World of Sports produced its last World Record High Dive at Sea World in San Diego. Five divers (Rick Charls, Rick Winters, Dana Kunze, Bruce Boccia, and Mike Foley) successfully executed dives from 52 metres (172 ft).[17] In 1985 Randy Dickison dove from 53.24 metres (174 ft 8 in) at Ocean Park in Hong Kong but sustained a broken femur and could not exit the water on his own.[18]
In 1987, Olivier Favre attempted a double back somersault from 54 metres (177 ft) but broke his back upon impact and had to be rescued.[19] Laso Schaller's 2015 jump from a 59 metres (193 ft) cliff in Switzerland may not be considered a dive based on ABC's criteria (one somersault needed);[20] however, he is the current record holder for Highest dive from a diving board according to the Guinness Book of Records,[21] simultaneously holding the Highest Cliff Jump record for the same jump.[22]
Men
[edit]| Date | High diver | Place | Height | Video | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 | SeaWorld Orlando | 51.8 m (170 ft) | ABC's Wide World of Sports - World Record High Dive Challenge | ||
| March 1983 | SeaWorld San Diego | 52.4 m (172 ft) | [23] | ABC's Wide World of Sports - World Record High Dive Challenge | |
| [24] | |||||
| [25] | |||||
| [26] | |||||
| [27] | |||||
| 7 April 1985 | Ocean Park Hong Kong | 53.2 m (174 ft 8 in)[28] | [29] | Failed attempt, multiple fractures of the left leg prevented diver from exiting the pool unassisted.[28] | |
| 30 August 1987 | Villers-le-Lac, France | 53.9 m (177 ft) | [30] | Failed attempt. Broke his back upon impact with water and had to be rescued.[16] | |
| 27 September 1997 | Žďákov Bridge, Czech republic | 58.28 m (191 ft) | [31] | This was a jump, not a dive. Fracture of the thoracic vertebrae and other internal injuries, no surgery.[32] | |
| 4 August 2015 | Maggia, Switzerland | 58.8 m (192 ft 10 in) | [33] | Highest dive from a high diving board and Highest Cliff Jump as per Guinness Book of World Records.[21][22]
Internal ligament injury to the knee as a result even though he wore some protection.[34] |
Women
[edit]| Date | High diver | Place | Height | Video | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 | Rome, Italy[28] | 33.3 m (109 ft 4 in) | |||
| 7 April 1985 | Ocean Park Hong Kong | 36.8 m (120 ft 9 in) | [29] |
Health implications
[edit]Some research suggests that the impact associated with high diving could have negative effects on the joints and muscles of athletes.[1] To avoid injury to their arms upon impact with the water, divers from significant heights usually enter the water feet first.
Impact with water
[edit]Water resistance increases with the speed of entry, so entering the water at high-velocity induces rapid and potentially dangerous deceleration.[35][36] In 1989 a 22 year-old, who was "...a member of the Salt Lake Country Club diving team... ...climbed up on a set of towering rocks... ...about 60 feet..."[36] (18.2 metres). The 22 year old dove into the water to perform a back flip, but never surfaced from the water and was found several days later 120 feet under the water after suffering a broken neck from the dive.[36]
| Fall height | Velocity reached at water surface |
|---|---|
| 5 feet (1.5 m) | 12 mph (19 km/h)[36] |
| 10 feet (3.0 m) | 17 mph (27 km/h)[35] |
| 20 feet (6.1 m) | 25 mph (40 km/h)[35] |
| 10 metres (33 ft) | 35 mph (56 km/h)[37] |
| 50 feet (15 m) | 38 mph (61 km/h)[35] |
| 85 feet (26 m) | 53–62 mph (85–100 km/h)[35] |
In popular culture
[edit]- In 2022, the YouTuber group The Try Guys tested out high diving in Mission Viejo, California.[40]
Image gallery
[edit]-
A composite dive from Orlando Duque.
-
Cliff Diving from the Rickmer Rickmers
-
An event in La Rochelle, France.
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A person dives from the 27.5 metre platform on La Salve bridge.
-
Amateur cliff diving
-
Rhiannan Iffland - 2017 World Aquatics Championships Budapest
See also
[edit]- 2014 FINA High Diving World Cup
- La Quebrada Cliff Divers
- List of World Aquatics Championships medalists in high diving
- Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series – annual international series of cliff diving events that was established in 2009
Olympic events
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c Napolitano, Salvatore; Di Tore, Pio Alfredo; Raiola, Gaetano (2013). "High Diving: Evaluation of Water Impact and Considerations on Training Methods" (PDF). Journal of Human Sport and Exercise. 8 (2): 283–289. doi:10.4100/jhse.2012.8.Proc2.30. Archived (PDF) from the original on 6 July 2017.
- ^ Adrega, Pedro; Chiarello, Sarah (29 July 2013). "High Diving, Day 1: Pure adrenalin in the port of Barcelona!". FINA. Archived from the original on 4 August 2013. Retrieved 31 July 2013.
- ^ "General Rules and Regulations for International Competitions" (PDF). World High Diving Federation. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2 February 2016. Retrieved 11 September 2015.
- ^ Dubey, H.C. (1 January 1999). Dph Sports Series-Diving. Discovery Publishing House. p. 2. ISBN 978-81-7141-478-9.
- ^ Crego, Robert (January 2003). Sports and Games of the 18th and 19th Centuries. Greenwood Publishing Group. pp. 136–. ISBN 978-0-313-31610-4.
- ^ "History: The real roots of cliff diving are found at Kaunolu, on the Hawaiian island of Lana´i" (PDF). World High Diving Federation. Retrieved 11 September 2015.[dead link]
- ^ "High Diving, Day 2: History was made: Cesilie Carlton (USA) is the first World champion!". FINA. 30 July 2013. Archived from the original on 23 August 2016. Retrieved 9 September 2015.
- ^ Rogers, Iain (30 July 2013). "American Carlton takes inaugural high diving gold". Reuters. Retrieved 31 July 2013.
- ^ Wilson, Joseph (31 July 2013). "Orlando Duque wins 1st high diving world title". The Big Story. Associated Press. Archived from the original on 16 August 2014. Retrieved 11 September 2015.
- ^ "Zhaoqing ready for the FINA High Diving World Cup 2019 - Xinhua | English.news.cn". www.xinhuanet.com. Archived from the original on 26 May 2019. Retrieved 26 May 2019.
- ^ "VIDEO: Zhao Qing High Diving Stadium Opens In China". Swimming World News. 8 December 2018. Retrieved 26 May 2019.
- ^ a b c "High Diving, a Crowd-Pleasing Sport, Pursues an Olympic Platform". The New York Times. 5 August 2015.
- ^ Harris, Rob. "The Dangers of Jumping into Water From Heights". Livestrong. Retrieved 10 September 2015.
- ^ Hope, Nick (August 2013). "US great Greg Louganis wants high diving at Olympic Games". BBC Sport. Retrieved 9 September 2015.
- ^ "Diving, Paris 2024". 2024 Summer Olympics. Archived from the original on 23 July 2021. Retrieved 20 November 2022.
- ^ a b lolajones (7 April 2009). "Seriously extreme diving – the High Diving record, Dana Kunze, and the Deep Diving record, Nuno Gomes". xtremesport4u.
- ^ ABC's Wide World of Sports - World Record High Dive Challenge 1983 (172 ft) - YouTube
- ^ Randy Dickison's World Record High Dive from 172 feet 8 inches in Hong Kong 1986 - YouTube
- ^ Olivier Favre - World Record Highest Dive - 177ft - 54 m - YouTube
- ^ Laso Schaller's World-Record Jump Was Not a World-Record Dive
- ^ a b "Highest dive from a high diving board (Male)".
- ^ a b "New photos: Laso Schaller completes the highest cliff jump ever attempted". 3 December 2015.
- ^ ABC's Wide World of Sports - Rick Winters World Record High Dive. YouTube. Archived from the original on 21 December 2021.
- ^ ABC's Wide World of Sports - Rick Charls World Record High Dive. YouTube. Archived from the original on 21 December 2021.
- ^ ABC's Wide World of Sports - World Record High Dive Challenge 1983 (172 ft). YouTube. 20 February 2011.
- ^ ABC's Wide World of Sports - World Record High Dive Challenge 1983 (172 ft). YouTube. 20 February 2011.
- ^ ABC's Wide World of Sports - World Record High Dive Challenge 1983 (172 ft). YouTube. 20 February 2011.
- ^ a b c "High Divers Set Marks at Hong Kong Event". The New York Times. Associated Press. 7 April 1985. Retrieved 9 September 2015.
- ^ a b World Record Highest Dives (Randy Dickison 174'8" and Lucy Wardle (Streeter) 120'9"). YouTube. 26 November 2008. Archived from the original on 21 December 2021.
- ^ Olivier Favre - World Record Highest Dive - 177ft - 54 m. YouTube. 21 August 2010.
- ^ VTS. YouTube. 21 March 2011. Archived from the original on 21 December 2021.
- ^ Rudolf Bok (1999). Jsem kaskadér [I'm a Stuntman]. Olympia. ISBN 978-80-7033-591-8.
- ^ High Jump World Record with Laso Schaller 58.80 Meter / 192ft Cliff Diving. YouTube. Archived from the original on 21 December 2021.
- ^ "Wann ein Sprung ins Wasser für Menschen gefährlich wird" (in German). Der Standard. 7 August 2022.
- ^ a b c d e Kolich, Heather (5 October 2009). "How Cliff Diving Works". mapquest. Archived from the original on 24 May 2024. Retrieved 15 March 2022.
- ^ a b c d "CLIFFS PLUS DIVING = DANGER: WATER, GRAVITY CAN TURN THRILLER INTO A KILLER". Deseret News. 8 June 1989. Archived from the original on 15 March 2022. Retrieved 15 March 2022.
- ^ McGeehan, Matt (10 April 2018). "Commonwealth Games 2018: Tom Daley forced to withdraw from individual event with hip injury". The independent. Archived from the original on 10 April 2018. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
- ^ Kenny, Glenn (18 December 2018). "'Bumblebee' Review: Finally, a 'Transformers' Movie That's Actually Good". The New York Times. Retrieved 25 November 2022.
- ^ Terry, Josh (20 December 2018). "Movie review: If you hate what Michael Bay did to the 'Transformers' franchise, you'll love 'Bumblebee'". Deseret News. Retrieved 25 November 2022.
- ^ The Try Guys (3 September 2022). "Try Guys Try High Diving". YouTube. Retrieved 25 November 2022.
Further reading
[edit]- Crouse, Karen (5 August 2015). "High Diving, a Crowd-Pleasing Sport, Pursues an Olympic Platform". The New York Times. Retrieved 7 September 2015.
- "Breathtaking, daring moments from world's biggest diving competitions". CNN. 27 July 2015. Retrieved 7 September 2015.
- Mercier, H.; Ammann, W.J.; Deischl, F.; Eisenmann, J.; Floegl, I.; Hirsch, G.H.; Klein, G.K.; Lande, G.J.; Mahrenholtz, O.; Natke, H.G. (2012). Vibration Problems in Structures: Practical Guidelines. Birkhäuser. pp. 25–28. ISBN 978-3-0348-9231-5. – Contains content about high diving platforms
External links
[edit]High diving
View on GrokipediaDefinition and Basics
Overview of High Diving
High diving is a discipline of aquatics in which competitors perform acrobatic dives from elevated platforms, towers, or cliffs into bodies of water, typically executing rotational maneuvers such as somersaults and twists before entering feet-first.[3] Unlike lower-height forms, it emphasizes precision from greater elevations exceeding 10 meters (33 feet), with official competition standards set at 27 meters for men and 20 meters for women in controlled pool or tower settings. Participants must be at least 18 years old by December 31 of the competition year.[1] Cliff diving, a variant in natural environments, uses standardized heights of 27 meters for men and 21 meters for women in major competitions like the Red Bull series, adapting to geological features while maintaining similar technical demands.[4] The core mechanics of high diving revolve around four phases: takeoff, flight, body positioning, and entry. Takeoff requires a balanced launch—standing for backward and inward dives or with a run-up for forward and reverse—to generate height and distance.[3] During flight, divers adopt specific positions to control rotations: the pike (body bent at the hips with straight legs), tuck (knees and hips bent to form a compact shape), or layout (straight body with no bends).[5] Entry demands a vertical, feet-first alignment with arms positioned below the navel to minimize splash and impact, ideally achieving a "rip" effect for optimal scoring.[3] In competitions, dives are evaluated on difficulty (a degree value calculated from elements like somersaults, twists, and positions) and execution (scored 0-10 by judges assessing approach, flight control, and entry cleanliness, with half-point increments).[6] Final scores multiply execution by difficulty, with synchronization applied in paired events if specified. High diving remains a niche sport with limited global participation, primarily through elite international circuits like World Aquatics events, where fields typically include 12-16 athletes per gender, fostering accessibility via specialized training facilities and growing media exposure.[7]Distinctions from Other Diving Forms
High diving fundamentally differs from Olympic platform diving in terms of height and resulting physical demands. While Olympic platform diving is limited to a maximum height of 10 meters, high diving competitions involve platforms ranging from 15 to 28 meters, with standard World Aquatics events using 20 meters for women and 27 meters for men.[8][1] This increased elevation provides divers with significantly more air time—approximately 3 seconds compared to 1.5-2 seconds from a 10-meter platform—allowing for more complex acrobatic maneuvers but also amplifying the forces upon water entry, up to around 10 times body weight.[2] Cliff diving represents a specialized subset of high diving, distinguished primarily by its use of natural, uneven rock formations rather than controlled artificial towers or platforms over pools. In competitive cliff diving, such as the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series, athletes leap from coastal cliffs into open water bodies like the sea, where surface conditions can vary unpredictably, unlike the stable pool environments of tower-based high diving.[9] This natural setting introduces additional variables, including irregular takeoff surfaces and potential for wave interference, contrasting with the standardized, engineered facilities in organized high diving events.[1] In contrast to synchronized diving, which emphasizes teamwork and precise mirroring of movements between two athletes from the same height, high diving is strictly an individual discipline focused on personal execution of height-enhanced acrobatics. Synchronized events, common in Olympic formats, score pairs on their harmony and timing during shared dives from springboards or platforms up to 10 meters, whereas high diving prioritizes solo performances that showcase rotational complexity and entry precision without partner coordination.[10] Similarly, artistic swimming (formerly synchronized swimming) involves choreographed routines performed entirely in the water, combining swimming, dance, and gymnastics elements with music, diverging entirely from high diving's aerial emphasis on takeoff, flight, and vertical entry. Environmental factors further set high diving apart from more controlled forms like Olympic diving. High diving often occurs in outdoor settings, including natural sites where wind speeds above 40 km/h may prompt event delays and waves can affect entry, unlike the indoor, climate-regulated pools of Olympic venues that maintain consistent water temperatures around 26-28°C and minimal external interference.[1] Amateur recreational cliff jumping, typically an unstructured leisure activity from low to moderate heights without formal judging, contrasts sharply with professional high diving's scored competitions that demand technical proficiency, degree-of-difficulty ratings, and adherence to international rules. While recreational jumping prioritizes thrill over form and often occurs from unofficial spots like bridges or low cliffs, competitive high diving requires pre-approved dives, judge evaluations on execution and style, and safety certifications to mitigate risks.[1][11]History
Origins and Early Practices
The roots of high diving trace back to ancient cultural practices involving leaps into water, as evidenced by a late sixth-century BCE Etruscan tomb painting at Tarquinia, Italy, depicting a boy plunging from a high rock into the sea below, likely representing a ritual or acrobatic feat.[12] Similar water-based rituals appear in Mesoamerican traditions, where the Maya incorporated cenotes—natural sinkholes—as sacred sites for offerings and ceremonial immersions, though direct evidence of organized cliff jumps remains limited.[13] By the 18th and 19th centuries, high diving evolved into a structured gymnastic discipline in Europe, particularly in Sweden and Germany, where athletes performed tumbling routines from elevated platforms into water to practice aerial maneuvers safely.[14] These early tower dives, often from heights of 10 meters or less, marked the transition from recreational or ritualistic jumps to organized sport, with Swedish and German gymnasts pioneering somersaults and twists over water bodies.[14] In Hawaii during the late 18th century, native practitioners engaged in lele kawa, a traditional feet-first cliff leap popularized by King Kahekili of Maui around 1770, who challenged warriors to jump from sites like Puʻu Kekaʻa (Black Rock) on Maui and later Ka Lae (South Point) on Hawaiʻi Island, from heights up to 40 feet into the ocean as tests of courage and skill.[15] The 19th century also saw high diving popularized through daring public spectacles in the United States, influenced by circus and vaudeville performers who staged high falls for entertainment. On May 19, 1885, swimming instructor Robert Emmet Odlum became the first documented person to jump from the Brooklyn Bridge, plunging approximately 135 feet into the East River in an attempt to demonstrate the safety of such feats; he died from internal injuries shortly after.[16] The following year, on July 23, 1886, Steve Brodie claimed to survive a similar 135-foot leap from the same bridge, sparking widespread fame and inspiring imitators, though the veracity of his survival remains debated among historical accounts.[17] Pre-20th-century safety innovations were rudimentary, focusing on preparatory jumps from progressively higher but controlled platforms into deeper water to build technique, as seen in European gymnastic training where water served as a forgiving landing surface compared to land.[14] Early performers like Odlum relied on physical conditioning and shallow-water rehearsals rather than specialized gear, often without protective mats, highlighting the high risks before modern standards emerged.[16]Development in the 20th and 21st Centuries
In the early 20th century, high diving emerged as a formalized extension of platform diving, initially termed "fancy high diving" in Olympic contexts. It was featured as an official event at the 1912 Stockholm Olympics, where competitors dove from 10-meter platforms, marking its inclusion in major aquatics exhibitions across Europe and North America.[18] By the 1920s, the sport gained prominence in international meets, with the United States rising to dominance after early leadership from Sweden and Germany, though events remained limited to platforms up to 10 meters due to safety concerns.[19] Following World War II, high diving experienced gradual growth through informal exhibitions and national championships, transitioning from Olympic platform events to more adventurous forms like cliff jumping. While FINA (now World Aquatics) focused primarily on standard diving disciplines, By the 1990s, precursor world championships emerged, including the 1990 World Cup in Italy, which featured dives from 25-27 meters and attracted international talent, signaling a shift toward organized extreme competitions.[20] The 21st century marked a boom in high diving's globalization and institutionalization. The Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series launched in 2009 in La Rochelle, France, establishing annual professional circuits with dives from 27 meters for men and 21 meters for women, drawing competitors from over 20 countries and elevating the sport's visibility through televised events across continents.[9] In 2013, World Aquatics (then FINA) officially recognized high diving as a discipline, debuting it at the World Aquatics Championships in Barcelona, Spain, where Orlando Duque won the men's 27-meter event and Cesilie Carlton claimed the inaugural women's 20-meter gold, integrating it into the global aquatics framework.[21] This recognition spurred annual world championships, expanding participation to include mixed-gender formats and fostering rivalries between cliff and tower specialists. Technological advances have underpinned this growth, including the construction of permanent 27-meter towers, such as China's first high diving stadium in Zhaoqing opened in 2018, influenced by the need for safe training facilities post-2008 Beijing Olympics' platform success.[22] Video analysis tools, utilizing multi-camera systems and motion capture software, became standard in training by the 2010s, allowing divers to dissect entry angles and reduce injury risks through biomechanical feedback.[23] Recent expansions highlight inclusion in multi-sport events like the 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, featuring the largest field yet with 28 men and 24 women competing, alongside Southeast Asia's first 27-meter tower; James Lichtenstein of the United States won the men's event, while Rhiannan Iffland of Australia took the women's gold.[24][25] Women's participation has surged, with equal roster sizes in major series and athletes like Rhiannan Iffland securing nine titles since 2013 in the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series, promoting gender parity.[9] Sustainability efforts in cliff events, such as Red Bull's 2019 Clean Cliffs Project led by athletes to remove 30,000 pounds of trash from dive sites, underscore environmental commitments amid growing global tours.[26]Techniques and Equipment
Diving Techniques
High diving techniques emphasize precise body control to generate height, initiate rotations, and ensure a safe entry from extreme platform heights, typically 27 meters for men and 20 meters for women. The takeoff phase begins with either a standing or running approach on the fixed platform. In a standing takeoff, the diver pushes off with both legs while swinging the arms upward and backward to maximize vertical propulsion and initiate rotation, ensuring the body clears the platform edge cleanly. For running takeoffs, the approach involves a controlled run-up of several steps to build momentum, culminating in a powerful leg extension and coordinated arm swing to achieve greater height and distance from the platform, with the arms reaching overhead at the peak of the push to counterbalance and direct the body's trajectory.[3] During the aerial phase, divers execute complex maneuvers leveraging the extended flight time, which lasts approximately three seconds from a 27-meter platform. Somersaults can be forward, backward, or reverse, performed in tuck (thighs drawn to chest for compact rotation), pike (body bent at hips with legs straight), straight (fully extended body), or free positions, often combining multiple half-somersaults—such as 3.5 or 4.5—for heightened difficulty. Twists, initiated by asymmetric arm or shoulder movements rather than from the platform itself, are typically executed in the free position and integrated with somersaults, with combinations like a forward 3½ somersaults with 2½ twists achieving degree of difficulty (DD) factors exceeding 4.0, calculated via the FINA formula incorporating somersault count, twist count, position, and approach type. These elements demand precise spotting—using visual references to track orientation and adjust mid-air—to maintain control and alignment. Armstand dives (group V) also follow these principles, starting from a handstand position on the platform edge.[3][6][27] The entry phase focuses on a vertical, streamlined "pencil" position to minimize surface impact and splash, executed feet-first for all dives, including armstand, as required by World Aquatics rules to ensure safety at these heights. The body aligns fully straight with feet together and toes pointed leading into the water, arms positioned below the navel to avoid score penalties, and head in a neutral position looking upward for alignment. This configuration reduces drag and distributes force upon impact, where speeds reach about 85 km/h, prioritizing a "rip entry" that appears perpendicular to the surface for optimal judging.[3][27] Extreme heights in high diving allow for advanced adjustments, as the prolonged flight time enables additional rotations not feasible from lower platforms, such as up to five somersaults in a single dive from 27 meters. Divers must generate sufficient angular momentum during takeoff to complete these maneuvers before initiating the entry sequence, often opening the body position later in flight to time the vertical descent precisely. This extended aerial duration—contrasting with under two seconds from a 10-meter platform—permits higher DD dives but requires heightened awareness of acceleration and orientation to avoid over-rotation.[3][27] Training for high diving progresses methodically from lower heights to build proficiency and safety. Athletes begin with drills on 10-meter platforms, incorporating height boxes to simulate elevated starts, and perform approximately 100 preparatory lead-up dives before advancing to intermediate levels like 12 or 14 meters. Techniques are refined using spotting rigs or harnesses on trampolines and dry platforms to practice rotations and spotting without water impact, gradually transitioning to wet-board sessions and full-height dives only after mastering control at reduced elevations, typically 1-3 times weekly in the two months leading to competition.[3]Safety Gear and Facilities
High divers utilize specialized protective gear to mitigate risks associated with extreme heights and water entry. In World Aquatics competitions, standard approved swimwear is required, such as one-piece suits for women and briefs for men. In cliff diving events or cold-water conditions, neoprene wetsuits may be used, providing thermal insulation to maintain body temperature during prolonged exposure and minor protection against abrasions from rocky cliffs or platform edges.[28][29] Nose clips are permitted to prevent water ingress into the sinuses, aiding in controlled breathing and reducing discomfort upon impact.[30] Ear plugs are commonly employed to block water from the ear canals, minimizing the risk of infections like swimmer's ear in high-velocity entries.[31] Facilities for high diving adhere to strict standards set by World Aquatics to ensure structural integrity and participant safety. Artificial setups feature standardized towers reaching 27 meters in height, such as the one at the Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center in Florida, which includes multiple platforms for progressive training.[32] Platforms must measure 2 meters in width and between 1.5 and 5 meters in length, constructed from rigid materials like concrete or steel with slip-resistant, terracotta-colored surfaces to prevent falls.[33] Handrails, 1 meter high with two horizontal crossbars, surround platforms, offering 1.8 meters of clearance for safe access via non-slip stairs.[34] Cliff-based venues incorporate temporary platforms elevated 20 to 28 meters above water, often in natural settings like those used in Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series events, ensuring a minimum approach distance of 5 meters from the cliff edge.[35] Receiving pools or bodies of water require a minimum depth of 5 meters directly beneath the entry point, extending horizontally to accommodate splash dispersion and diver recovery, with legacy facilities grandfathered at this depth.[33] For certification, pools must be rectangular (minimum 17.5 meters wide by 14 meters long) or circular (17 meters in diameter), verified by certified surveyors using precise total station instruments.[34] Water management protocols prioritize consistency and safety. Artificial pools are heated to a preferred minimum of 26°C to prevent hypothermia, while natural venues maintain at least 18°C, with competitions halted if temperatures drop below these thresholds.[33] Outdoor facilities employ horizontal water sprays, limited to 1.5 meters above the surface, to agitate the water, creating ripples or foamy white water that breaks the surface tension, making penetration less abrupt to reduce injury risk from high-velocity impacts while improving visibility of the water surface for better dive timing. In some facilities, underwater bubblers or aerators introduce air bubbles to decrease water density and provide cushioning for softer impacts.[33][36][37] Wave barriers or modular containment systems are integrated in open-water sites to stabilize the landing zone against currents or wind-induced ripples. Maintenance standards, governed by World Aquatics guidelines, emphasize platform stability and water quality. Towers must withstand winds up to 54 km/h, with maximum longitudinal and latitudinal oscillation of 2.7 centimeters for a 27-meter structure, measured during full-water conditions.[33] Platforms exhibit no more than 2-3 millimeters of downward flex at the diving end, approved by local authorities, while water undergoes regular testing for pH, clarity, and contaminants to meet health certification requirements.[33] All facilities require wind monitoring devices and scuba-assisted recovery teams positioned in the pool for immediate post-dive support.[34]Competition and Events
Governing Organizations
World Aquatics, formerly known as FINA and founded in 1908, serves as the primary international governing body for high diving as one of its six aquatic disciplines.[38] It comprises 210 national member federations and oversees the development, standardization, and regulation of the sport globally, including the organization of World Aquatics Championships featuring high diving events since 2013.[39][40] Under its authority, World Aquatics establishes technical rules, such as platform heights standardized at 27 meters for men and 20 meters for women, and enforces judging protocols involving 5 to 7 judges who score dives on execution (0-10 scale) and difficulty.[1][41] Additionally, it implements anti-doping policies in alignment with the World Anti-Doping Agency to ensure fair competition.[42] Within World Aquatics, the Technical High Diving Committee (THDC) plays a specialized role in advising on technical aspects, including rule refinements, event formats, and official appointments for high diving competitions from 2022 to 2025.[43] Regional organizations affiliated with World Aquatics, such as European Aquatics, further govern continental high diving activities, organizing events like the European Aquatics Championships that align with international standards.[44] At the national level, organizations like USA Diving maintain dedicated high diving committees to promote the discipline domestically, select athletes for international events, and adapt World Aquatics rules to local contexts.[45] Similarly, the Chinese Swimming Association oversees high diving training and competition in China, leveraging its expertise in tower diving to support national teams excelling in global events.[46] As of 2025, World Aquatics continues to advocate for high diving's inclusion in the Olympic program, submitting proposals to the International Olympic Committee for future Games, while advancing gender equity through equal event structures for men and women and initiatives to increase female participation and leadership in the sport.[47][48]Major Competitions and Formats
High diving competitions primarily feature individual events from fixed heights, with men diving from 27 meters and women from 20 or 21 meters, depending on the venue—either purpose-built towers or natural cliffs. Athletes must be at least 18 years old and perform dives drawn from five groups (forward, backward, reverse, inward, and armstand). The standard format involves multiple rounds where divers perform a predetermined list of dives, judged on execution by a panel of five to seven officials scoring from 0 to 10 in half-point increments. The highest and lowest scores are discarded, the average of the remaining scores is multiplied by the dive's difficulty coefficient (ranging from 1.2 to 4.0 for high diving maneuvers), and totals determine rankings across preliminaries, semifinals, and finals where applicable.[1][49][50] The World Aquatics Championships, held biennially since high diving's inclusion in 2013, serve as the sport's premier global event, awarding medals in men's 27-meter tower and women's 20-meter tower categories. Competitions typically span four days, featuring preliminaries to narrow the field, followed by semifinals and finals, with up to 40 divers starting and the top 12 or 18 advancing per gender. The 2025 edition in Singapore featured a modified format with longer preliminaries requiring four dives per athlete instead of two, to optimize competition flow. Organized under World Aquatics (formerly FINA), these championships emphasize tower-based diving in controlled aquatic facilities, drawing elite athletes from over 50 nations.[51][24][52] The Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series, launched in 2009 for men and expanded to women in 2014, represents the leading cliff-based circuit, typically consisting of 6 to 8 annual stops at scenic global locations such as Polignano a Mare, Italy, and Boston, USA, though the 2025 season featured 4 stops. Each event unfolds over two days with four competitive rounds: divers submit their dive lists in advance, perform one dive per round in a drawn order, and accumulate scores to determine event winners, with overall series standings based on points from all stops. Men leap from 27-meter cliffs, while women use 21-meter platforms, highlighting the sport's adventurous roots in natural environments. The 2025 season culminated in Boston Harbor, marking only the second U.S. finale in series history.[4][50][53] Notable non-competitive spectacles include the La Quebrada Cliff Divers in Acapulco, Mexico, a tradition dating to the 1920s where professional divers perform daily exhibitions from 35-meter cliffs into a narrow cove, often synchronized with torch-lit night shows for tourists. While not a scored competition, Acapulco has hosted formal events like the International Cliff Diving Competition, featuring 27-meter jumps into the Pacific Ocean. From 2020 to 2025, high diving evolved with adaptations to COVID-19 restrictions, including hybrid virtual qualifiers and postponed series stops, alongside growth in prize money—reaching over €100,000 annually in the Red Bull Series—and expanded live streaming on platforms like YouTube, boosting global viewership to millions per event.[54][55][56][57][46]Records and Achievements
Men's World Records
The men's world records in high diving distinguish between extreme height achievements, often from purpose-built platforms or cliffs, and performance benchmarks in standardized competitions from 27-meter towers governed by World Aquatics. These records highlight the evolution of the sport, balancing daring feats with technical precision under strict safety protocols. The highest verified platform dive stands at 58.8 meters (192 feet 10 inches), set by Lazaro "Laso" Schaller of Switzerland (with Brazilian heritage) on August 4, 2015, in Maggia, Ticino, Switzerland, where he reached speeds exceeding 120 km/h upon entry. This Guinness World Record surpassed previous marks, including Dana Kunze's 53-meter cliff dive in 1983, and remains unbroken as of 2025. Historical progression traces back to the early 20th century, when exhibition divers attempted jumps from over 30 meters, often from bridges or natural heights without modern safety measures; by the 1920s, records approached 45 meters in professional shows, though documentation was limited to eyewitness accounts and early films. Post-1980s advancements in equipment and training enabled verified dives like Rick Winters' 52.4-meter (172-foot) platform record in 1983, paving the way for controlled extreme attempts in the 2000s.[58][59] In competitive high diving from the standard 27-meter men's platform, records emphasize execution, degree of difficulty (DD), and total scores across six dives, judged on a 0-10 scale by seven panels. The current World Aquatics Championships record is 428.90 points, achieved by American James Lichtenstein at the 2025 event in Singapore, featuring a standout final dive scoring 143.10 points. Technical records include the highest DD executed, such as Aidan Heslop's 6.2 DD forward 4 somersaults with 3.5 twists pike in 2024, and innovative rotations like Steven LoBue's pioneering inward 5 somersaults ½ twist in tuck (DD 5.1) in the 27-meter final at the 2017 World Championships, which contributed to his gold medal with 397.15 points. These feats represent the pinnacle of controlled complexity within the three-second freefall window.[60][61][62][63]| Record Type | Diver | Height/DD/Score | Date | Location/Event | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highest Platform Dive | Lazaro Schaller (SUI) | 58.8 m | August 4, 2015 | Maggia, Switzerland | Guinness World Records[58] |
| Highest Competition Score (27 m) | James Lichtenstein (USA) | 428.90 points | July 27, 2025 | World Aquatics Championships, Singapore | World Aquatics[61] |
| Highest DD Dive (27 m) | Aidan Heslop (GBR) | 6.2 DD | February 15, 2024 | World Aquatics Championships, Doha | World Aquatics[64] |
| Most Somersaults Example (27 m) | Steven LoBue (USA) | 5 somersaults | July 30, 2017 | World Aquatics Championships, Budapest | World Aquatics[63] |