Jump off a High Spot Into Water
Do you know of a cliff or structure that towers over deep water? It's something amazing and adventurous about humans that tempts us to jump off of it. In order to make a real splash — and stay safe doing it — you'll want to know what works and what doesn't.
Steps
- Find a suitable cliff or structure, between {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} high, perched over deep water.
- Swim or wade out to the landing target to make sure that it is deep enough (at least ten feet) and there are no underwater obstructions that you may hit.
- Climb up to the top of the cliff and take a few deep breaths to keep your nerves down.
- Keep your eye on the target and jump for it.
- Keep your feet together, put one hand over your crotch, and one hand under your chin to protect yourself from whiplash and to keep water from bursting into your nasal cavity.
- Clench your buttocks together or water may rush in and cause severe internal damage.
- Once in water spread your hands and feet apart and slowly move them back and forth to slow your plunge.
Tips
- If the landing spot is relatively shallow (less then 10 feet), then you should do a 'Banana Maneuver' and thrust your legs out slightly after impact so that you arc over, parallel to the bottom, rather than going straight down.
- Jump with a partner (not at the same time though) so that you can have someone to spot you.
- Start with very small jumps (10 feet or less) and work your way up as you gain experience.
- Immediately after you land swim to the top and avoid rocks that you could get caught on.
Warnings
- Do not lean forward. A belly flop could cause serious injury. (cliff diving is a separate activity and is not covered in this how-to)
- Do not attempt to hit the bottom, as you risk breaking one or more of your legs.
- Do not drink alcohol beforehand to get your courage. Even a slight lapse in judgment and timing could spell peril. (besides if, you're to scared to do it while sober, then you shouldn't do it at all)
- Never let anyone dare you into such a jump. It should be your own choice.
- Keep your back perpendicular to to the water or else you may break your back.
- Do not plug your nose with your fingers. The impact could cause you to damage your nose. Simply cup one hand under your chin to deflect the initial splash from your nostrils and eyes.
- Jumping off high objects into water can be extremely dangerous, if you do not have experience and confidence in yourself to make it, don't do it.
- Stay away from pylons (the supports of bridges that reach into the water) when jumping because debris can collect around them.
- Jumping off anything higher than {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} is typically called base jumping and can be extremely hazardous.
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