THE WORLD’S ELITE CLIFF DIVERS , ASTONISHING HEIGHTS, A SYMPHONY OF SKILL , CONCENTRATION , AND SHEER AUDACITY - THIS IS THE RED BULL CLIFF DIVING WORLD SERIES 2024 .
WITNESS THE ART OF CLIFF DIVING UNFOLD ACROSS EIGHT COUNTRIES AND FOUR CONTINENTS IN THIS ANNIVERSARY SEASON SET AGAINST URBAN LANDSCAPES AND REMOTE VENUES, ICONIC CLASSICS AND BREATHTAKING NEW LOCATIONS .
12 MEN AND 12 WOMEN WILL CAPTIVATE AUDIENCES WORLDWIDE, EXECUTING COMPLEX DIVES FROM UP TO 27 METRES ABOVE WATER, PLUNGING IN AT E XTRAORDINARY SPEEDS IN EXCESS OF 85 KILOMETRES PER HOUR IN A COMPETITION FOR THE SOUGHT-AFTER KING KAHEKILI TROPHY.
THREE SECONDS OF AESTHETIC FREE FALL THAT SEEMS TO OVERRIDE THE LAWS OF PHYSICS - IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THE EXTRAORDINARY OF THE RED BULL CLIFF DIVING WORLD SERIES AS IT CELEBRATES THE MILESTONE OF 100 STOPS IN ITS 15TH SEASON AND REMAINS TRUE TO ITS UNWAVERING VALUES.
TURN THE PAGE TO FIND OUT ALL THE DETAILS AND ESSENTIAL INSIGHTS FOR A GREAT YEAR!
THE RED BULL CLIFF DIVING
RULES & REGULATIONS
DIVER WOMEN
DIVER MEN
STOPS SPECIAL
WELCOME BY THE SPORTS DIRECTOR
15 seasons and more than a hundred stops – this is a big achievement!
When we had our first event in La Rochelle in 2009, I was still a diver and we dreamed of cliff diving around the world. That has now become a reality. Today’s divers work towards this all year round. This is thanks to a great group of athletes who put in the time to compete and push the sport forward, but also to many staff and team members who have made it all possible.
It also makes me very proud to have participated in the Series as an athlete and to have won the King Kahekili Trophy in the first season and now to be able to contribute to the further growth of the sport as Sports Director.
2024 brings a big change. We will implement a new Degree of Difficulty table. This is done every few years to keep up with the evolution of the sport, the new and more difficult dives. We need to make the necessary adjustments to ensure fair competition.
Besides, there are some new faces in the line-up, new dives being performed, but of course, the same intensity for all participants to bring home the King Kahekili Trophy. This season we will be offering more diving off the cliffs. This is a very interesting challenge - it brings the sport back
to its roots, to what Red Bull Cliff Diving really is. I love seeing all the complicated manoeuvres from the platform, but when we have these off-the-cliff competitions, it’s always a very good opportunity to show the pure sport.
The opening event for the 2024 season will be in Athens, the place where I was crowned champion. I’m sure it will bring a smile to my face, but now that I’m seeing the sport through the eyes of a sports director, we’re looking forward to a great opening event and then Boston for our 100th stop and a very successful 2024 season.
ORLANDO DUQUE
The Pigeon Rocks in Beirut’s Raouché neighbourhood served as take-off spots in July 2019
OVERALL RANKINGS 2023
The introduction of the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series in 2009 heralded the start of a new era for this pure and captivating sport. The best cliff divers in the world have embarked on this extraordinary journey, taking the sport to a new level of performance and perfection, creativity and courage, adrenaline and adventure.
WOMEN
1- Rhiannan Iffland AUS – 1200pts.
2- Molly Carlson CAN – 970
3- Xantheia Pennisi AUS – 600
4- Eleanor Smart USA – 529
5- Meili Carpenter USA – 498
6- Jessica Macaulay CAN – 488
7- Iris Schmidbauer GER – 419
8- Yana Nestsiarava IAT – 250
In this most recognised series of cliff diving competitions, the top eight women and men in 2023 have secured a permanent ticket for the 2024 World Series via the world ranking.
MEN
1- Constantin Popovici ROU – 1032pts.
2- Aidan Heslop GBR – 809
3- Carlos Gimeno (W) ESP – 703
4- Catalin Preda ROU – 698
5- Oleksiy Prygorov UKR – 462
6- Gary Hunt FRA – 462
7- Nikita Fedotov IAT– 445
8- James Lichtenstein USA – 386
Athletes aged between 20 and 40 from 17 countries – At each single stop during this multi-day event, 12 women and 12 men demonstrate their aesthetic skills to impress the international panel of judges and amaze the audience.
Every single dive is up to 27 metres high, 85 km/h fast and three seconds long – these three indisputable facts provide material for stories about concentration, physical and mental mastery in the athletes’ quest for the glorious King Kahekili Trophy.
THE WORLD’S BEST CLIFF DIVERS
CLIFF DIVING SCIENCE
A DIVE IN NUMBERS
Risks – The highest risk of injury occurs in the landing phase, when parts of the body are already subjected to absolute deceleration and others, above the surface, are still travelling at full speed. At this point, maximum body tension is absolutely crucial. Immediately after hitting the water, the athlete must actively retract to prevent body parts from being crushed or twisted by the force of the water. However,
thanks to the technical training and experience of the divers, major mistakes can be avoided. In general, high diving over 28 metres does not offer much of a time advantage due to the rapid acceleration, while at the same time the risk of injury increases disproportionately. Cliff diving is an elite extreme sport. By the end of the 2023 season, 100 athletes from 25 countries had taken part in the World Series.
Saftey divers
Three safety divers at landing point, paramedics next to the diving point, ambulance on standby.
Water spray
The water spray breaks the surface and provides an important reference point for the divers.
Bull Cliff Diving World Series heights
Diving
IMPACT UP TO 9 TIMES HARDER THAN FROM 10M PLATFORM
THE NEXT GENERATION TAKING FLIGHT
SOME CHAMPIONS ARE BORN, WHILE MANY ARE BUILT. FOR CLIFF DIVING’S NEXT GENERATION, LEARNING TO FLY LIKE THE PROS REQUIRES MORE THAN RAW TALENT, PERHAPS A LITTLE MAGIC. THE SECRET MIGHT JUST BE, RED BULL UNDER MY WIIINGS ORLANDO DUQUE.
When cliff diving legend and Red Bull Cliff Diving’s sports director Orlando Duque started this unique initiative, his goal to discover and shape the next World Series wildcard was merely an idea. Three years running, Red Bull Under My Wiiings Orlando Duque has achieved this, and more.
It all started with Duque’s intention to create a development pathway for cliff diving’s up-andcoming talent to hopefully join the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series as a wildcard. A push dedicated to providing a platform where young divers can have the opportunity to access great coaching and resources, learning what’s needed to make it to the top.
Since 2022, three editions have already taken place – two in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, in 2022 and 2023, and one in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA, last year. So far, a total of 39 future talents aged 16-20 from nine countries have participated.
From this pool of talent, two divers fulfilled the initial goal and secured wildcard spots in the 2023 World Series – Canadian Simone Leathead and American Maya Kelly. Leathead, along with two other Under My Wiiings Orlando Duque participants, Fred Gagne (CAN) and Yolotl Martinez (MEX), also competed in the 2024 World Championship in Doha earlier this year. 21-year-old Martinez has also secured a spot as a wildcard for the milestone 100th World Series stop this year in Boston.
Simone Leathead’s progression through this pathway is a true testament to realising the initial goals and hopes of Red Bull Under My Wiings, where this year, the 20-year-old will see her first season as a permanent diver in the 2024 World Series.
In a nutshell, the camps offer divers the chance to have one-on-one coaching sessions for a few days with Duque, correcting mistakes and refining their dive lists. They also get to work with World Series physiotherapist Angi Passenbrunner, guiding them on personal fitness training needed to handle a season of Red Bull Cliff Diving.
In the last two years, Duque has seen an influx of talent and potential from the next generation. With so much new energy coming in, these divers are extremely ambitious, hardworking, and eager to learn – perfect to prime.
For these future superstars, having the opportunity to develop and refine their training, taking their dives to the next level in world-class facilities with world-class coaching and support, only elevates the development of the sport. With two camps planned for later in the year including Red Bull High School as the next level camp, cliff diving prospects will have the opportunity to get a taste of what it takes to fly from new heights.
The mood in the camp is at least as good as the dives are high!
Cliff diving is a performance-based sport. The performance happens in front of the camera, but it also happens behind the scenes. Over the years, a great deal of creativity has been invested
in the production of images such as the one above in Tahai, Easter Island. In this instance, Gary Hunt –using a trampoline – creates the illusion of diving right next to one of the famous Moai statues
REVIEW
2009
The inaugural Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series kicks-off in La Rochelle, France.
Orlando Duque (COL) is crowned 1st World Series champion
2010
Gary Hunt (GBR) becomes the ‘brilliant Brit’ with 4 wins and 2 podiums in 6 competitions. At 26, he is the youngest champion ever.
The final is held in Hawaii, the sport’s birthplace.
2011
The World Series takes place at one of its most remote venues in Rapa Nui, Chile, 3,700 km from the mainland.
2012
The title is decided during the hottest finale in Oman’s Wadi Shab at temperatures over 40°C. In the final dive, Gary Hunt wins by just 1.85 points over Orlando Duque.
World Aquatics (formerly known as the Fédération Internationale de Natation, FINA) recognises high diving as a professional sport and includes it in its official program.
2013
Four different locations in Thailand’s Krabi Province make for a pure cliff diving adventure. After 8 competition dives Artem Silchenko (RUS) wins the stop and the overall title.
2014
A new era starts when the Women’s World Series is introduced. Rachelle Simpson (USA) becomes the 1st female champion.
2015
The homecoming of a legend: Orlando Duque competes in Colombia for the first time. He finishes 3rd.
Steven LoBue (USA) hits the platform with his head, finishes his dive and comes out with only a small scratch on his forehead. Since then, he’s called the ‘miracle man’.
2016
The biggest World Series ever, with nine stops around the globe, culminates with the first night event in Dubai.
A wildcard, Australian cliff diving sensation Rhiannan Iffland, is crowned Women’s World Series champion.
With a failed dive at the season finale in Chile, Gary Hunt opens a door for ‘style master’ Jonathan Paredes (MEX) to his first overall win.
2018
The World Series celebrates its 10th anniversary with seven competitions in classic venues.
On June 2, the hottest event to date is recorded in Texas: it’s 44.5°C when the divers hit the flat waters at Hell’s Gate.
Rapa Nui in March 2011 – the earliest season start ever.
2019
For the first time an athlete wins every stop: Rhiannan Iffland makes the perfect season. Gary Hunt scores the perfect dive in his 77th appearance, becoming the first person in World Series history to get all 10s from the judges.
Colombia’s Orlando Duque bows out from an illustrious career during the final in Bilbao.
2020
The World Series is cancelled due to the pandemic.
2021
A record season is marked with 54 tens awarded by the judges in five competitions.
Rhiannan Iffland continues her winning streak with two perfect seasons.
2022
Orlando Duque follows Greg Louganis as sports director.
Sydney sees a triple title fight with Gary Hunt extending his reign with his 10th title in the final dive of the season.
2023
Each competition dive must be performed from a different take-off direction, which requires greater versatility from the divers.
For the first time since 2017, the World Series crowns a new champion in the men’s. Romania’s Constantin Popovici becomes the 5th cliff diver to win the overall title.
239 days pass between stop 1 (June 3) and stop 6 (January 28) – the longest season to date spans over 34 weeks. It is the first time that the final competition takes place in the next year.
NEW IN 2024
2 NEW LOCATIONS
CAUSEWAY COAST (NIR), MONTREAL (CAN)
4 NEW PERMANENT DIVERS
MARIA PAULA QUINTERO (COL), SIMONE LEATHEAD (CAN), CARLOS GIMENO (ESP), JONATHAN PAREDES (MEX)
THE DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY (DD) TABLE HAS BEEN REVISED FOR 2024 TO REFLECT THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN THE SPORT
CANADIAN SIMONE LEATHEAD IS THE FIRST ATHLETE IN THE PERMANENT LINE-UP TO HAVE TAKEN PART IN RED BULL UNDER MY WIIINGS ORLANDO DUQUE BEFORE JOINING THE WORLD SERIES
EACH COMPETITION ROUND CAN BE WATCHED LIVE: ROUND 1 ON TIKTOK , ROUNDS 2 AND 3 ON TIKTOK , YOUTUBE AND INSTAGRAM ; THE FINAL ROUND WILL ADDITIONALLY BE BROADCAST LIVE ON RED BULL TV .
In the women’s first season in 2014, Rachelle Simpson from the United States was the standout performer. She won all three events and was named the overall champion, and she successfully defended her title the following year.
The judges award points between 0 and 10, with half-point increments for take-off, execution in the air and water entry.
RULES AND REGULATIONS
COMPETITION FORMAT
Ahead of each competition a draw determines the diving order for the 1st round.
Competition format can change due to local dive condition difficulties.
2.6 ROUND 1 ROUND 2 * ROUND 3 *
12 Divers 8 permanent + 4 wildca rds maximum DD
2.8
3.6
FINAL ROUND * maximum DD
* In reverse starting order based on cumulative points from previous rounds.
Optional Dive Rounds: No capped Degree of Difficulty (DD). Every element of the dive counts as per DD table in the rule book.
8 permanent + 4 wildcards
The winner of any individual stop is the diver with the highest point total from this competition after four dives
JUDGING &
A PANEL OF FIVE INTERNATIONAL
EVALUATE EACH DIVE ON THE FOLLOWING
JUDGES
CRITERIA:
ˇ TAKE OFF
ˇ POSITION IN THE AIR
ˇ ENTRY IN THE WATER
DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY
The degree of difficulty of each dive – also known as DD – is calculated based on the difficulty of the execution of each manoeuvre and the junction of each dive component.
ˇ Type of take off
ˇ Number of somersaults
ˇ Number of twists
ˇ Position during the somersaults
ˇ Type of entry
The DD table was adjusted for the 2024 World Series and ranges from 2.6 (women) and 2.8 (men) for the Required Dives to up to 6.0 for the hardest dives currently performed in the sport.
According to the official Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series rulebook, the judges must evaluate what is seen and not what wants to be seen. In addition, each dive must be judged without any bias towards the diver or dive to ensure an objective result.
POINTS
Points are awarded from 1st to last place, including wildcards.
SCORES
from 0 to 10 in half point increments.
5 scores by 5 judges.
HIGHEST & LOWEST
score are discarded. The remaining three scores are added together.
THE SUM SCORES
is multiplied by the Degree of Difficulty for each dive.
Judges score the dives without assistance.
from all four rounds are cumulated to produce the final result of the competition.
POINTS PER COMPETITION
The points from the single competitions are counted towards the overall score and the ranking of the World Series. All results from the individual competitions count towards the overall World Series ranking.
JUDGES
FIVE JUDGES
For each competition, 1 head judge & 4 judges are selected and confirmed by the Competition Committee from a pool of 12 judges.
Judges for each event will be chosen based on performance, availability of the judge and travel considerations.
Antonio Martinez (MEX)
Former diver and high diver, head judge
Anke Piper (GER)
Three-time European champion 10m, head judge
Sam Dorman (USA)
Silver medallist Olympic Games Rio 2016
Simon Latimer (NZL)
Former New Zealand Diving Team Member, three-time Olympic judge
Egill Ormarsson (DEN)
Competed and performed in high diving between 1995 and 2009
Valerio Polazzo (ITA) New judge since 2023
Olivier Morneau-Ricard (CAN)
Former Canadian diving team member, head judge
Jeff Arbon (AUS)
Participant Olympic Games Seoul 1988
Ginger Huber (USA) 25-time competitor in the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series between 2014 and 2019
Julian Llinas (ESP) Judge at three Olympic Games
Cyrille Oumedjkane (FRA) World Series diver between 2009 and 2016
Marion Reiff (AUT)
Participant Olympic Games Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004
Take Off
ˇ The diver does not show a steady balance and control in an armstand dive. The body should come to rest in a vertical and straight alignment for no less than two full seconds before initiating the dive action.
Execution
ˇ An intermediate break of position, a break in position at or just before the entry occurs and if a dive is done in a completely different position than announced.
ˇ The straight position upon take-off is not shown for at least one quarter of a somersault in all flying dives.
ˇ An obvious break of straight position occurs after at least one complete somersault has been performed in either tuck or pike position.
Entry
ˇ The arms at the entry are away from the body and either below or above the shoulders.
ˇ A dive is over- or under-twisted by more than 90° the head judge declares a failed dive.
THE JUDGES DEDUCT POINTS FROM THEIR SCORES WHEN…
Powerless take-offs, incorrect distance to the platform.
Unaesthetic execution, open or crossed legs, unpointed toes, legs that are not straight in pike, layout position or entry phase.
Short and non-vertical entries, under- or over-rotated entries.
WHAT THE JUDGES CONSIDER A MISTAKE :
3 POSITIONS ALL THREE POSITIONS (STRAIGHT, PIKE, TUCK) MUST BE SHOWN.
DIVE POSITIONS
STRAIGHT
With no bend at the knees or hips.
Tuck Body folded up into a tight ball, hands holding the shins and toes pointed.
SCAN ME TO FIND OUT MORE!
FREE Body position is optional but the legs shall be together and the toes pointed.
PIKE
With knees straight but a tight bend at the hips.
BARANI
One somersault forward rotation with a ½ twist. The entry manoeuvre gives the diver the best view of the water.
BLIND ENTRY
The last time the diver sees the water is at least half a somersault before entry and so they line up “blind”.
DIVE COMPONENTS
Sommersault
The diver rotates head over end, forwards, backwards, reverse or inwards. The record number of somersaults is currently 5.
FLYING
Dives consisting of at least one complete somersault performed in the straight position at no less than 90°. The straight position must be followed by either tuck or pike.
TWIST
The body twists on axis whilst rotating. The record number of twists is currently 5.
DIVE DIRECTIONS
Each one of the five directions can also incorporate an axial twisting movement.
FORWARD
The diver takes off facing the water and rotates forwards.
BACK
The diver takes off with their back to the water and rotates backwards..
ARMSTAND
The armstand can be executed forward, back, reverse and inward.
REVERSE
The diver takes off facing the water and rotates backwards towards the platform.
SCAN ME TO FIND OUT MORE!
INWARD
The diver takes off with their back to the water and rotates forward towards the platform.
a
Sneak
peek behind the scenes of Red Bull Cliff Diving with the show ‘More than a Dive’ on Red Bull TV.
Just before the season started in 2023, three World Series champions embarked on a 1500-kilometre cliff hunt from Guatemala’s Caribbean coast to the Atlantic Ocean. Australia’s Rhiannan Iffland, Jonathan Paredes from
Mexico and the Colombian legend Orlando Duque joined forces to realise the first cliff dives in three pure and rugged
locations across the country. On the image above, record champion Iffland dives from a cliff face on the Rio Dulce
KING KAHEKILI TROPHY
It is the silk ribbon of cliff diving and reserved for the very best - the King Kahekili Trophy for the overall winner is awarded in honour of the great Hawaiian chief. As the last independent ruler of Maui, Kahekili first leaped from the holy lava cliffs of Kaunolu, the birthplace of this majestic sport in the late 1700s.
The old Hawaiian principles of mana and pono, power and balance, were crucial when lele kawa, which loosely translates as ‘leaping feetfirst from a high cliff into the water without making a splash’, was born on the islands in the middle of the Pacific. These principles have applied since the 18th century and are a prerequisite for today’s sport of cliff diving.
The King Kahekili Trophy was created by the Hawaiian artist Kuaho Zane. The overall form references the shape and stance of ki’i or wooden images, traditionally carved as three-dimensional representations of gods and protective ancestors called aumakua. The trophy with its asymmetrical, cliff-like top is completely printed on the right side - resembling the tattoo that completely covered the right side of Kahekili’s body. The base is made of Koa wood and symbolizes the feet of both the ki’i and the diver who must hit the water feet first.
The World Series throws down the challenge to find out which athletes have enough mana and pono to perform the best lele kawa and win the overall title in 2024.
THE RED BULL CLIFF DIVING WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS’ AWARD OF VIRTUE & EXCELLENCE
NAMES ON THE KING KAHEKILI TROPHY TO DATE
MEN
Orlando Duque, COL 2009
Gary Hunt, GBR 2010
Gary Hunt, GBR 2011
Gary Hunt, GBR 2012
Artem Silchenko, RUS 2013
Gary Hunt, GBR 2014
Gary Hunt, GBR 2015
Gary Hunt, GBR 2016
Jonathan Paredes, MEX 2017
Gary Hunt, GBR 2018
Gary Hunt, GBR 2019
Gary Hunt, FRA 2021
Gary Hunt, FRA 2022
Constantin Popovici, ROU 2023
WOMEN
Rachelle Simpson, USA 2014
Rachelle Simpson, USA 2015
Rhiannan Iffland, AUS 2016
Rhiannan Iffland, AUS 2017
Rhiannan Iffland, AUS 2018
Rhiannan Iffland, AUS 2019
Rhiannan Iffland, AUS 2021
Rhiannan Iffland, AUS 2022
Rhiannan Iffland, AUS 2023
2x Rachelle Simpson
7x Rhiannan Iffland
1x Jonathan Paredes
2024 ?
1x Artem Silchenko
1x Orlando Duque
1x Constantin Popovici
10x Gary Hunt
PERMANENT DIVERS WOMEN 2024
MOLLY CARLSON CAN
MEILI CARPENTER USA
RHIANNAN IFFLAND AUS
SIMONE LEATHEAD CAN
XANTHEIA PENNISI AUS
MARIA PAULA QUINTERO COL
ELEANOR SMART USA
For the eight athletes from five countries and up to four female wildcard divers, it’s all about getting the highest marks for form and composure, while increasing the acrobatic complexity from 21 metres
PERMANENT DIVERS WOMEN
MOLLY CARLSON
Having based her decision to compete as a cliff diver on the results of a social media poll, where “99% of the responses were ‘yes’, other than my mother”, the Canadian made her memorable debut on the French Riviera in 2021. Three exceptional dives helped secure a second-place finish, with only the champion Rhiannan Iffland ahead of her.
In her second season as a permanent diver, the Montreal-based athlete, added a win to her name in the 2022 Mostar event after four consecutive runner-up placings throughout the season. In 2023, it was a much of a repeat season. Continuing to put pressure on Australian Rhiannan Iffland, the 25-year-old snagged another victory in Mostar followed by four consecutive second place finishes and a runner-up overall ranking.
Coming into the 2024 season, Carlson is set to continue to raise the bar and inch just that bit closer to the top more than once.
Representing
Canada
Date of birth
September 23, 1998
Height/Weight
1.75m/65kg
City of residence
Montreal
Profession
Full Time Master of Arts in Counselling
Psychology Student / Team Canada
High Diver / Tiktkok Specialist
Secret passion … is to continue to grow strong mental health in young athletes especially as it relates to body positivity.
Started cliff diving in 2020
Favourite cliff diving spot
Saint-Raphael, France
Favourite dive
Front double half tuck
1st World Series appearance 2021
Best result in a World Series competition 1st place
Date
MEILI CARPENTER
A latecomer to the World Series, Meili Carpenter was 33 years old when she made her debut in Downpatrick Head in Ireland in 2021.
It was during the 2022 curtain raiser in Boston, when Carpenter raised her best World Series result from a 7th to a 3rd place. “The icing on the cake” for the Colorado-born athlete to a perfect weekend. This podium finish qualified her for a so-called permanent wildcard ticket for the rest of the season and the summa cum laude graduate proved herself more than worthy of this chance. Another top three finish and a solid season overall secured her a permanent spot on the 2023 tour – her first fully fledge season.
Although the 36-year-old couldn’t make it onto the podium again in 2023, four top-5 finishes ensured she ended the season one place higher in the overall standings.
With her first fully fledged season in the books, the progressive athlete will now have her sights set even higher when she returns to the 21m platform in 2024.
Finalist US Olympic Trials, 3m
Bull Cliff Diving World Series debut in Downpatrick Head
as permanent World Series diver for 2023
overall Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS TRUE LUXURY? QUALITY TIME WITH LOVED ONES, NICE WINE, WARM WEATHER, AND A CRACKER OF A SUNSET!
RHIANNAN IFFLAND
Cliff diving’s most winning woman is hard to beat, but her streaks haven’t gone without challenge. Canada’s Molly Carlson ended the Australian’s 13-win streak at the season opener in Boston in 2021 – a wakeup call for ‘Cliffland’.
The 32-year-old diver continues to prove her resilience, having claimed the trophy for the overall title in front of her family in Sydney in 2022, and again in New Zealand for the 2023 season.
Rhiannan Iffland exploded onto the scene in 2016 with a sensational wildcard victory at her very first World Series competition in Texas. Since then, the ‘dominator from down under’ has racked up an unparalleled list of achievements in just a few short years. With six World Series titles, 30 wins in 37 stops, two FINA High Diving gold medals and two full seasons unbeaten, Iffland is the most decorated female athlete in the history of cliff diving.
Representing
Australia
Date of birth
September 9, 1991
Height/Weight
1.67m/60kg
City of residence
Newcastle
Profession
Athlete
Secret passion
Scuba diving and traveling
Started cliff diving in 2015
Favourite cliff diving spot
Italy; Ik kil cenote, Mexico
Favourite dive
Back triple two twists
1st World Series appearance 2016
Best result in a World Series competition 1st place
Career Highlights 1st female
cliff diver to score a perfect dive
7-time
Winner Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series
2019 & 2017
Winner FINA High Diving World Championships
2024
Winner World Aquatics Championships Doha
Representing Canada
Date of birth
April 22, 2003
Height/Weight
1.57m/54kg
City of residence
Montreal
Profession
Professional athlete
Secret passion
Cooking/baking
Started cliff diving in 2022
Favourite cliff diving spot
I don’t know yet
Favourite dive 5461B
1st World Series appearance 2023
Best result in a World Series competition 6th place
SIMONE LEATHEAD
FILL IN THE FOLLOWING PHRASE: A CLIFF DIVER AUTOMATICALLY IS ALSO A… CRAZY PERSON.
The latest promising athlete to emerge from Canada’s conveyor belt of cliff diving talent, Simone Leathead posted top-10 finishes at all four stops she competed in during her debut season in 2023, earning herself the title of youngest permanent athlete on the 2024 World Series and becoming the first talent to earn a spot on the tour after participating in the next generation talent camp “Red Bull Under My Wiiings” with Orlando Duque.
Leathead, who was inspired to become an athlete by her two older brothers, had previously jumped at the chance to compete at the Junior World Championships when her coach, Stephan Lapointe, told her the competition was coming to Montreal in 2022. She went on to secure gold from the 15m platform.
With hopes to follow in the footsteps of fellow Canadians Lysanne Richard, Jessica Macaulay and her cliff diving hero, Molly Carlson, Simone is well on her way.
Career Highlights 2022
Winner Junior World Championship Montreal, 15m
2023
Secures permanent place on World Series in debut season
2023
8th World Aquatics
High Diving World Cup Fort Lauderdale
YOUR BIGGEST WEAKNESS?
MARIA PAULA QUINTERO
She was 16 when she first attempted the 20m platform and hardly 17 during her first showing in the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series, 18 when she claimed her first podium. It needs to be stated here that her stepfather, high diving coach and World Series wildcard diver Miguel Garcia is a huge influence for this early imprinting.
Having made the leap from wildcard to permanent World Series athlete, thanks to a stunning second-place finish in Polignano a Mare in 2019, the Colombian then enjoyed a solid season when cliff diving returned in 2021. Dropping back as a wildcard for 2023, four progressive top eight finishes in four stops were enough to elevate her back into the permanent line-up for the upcoming season.
She returns just as her stepfather Garcia drops out of the men’s full-time roster, continuing the statistic that there has always been one permanent Colombian athlete on the tour since 2009. Expect to see Quintero giving everything she’s got when she returns to the 21m platform in 2024.
Career Highlights
2017
Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series debut in Texas as the youngest athlete
2019
2nd Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series as the youngest female diver to date
Representing
Colombia
Date of birth
June 23, 2000
Height/Weight
1.65m/57kg
City of residence
Cali
Profession
Student
Secret passion
I’m a big soccer fan
Started cliff diving in 2016
Favourite cliff diving spot
Cali
(The one and only)
Favourite dive 5242D
1st World Series appearance
2017
Best result in a World Series competition 2nd place
2021
Becomes the youngest permanent World Series athlete ever
2023
Regains permanent status
Date of birth
November 26, 1998
Height/Weight
1.64m/62kg
City of residence
Brisbane
Profession
Show diver, diving coach
Secret passion
Fashion and makeup
Started cliff diving in 2017
Favourite cliff
diving spot
El Nido, Philippines
Favourite dive
Inward triple half pike
1st World Series appearance
2018
Best result in a World Series competition
2nd place
XANTHEIA PENNISI
At 25, her sporting career has already taken a few turns from gymnast to traditional diving, but it was cliff diving that sparked something in Xantheia Pennisi. A show in Australia was the beginning of it all; from 10m to 15m and 17m in 2017 and the first 20m dive in June 2018.
Pennisi’s strong performances in 2021 paved the way to her first permanent World Series ticket, which she more than confirmed by achieving two more podiums in 2022, repeating her 4th overall. She didn’t reach her overall goal of third place by a mere 22 points, but that did not dampen her joy about the previous season’s showdown in Sydney and being able to show her jaw-dropping sport to her whole family and friends.
In the 2023 season, she consistently met the podium in four out of six stops, even with missed one stop. Finally, her dream to finish within the top three overall came to fruition.
BASKETBALL.
I GET SO COMPETITIVE, BUT I’M SO BAD!
IS THERE A SPORT YOU REALLY SUCK AT?
ELEANOR SMART
An ambitious personality with high goals, Eleanor Smart set a first step towards making a point as well as a difference when she founded ‘The Clean Cliffs Project’. From beach clean ups at the places the World Series travels to for competition, to educational get-togethers with the local communities, the former Olympic diver is always first when it’s time to act for the planet.
In 2022, she saw her most successful season – a new dive, two podium finishes, four PBs and third place overall. Backing up her success, she took third in Mostar in 2023 and finished the season fourth overall.
As the 28-year-old sets her focus in the right direction for this upcoming season, she aims to balance the act, aiming to close the gap between herself and the two top women in the sport, Rhiannan Iffland and Molly Carlson.
Representing USA
Date of birth
October 21, 1995
Height/Weight
1.65m/57kg
City of residence
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Profession
Professional High Diver, Founder of “The Clean Cliffs Project,” Sport Psychology MA Student
Secret passion
Clean Cliffs Project
Started cliff diving in 2016
Favourite cliff diving spot
Agios Nikolas, Greece.
Favourite dive
Back double triple
1st World Series appearance 2017
Best result in a World Series competition 2nd place
3rd Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series in Mostar
When pure rock meets cliff diving and the two melt into perfect harmony, São Miguel in the Azores is usually the place.
IN THIS ANNIVERSARY SEASONTHE 10TH FOR THE WOMENFOUR OF THESE ATHLETES WILL GIVE EACH COMPETITION THAT EXTRA BOOST.
USA
19, 1993
Germany
12, 1983
Canada August 24, 1994
Switzerland March 3, 2000
KAYLEA ARNETT
AIMEE
HARRISON
France
December 4, 1997
Australia
November 13, 2002
Italy
July 24, 2002
November 10, 1987
June 14, 1992
Netherlands
March 5, 1985
Michal Navratil of the Czech Republic dives from the 27.5 metre platform during the first stop of the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series at the Serpent`s Lair, Inis Mór, Ireland in June 2017
PERMANENT DIVERS
MEN 2024
NIKITA FEDOTOV ARM
CARLOS GIMENO ESP
AIDAN HESLOP GBR
JAMES LICHTENSTEIN USA
JONATHAN PAREDES MEX
CONSTANTIN POPOVICI ROU
CATALIN PREDA ROU
OLEKSIY PRYOGOROV UKR
Eight permanent divers from six nationalities and four wildcards per stop will battle for the coveted King Kahekili Trophy during the eight competitions in 2024
PERMANENT DIVERS MEN
NIKITA FEDOTOV
Nikita Fedotov proudly holds the record of being the first ever male wildcard to make it onto the podium on his debut, a feat he achieved back in 2017.
It wasn’t until four years later that the 29-year-old diver landed back on the podium, scoring a repeat of his third-place finish in the same location, a result which helped him secure his first ever permanent invite for the 2022 World Series.
As all good things come in three, the China-based diver made it onto his third career podium in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 2022. However, Mostar was once again a highlight when the score board displayed a personal best of 412.40pts. In a season that was dominated by three men – Hunt, Helsop and Preda – 4th place overall was a remarkable achievement in his first fully fledged season as a permanent diver.
In 2023, another third place in Paris provided the highlight of a steady season, a result that assisted him in retaining his permanent status for another year.
Career Highlights
3rd Red Bull
Cliff Diving World Series in Bosnia & Herzegovina
Wildcard
3rd Red Bull
Cliff Diving World Series in Bosnia & Herzegovina
Qualification as a permanent World Series diver
Representing
Armenia
Date of birth
May 27, 1995
Height/Weight
1.75m/75kg
City of residence
Shenzhen, China
Profession
Athlete
Secret passion
Playing games
Started cliff diving 2016
Favourite cliff
diving spot
Portugal, Azores
Favourite dive
5165 B
1st World Series appearance 2017
Best result in a World Series competition
3rd place
3rd Red Bull
Cliff Diving World Series in Copenhagen
3rd Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series in Paris
Representing
Spain
Date of birth
October 24, 1989
Height/Weight
1.70m/67kg
City of residence
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Profession
Graduate in social work university
Performer in acrobatic shows
Secret passion Scuba diving
Started cliff diving 2014
Favourite cliff diving spot
The Canary Island
Favourite dive Handstand dives
1st World Series appearance 2018
Best result in a World Series competition
1st place
CARLOS GIMENO
Carlos Gimeno’s aim ahead of the 2023 World Series was “to do my best and to show that I’m one of the best cliff divers in the world.” With one stunning victory and two podium places, it’s fair to say he fulfilled his target.
Having made his debut on home soil in Bilbao back in 2018, the 34-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2021, executing two World Series firsts in Downpatrick Head. Gimeno was the first athlete to spring from the bare rocks using his hands and the first-ever to perfect a handstand dive, becoming only the third man ever to receive five 10s from the judges. Despite these firsts, he fell short of making it into the permanent line-up for 2022.
In 2023, a second place in Boston gave Gimeno his first-ever podium, before a sensational victory in Mostar saw him become only the third man to win as a wildcard. Finishing his season with third place in Auckland, he secured third overall. The first Spaniard to hold permanent status in the World Series, Gimeno is ready to raise his Degree of Difficulty in 2024.
Career Highlights 2018 Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series debut in Bilbao 2021
First-ever diver to perform a handstand takeoff from the bare rocks
Wildcard
4th Red Bull
Cliff Diving World Series in Downpatrick Head
4th Red Bull
Cliff Diving World Series in Paris 2023
1st Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series in Mostar
AIDAN HESLOP
With back-to-back runner up finishes in the last two seasons, Aidan Heslop is already proving himself to be one of the sport’s major players at the tender age of 21.
Heslop was just 16 years old when he became the youngest diver ever to compete in the World Series, making his much-anticipated debut at the 2018 season finale in Polignano a Mare. A year later in his second appearance, the Brit delivered a taste of what’s to come when he landed on the podium at the final stop in Bilbao. His first showing in 2022 was a cracker – victory in Boston! The Welshman became the youngest diver to ever win a competition at the age of 20, ousting the reigning champion Gary Hunt with the hardest dive in the world of cliff diving.
Now residing in Canada with his girlfriend and fellow cliff diver Molly Carlson, and armed with the hardest dive list, the youngest permanent male on the World Series and newly crowned World Aquatics Champion from Doha will once again set his sights on the biggest prize in 2024.
Representing
Great Britain
Date of birth
April 18, 2002
Height/Weight
1.83m/80kg
City of residence
Plymouth Profession
Cliff Diver Secret passion F1
Started cliff diving 2010
Favourite cliff diving spot
Polignano a Mare
Favourite dive 5187B
1st World Series appearance 2018
Best result in a World Series competition 1st place
Representing
Mexico
Date of birth
August 14, 1989
Height/Weight
1.65m/62kg
City of residence
Mexico City
Profession
Cliff diver
Secret passion
American football
Started cliff diving 2006
Favourite cliff
diving spot
Azores (Portugal) and Chichen Itza (Mexico)
Favourite dive
Double front and one and a half twist
1st World Series appearance 2011
Best result in a World
JONATHAN PAREDES
IF YOU WEREN’T A CLIFF DIVER, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE BECOME INSTEAD? MY DREAM ALWAYS WAS TO BE AN AMERICAN FOOTBALL PLAYER.
Now the longest-serving athlete in the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series, Jonathan Paredes returns to permanent status following one season competing as a wildcard in 2023. When it comes to style, precision and rip entries, no other cliff diver can match the 34-year-old former champion, who has been effortlessly and immaculately displacing water in the World Series for over a decade.
In 2011, he made his World Series debut on home soil in Yucatán, and even in those early days he was tipped to be a future champion. ‘The stylemaster’ earned his first win in Mostar in 2015, before another victory and some strong performances elevated him into the overall runner-up spot in 2016. One title, three wins, 21 podiums and five overall top three finishes are the bare statistics from his World Series career.
Despite missing out on a podium finish last year, Paredes regained a permanent ticket for 2024, even performing his first-ever handstand in 68 events along the way. His focus is laser sharp for 2024. If you weren’t a cliff diver, what would you have become instead? My dream always was to be an American Football player.
YOUR BIGGEST WEAKNESS?
JAMES LICHTENSTEIN
A former trampolinist, James Lichtenstein now has the honour of being the only permanent male from the USA in the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series.
Having made his debut in Mostar in 2022, the 29-year-old landed on the podium at just his second ever competition in Sisikon, thanks in no small part to his powerful weapon – the back quint. Five somersaults in less than three seconds, with a backward take-off, is something less than a handful of people on this planet are capable of.
Two more top-10 finishes in his first season earned him a permanent ticket to the 2023 World Series, where a third place in Takachiho was his season highlight.
Away from sport, Lichtenstein has found time to major in finance and math at the University of Notre Dame. In 2024, he’ll be hoping to finally major from the 27m platform by claiming a first-ever victory, something which a diver of his quality is certainly capable of.
Date of birth
October 26, 1994
Height/Weight
1.75m/75kg
City of residence Chicago, Illinois
Profession
Math tutor, trampoline coach, diving coach
Secret passion
Looking up flights and planning trips
Started cliff diving 2015
Favourite cliff diving spot
Polignano a Mare
Favourite dive 204C
1st World Series appearance 2022
Best result in a World Series competition 3rd place
3rd Red Bull
Cliff Diving World Series in Takachiho
Date of birth
October 2, 1988
Height/Weight
1.72m/69kg
City of residence
Bucharest
Profession
Artist/athlete
Secret passion
Cooking
Started cliff diving 2018
Favourite cliff
diving spot
Sisikon, Switzerland
Favourite dive
Reverse double with double twist
1st World Series appearance 2018
Best result in a World Series competition
1st place
CONSTANTIN POPOVICI
IF YOU WEREN’T A CLIFF DIVER, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE BECOME INSTEAD? PROBABLY SOME EXTREME WINTER SPORTS ATHLETE.
A relative latecomer to the sport, Constantin Popovici has now firmly positioned himself at the top of the men’s game after winning the 2023 Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series.
Following his debut in Copenhagen at the age of 29 in 2018, the gifted Romanian then catapulted himself into contention for the King Kahekili trophy after a stunning start to the 2019 season saw him claim second place and a victory in his first two starts, before injury cut short his title challenge.
After a roller-coaster season in 2022, when the 35-year-old suffered a pulmonary contusion in training and was ruled out for the rest of the season, his preparation for consistency was the key ingredient for success that needed to be balanced. The beginning of his 2023 season took flight victoriously. With two back-to-back wins early in Boston and Paris, and a final win in Auckland, Popovici claimed his first King Kahekili trophy.
The defending champion seeks to secure a second title in the 2024 season.
Career Highlights 2021
2nd overall Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series
1st Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series Denmark and BIH
European High Diving Champion
Winner World Aquatics Championships Fukuoka
Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series Champion
FILL IN THE FOLLOWING PHRASE: A CLIFF DIVER AUTOMATICALLY IS ALSO A… MAGICIAN.
CATALIN PREDA
A two-time Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series event winner, Catalin Preda has been one of the men’s top contenders since his arrival in the sport back in 2018.
In 2022, his first season as a permanent diver on tour, numerous podiums and breaking records, the charismatic character was a challenger in the finale. Together with the legendary Gary Hunt and newcomer Aidan Heslop, the Romanian fought for the title until the last dive in Sydney. Only a few points decided the championship in favour of Hunt over Heslop and the second third place for Preda.
Despite three more podium appearances in 2023, the 32-year-old finished up in fourth place overall.
Ever since little Catalin tried handstands from the 3m springboard as a seven-year-old, the passionate skier and scuba diver has gravitated towards a life on the adventurous side. Needless to say, “missing out” on the title in 2022 still means unsettled business for the ‘predator’ and he’ll return to the platform with a new dive list in 2024.
Representing
Romania
Date of birth
June 29, 1991
Height/Weight
1.72m/67kg
City of residence
Bucharest
Profession
Cliff Diver
Secret passion
Percussion
Started cliff diving 2013
Favourite cliff diving spot
Mostar & Paris
Favourite dive Flying Inward 1st World Series appearance 2018
Best result in a World Series competition 1st place
Date of birth
June 25, 1987
Height/Weight
1.81m/75kg
City of residence
Kharkiv
Profession
Professional diver
Secret passion
Professional hip-hop
dancing
Started cliff diving 2016
Favourite cliff
diving spot
El Nido, Philippines
Favourite dive 5185B
1st World Series appearance 2017
Best result in a World Series competition 2nd place
OLEKSIY PRYOGOROV
Oleksiy Prygorov, the only World Series athlete with an Olympic medal around his neck, enjoyed his best season to date in 2023.
WHAT YOU WANT TO BE FOR A DAY? WHY? I WOULD LIKE TO BE AN EAGLE TO FLY HIGH IN THE SKY.
It’s certainly been an up and down few years for Prygorov since he made his debut in 2017. A third-place finish at the World Aquatics High Diving World Cup in 2018 earned him an automatic promotion to the permanent line-up for the 2019 season, a privilege he has since lost and regained a further two times.
In 2023 the long-awaited podium finally became realised at his 23rd attempt in Paris where he finished second. Strapped with two additional top five finishes, the 36-yearold ended the season with a personal best overall fifth.
Eager to land on the podium again and even higher, the Trieste-based athlete, who also boasts medals from the World Cup and European Championships, is set showcase his talents at every stop in 2024. Representing
Cliff Diving World S. in Polignano a Mare
Cliff Diving World Series in Paris
WILD CARDS
–AT EACH STOP IN 2024 FOUR OF THESE ATHLETES WILL GET THEIR CHANCE.
PROVE YOUR TALENT, IMPROVE YOUR DIVING AND SPICE UP THE COMPETITIONS
Mexico
February 26, 1991
SERGIO GUZMAN
France
June 11, 1984
GARY HUNT
Italy June 4, 2004
Italy
May 24, 2001
ANDREA BARNABA
DAVIDE BARALDI
USA
March 4, 1989
New Zealand
December 1, 2000
Switzerland
21, 2002
BRADEN RUMPIT
MATTHEW COOPER
Colombia
March 20, 1991
Mexico
January 3, 2003
YOLOTL MARTINEZ
USA
April 30, 1989
DAVID COLTURI
Wadi Shab in Oman was not only the place where the divers landed in the warmest water in 15 years of the World Series, but also one of the most impressive and unusual locations ever.
THE TRANSFORMERS
FOR MANY YEARS, THEY TRAVELED AND COMPETED TOGETHER , ENVISIONED A FUTURE TOGETHER AS CLIFF DIVERS, AND TODAY ARE THE LEADING FIGURES IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SPORT.
HASSAN MOUTI AND ORLANDO DUQUE ARE THE COLLECTIVE CLIFF DIVING EXPERTISE RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL SPORTING SUBJECTS WITHIN THE RED BULL CLIFF DIVING WORLD SERIES AND BEYOND.
It’s by far more than their 88 accumulated starts in the World Series that make the French-Colombian duo a strong asset for a state-of-the-art sports agenda, steering the sport into a sustainable future.
Complementing each other in the areas of competition, safety, sport and development,
Competition Director Mouti and Sports Director Duque have spent most of the pre-season future-proofing the Degree of Difficulty table and are now looking forward to another great season next to the cliffs and platforms to see their new implementations in action.
RED BULL CLIFF DIVING WORLD SERIES
SPECIAL
THE PORT OF LA ROCHELLE ON MAY 8, 2009 – ALTHOUGH EVERY LITTLE SPACE WAS PACKED WITH 30,000 PEOPLE YOU COULD HEAR A PIN DROP EVERY TIME A DIVER LIFTED OFF THE PLATFORM. THREE SECONDS LATER, THEIR THUNDEROUS APPLAUSE AND CHEERS MADE THE AREA VIBRATE . SINCE THEN, THE FASCINATION OF CLIFF DIVING HAS SPREAD FROM THE BAY OF BISCAY ACROSS FIVE CONTINENTS AND 30 COUNTRIES IN 15 SEASONS.
100+ STOPS 100+ ATHLETES 15 SEASONS FOR THE MEN 10 SEASONS FOR THE WOMEN
2024 is a milestone year in the history of the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series, with this season’s second stop in Boston marking the 100th event in its history.
The vision of a passionate few became a global spectacle that captivates spectators all over the world.
In May 2009, nobody knew whether anyone would turn up to the first event in La Rochelle… more than 30,000 spectators came to see 12 daring men launch from what is probably still the most terrifying 27-metre platform in the World Series.
More than a hundred stops in 30 countries later, the list of athletes that have competed in the World Series has grown to over a hundred men and women from 25 nations.
Time and time again they achieve the unimaginable, break records and redefine the limits of human capability. They leave spectators speechless and fascinate fans and followers with their pure and aesthetic performances from almost three times the Olympic diving height.
We could fill countless books with stories of all the individual successes, and the growth and development of the World Series and the sport itself.
Therefore, on the pages that follow we will simply honour the outstanding tour venues to date, and the exceptional athletes who have ignited their passion to pioneer a sport for future generations.
For more juicy behind the scenes sneak peeks, exclusive perspectives and epic throwbacks, check out our channels!
Most wins *
Most consecutive wins
Most King Kahekili Trophies
Individual stop winners *
Overall champions
Divers awarded a 10 10s from the judges * 10s for the top 3 divers *
Age Youngest Oldest
Total nationalities
Most
Competition dives Meters dived Time
* can still change in first two stops of 2024
Earliest prize giving ceremony
Latest prize giving ceremony
Most spectators on final day
Remotest location
Longest platform
Shortest platform
Coldest water
Coldest
Hottest
Hottest
Location
Yucatán
Inis
BARALDI Davide
COLTURI
BAKUNOVYTSKA
Anna CARLSON Molly
COSETTI
Elisa
DUVAL
Jean-David
BEDNAR Chris
Laurent
BARNABA Andrea
BAYON Madeleine
Cesilie
COWEN Mat
Katy
Annika
Alessandro
FISH
Susanna
Matthias
Christian
Kaylea
Anna
FEDOTOV
Nikita
GOWDY
Michael
HESLOP
Aidan
Andrey
KIRBS
FERNANDEZ
Celia
GUTIERREZ Fito
FERZULI
Jorge
Sergio
Kai GUZMAN
HUBER Ginger JIMENEZ Adriana
HULLIGER Andreas JIMERSON
Kris
Manuel FREI
GARCIA Miguel
Alain HALBISCH
HARRISON Aimee
HYER-TIRA Tara
JUNIOR Jucelino KUTSENKO Gennadiy
HERCULANO Morgane
KEDA MOURA Edivaldo
KUTSENKO Sasha
LEATHEAD Simone
OUMEDJKANE Cyrille
MERTEN Helena
SIMPSON Rachelle
PREDA Catalin
SALYAMOVA Leyla
MITRIONE Kyle
PAVA Eber
QUINTERO Maria Paula
SCHMIDBAUER Iris
NAVRATIL Michal
POLYESHCHUK Slava
RUMPIT Braden
MIKAU Andrei
SILCHENKO Artem PAREDES Jonathan
PRYGOROV Oleksiy
SEMASHKO Igor
MOUTI Hassan
PENNISI Xantheia
RICHARD Lysanne
SHABOTENKO Anatoliy
NESTSIARAVA Yana POPOVICI Constantin
Yolotl
MASLOUSKI Viktar
SMART
Eleanor
VAN
Ginni
WURST Christian
SMIRNOVA Maria
SPASOV Todor
VALDEZ Irlanda
VALENTE Jaki
VALENTE Paty
FUN FACTS FAMILY AND OTHER AFFAIRS
The World Series is like a family, they say… and in fact there is some evidence of this below.
The Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series is a global tour, set against natural wonders, urban landscapes, and remote venues. From May to November 2024, witness the daring dives unfold across four continents, creating a spectacle that’s as diverse as it is exhilarating.
ICONIC PLACES AROUND THE WORLD
ATHENS
Athens | GREECE
A brand new season kicks off in one of the world’s most ancient settings this summer, when the 2024 Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series gets underway in Athens.
Lake Vouliagmeni, situated in the southern region of the Greek capital, will not only provide a most picturesque spot for the season’s first dives, but also a stiff opening test for the athletes with one round being contested directly off the cliff.
While this will be a first-ever welcome to the venue for the women, two previous encounters for the men back in 2009 and 2011 saw the great Gary Hunt strike up a love affair with the heart-shaped lagoon. This year, that relationship will not be rekindled. In fact, with not a single diver from those two editions appearing here, it will be a new location for every competitor this year.
The “Enchanted Lake”, as Lake Vouliagmeni is called, was formed 2000 years ago, and is associated with many myths and mysterious stories about voracious creatures and hidden treasures found within its dark waters.
20 years after Athens hosted the Olympic Games, the cliff diving elite will once more be granted access to this unique spot as they begin a brand new quest for the King Kahekili Trophy.
Location Lake Vouliagmeni
Coordinates
37.80790, 23.78550
Platform heights 27m | 21m
Water depth avg. 80m
Water temperature in May 23°C
Air temperature in May 23°C
Water Brackish
LAKE VOULIAGMENI
STOP 2 JUNE 8
INSTITUTE OF CONTEMPORARY ART
Boston | USA
The Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series rolls into Boston harbour for the third year in a row this June, marking the 100th stop since its inaugural competition back in 2009.
Location
ICA – waterfront museum and exhibition space
Coordinates
42.3528824,-71.043011
Platform heights
27.5m | 21m
Water depth 7m
Water temperature in June 17°C
Air temperature in October 22°C
Water Boston Harbour, seawater
Leaping from old to new, the cliff diving elite will again display their skills from the renowned Institute of Contemporary Art, in the city’s Seaport neighbourhood, just two weeks after the season opener.
Last year, 20,000 fans watched on as Australia’s Rhiannan Iffland and Romanian Constantin Popovici kicked off their title charge in stunning style here, the latter posting a record-high score in the men’s competition. Huge crowds are expected once again with many harbouring the hopes of witnessing a first home-grown winner in Boston.
The Institute of Contemporary Art itself is an architectural marvel, designed to offer the public the joys of reflection, provocation, inspiration, and imagination. Built in 2006, it features a unique cantilever that extends to the water’s edge, making it a one-of-a-kind venue for the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series.
This June, the hearts and minds of Bostonians will once again be captured as 24 of the world’s best cliff divers put on a dazzling display at the waterfront museum.
BOSTON
POLIGNANO A MARE
TAKE-OFF SPOTS ARE LOCATED WITHIN PRIVATE RESIDENCES.
The home of European cliff diving, Polignano a Mare, welcomes back the athletes for a record-extending 11th year, as the 2024 Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series reaches its third stop. With every passing year, another layer of cliff diving history is added to this magical spot on the Adriatic coast, where the athletes leap from a variety of take-off spots located on private houses built upon the rocks.
For years, it’s been a tale of dominance for Rhiannan Iffland. Seeing her atop the podium is now as familiar as the age-old staples of mozzarella and raw fish in these parts. For Gary Hunt, it had been a similar story until last year, when the tide changed and a new winner – England’s Aidan Heslop – came ashore.
From the rocks and private balconies to the beach and the historic arch bridge, thousands fill every vantage point each year to witness the sun-drenched divers displaying their acrobatics. Situated in the beautiful region of Puglia, it is the ideal spot for year-round sports and nature activities. Discover Puglia at www.weareinpuglia.it
Though it may only be for just seconds, the sight of divers flying gracefully through the sky will once again delight the crowds this summer.
STOP 3 JUNE 30
Location Bastione di Santo Stefano
Coordinates 40.99720, 17.21860
Platform heights 27m | 21m
Water depth + 5m
Water temperature in June 22°C
Air temperature in June 22°C
Water Adriatic Sea, seawater
BASTIONE DI SANTO STEFANO Polignano a Mare | ITALY
STOP 4 JULY 20
Location
Ballycastle Harbour
Coordinates
55.2067, 6.2398
Platform heights
27m | 21m
Water depth
6.5m
Water temperature in July
14.8°C
Air temperature in July
19°C
Water Seawater
CAUSEWAY COAST
BALLYCASTLE
Causeway Coast | NORTHERN IRELAND
The first of two new locations on the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series this year, Northern Ireland’s rugged ‘Causeway Coast’ will test the athletes to their limits as the season moves towards its half-way point.
With multiple take-off spots lined up, divers will first need to display their skills off-the-cliffs at both Kinbane Castle and the iconic ‘Lord’s Prayer’, before moving on to the platforms constructed at scenic Ballycastle Harbour for the final two rounds.
With five previous stops on the island of Ireland, the most recent in Downpatrick Head, County Mayo in 2021, the potentially challenging conditions should throw no surprises to the more seasoned divers.
Internationally renowned for its world-class golf courses, medieval castles and distilleries, the coastline is also home to UNESCO World Heritage Site, ‘The Giant’s Causeway’. Formed by a volcanic eruption approximately 50 million years ago, locals know the Causeway was actually built by a mythical giant, Finn MacCool, in order to confront his great rival, Scottish Giant, Benandonner!
As the season reaches its midpoint, expect to see dramatic battles unfold as champions and challengers fight for cliff diving supremacy.
BALLYCASTLE IS HOME TO A LARGE SCULPTURE CELEBRATING THE IRISH MYTH, THE ‘CHILDREN OF LIR’. THE CHILDREN, TRANSFORMED INTO SWANS, WERE CURSED TO SPEND 300 YEARS IN THE SEAS OFF BALLYCASTLE.
OSLO
STOP 5 AUGUST 10
WALKING ON THE OPERA ROOF HAS BECOME AN ATTRACTION IN ITSELF.
Cliff diving makes its highly anticipated return to the Norwegian capital this August, where perhaps the most unique platform awaits the athletes as the second half of the season gets underway.
Stretching 30m out from the Oslo Opera House roof, the platform is both fascinating and record-breaking. At no other location in the history of the World Series has the walk to the edge been longer than the drop down.
Tried and tested for an exhibition event in 2021 and a World Series stop in 2022, this ‘catwalk’ gives a few extra seconds for athletes to lap up the adulation from the thousands gathered on land and in the fjord below.
Two years ago, Rhiannan Iffland and Gary Hunt topped the podiums, 12 years after Norway’s first World Series stop in Kragerø. Hunt, who has won all four stops in Norway (Oslo 2022, Kragerø 2010 & 2014, Grimstad 2012) will not be competing this season, guaranteeing a new face on top of the men’s podium.
Rising from the water like an iceberg, the Opera House’s angled roof slopes down to ground level, inviting visitors to walk up and enjoy the views of Oslo.
As the fight for the King Kahekili trophies heats up, which cliff divers will conquer the longest platform in history?
Rhiannan Iffland | Gary Hunt
Location
The Oslo Opera House Coordinates 59.90752, 10.75236
Platform heights 27m | 21m
Water depth 5m
Water temperature in August 17°C
Air temperature in August 20°C
Water Oslofjord, seawater
OPERA HOUSE Oslo | NORWAY
STOP 6 AUGUST 25
GRAND QUAY OF THE PORT OF MONTREAL Montreal | CANADA
Montreal will play host as one of the brand new locations for this year’s Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series and the first-ever stop in Canada’s history.
Location
Grand Quay of the Port of Montreal
Coordinates
45.30079, 73.33096
Platform heights
27m | 21m
Water depth + 12m
Water temperature in August
21°C
Air temperature in August
22°C
Water St. Lawrence River, freshwater
Renowned as Canada’s best-kept secret, the city proudly claims its status as an international high diving hub with the 20-meter indoor platform at the Olympic Pool, setting it apart as one of the world’s few year-round training locations. Fueling the city’s high diving prowess is the prestigious presence of top divers, including the extraordinary Canadian athlete Molly Carlson, who refines her skills at this iconic Montreal facility.
For the inaugural Canadian Red Bull Cliff Diving competition, the action will take place at the Grand Quay of the Port of Montreal. This exceptional site, spanning 1.2 kilometres along the majestic St. Lawrence River, provides a breathtaking backdrop.
Situated on this extraordinary spot, the pier holds historical significance as one of the primary docks constructed during the early 20th century. As the cliff divers take centre stage, they will add a thrilling chapter to the rich history of the Grand Quay, merging the city’s maritime legacy with the exhilaration of world-class cliff diving.
THE CITY: 2,200 M2 OF VEGETATION, A 180 M BOARDWALK AND 24,000 PLANTS.
THE
GRAND QUAY FEATURES ONE OF THE LARGEST GREEN ROOFS IN
ANTALYA
ONE OF THE FEW LOCATIONS WITH NATURAL CLIFFS THAT ARE LOCATED IN THE CENTER OF THE CITY.
The seventh stop of the season sees the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series return to Antalya for the first time since the sport’s inaugural season in 2009. In a city where the sea, sun, history and nature commune in harmony, divers will come together for the potentially make-orbreak penultimate event.
Antalya cliffs, a series of high and steep rocks situated between the Lara and Konyaalti beaches, will provide a natural and spectacular setting for the divers in their final leaps in the northern hemisphere ahead of the season finale.
Antalya – Türkiye’s ‘capital of tourism’, recently surpassed Paris and New York as the fourth most visited city in the world, welcoming over 16.5 million visitors in 2023. A significant tourist hub, Atatürk Park captivates visitors with palm-lined cliffs and mesmerizing views of the sea enchanting those who witness its sunrise and sunset.
15 years ago, Artem Silchenko topped the podium, ahead of cliff diving legends Orlando Duque and Gary Hunt – all who went on to collect the King Kahekili trophy during their respective careers. While none of the original line up remains in competition, there’s a good chance that this year’s podiums will be graced by the eventual 2024 champions.
Location Coastal park of Akdeniz district
Coordinates
36.8838384, 30.6828812
Platform heights
27m | 21m
Water depth 8.2m
Water temperature in September 22°C
Air temperature in September 25°C
Water The Mediterranean Sea STOP 7 SEPTEMBER 29
ATATÜRK PARK Antalya | TÜRKİYE
STOP 8 NOVEMBER 10
FLEET STEPS, THE ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS
Sydney | AUSTRALIA
Location
Fleet Steps, Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney Harbour
Coordinates
33.514092, 151.131357O
Platform heights
27m | 21m
Water depth
5.5m
Water temperature in November
20°C
Air temperature in November
24°C
Water
Sydney Harbour, seawater
All roads lead to Sydney as the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series returns to Australia for the 2024 final. Just as they did two years ago, the world’s best cliff divers will battle it out for the King Kahekili trophies and coveted qualification spots against the backdrop of the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge.
In 2022, it was a magical homecoming for Rhiannan Iffland, and the record-breaking champion will be hoping to lift the trophy in front of her friends, family and supporters for a second time. With Gary Hunt not competing this season, Sydney is guaranteed to see a different men’s champion in the final shakeup.
The drama will all unfold from two purpose-built platforms at Fleet Steps in The Royal Botanic Gardens, and spectators are welcome to come and revel in the action at what will be a free, fun and family-friendly event.
Brimming with beautiful landmarks and heritage sites, Sydney is a sprawling cityscape and bustling cultural scene complimented by iconic beaches. It’s easy-going attitude of locals adds a charismatic touch to it all.
The cliff diving elite, in their quest for glory, will add their own touch of charm and style to the city when they take their final leaps of the season this November.
ONE OF THE BEST VANTAGE POINTS IN SYDNEY TO VIEW THE SYDNEY HARBOUR.
MACQUARIE’S POINT, TRADITIONAL
POINT, IS
In a breathtaking display of skill and courage, Artem Silchenko of Russia dives from the 27-metre platform on Hong Island during the
last competition day of the eighth and final stop of the
on 26 October 2013.
Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series, Krabi, Thailand
CLIFF DIVING AROUND THE WORLD
BUCKLE UP AND IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THE ADVENTURES OF THE ATHLETES.
Cliff diving is more than just a competition - it’s adventure, exploration and travel while doing what you love.
Cliff diving awakens the wanderlust in all of us!
Cliff diving has literally travelled the world, with divers launching from icebergs in Antarctica, Indian step wells, sacred cenotes in Mexico and the world’s largest waterfall in Zambia. They have gone cliff-searching from Puerto Rico to Ibiza to Guatemala, discovered shipwrecks in the Atlantic and dived in Croatia’s blue cave, while delving deep into Australian Aboriginal culture...
Follow the divers on their exciting ventures as they explore spectacular sites in lush and wild areas on our YouTube channel.
The World Series athletes are not dry competitors, but have an adventurous spirit, a curious nature and constantly embark on exotic trips and travels to some of the remotest and most ravishing places in the world. They take us to unique locations around the world, but also explore local culture, traditions and history, always offering cliff diving wisdom along the way.
The protagonists of these journeys come in all shapes and forms - multiple champions and young talents, male and female, debutants and experienced explorers - united by their love of free-falling from great heights in some of the most unexpected environments.
Picture this – the world’s elite cliff divers soaring to unimaginable heights, up to 27 metres above untouched waters – a symphony of skill, concentration, and sheer audacity.
In 2024, 12 extraordinary men and 12 daring women will captivate audiences worldwide. Their three seconds of free fall will redefine the boundaries of human capability, as they execute dives of increasing complexity with unparalleled precision.
This isn’t just a sport; it’s an art form. Aesthetic free falls that push the limits of what’s physically possible. Imagine the rush as these athletes reach speeds in excess of 85 km/h, defying gravity and expectation.
Red Bull Cliff Diving is more than just a competition. It’s a global spectacle set against natural wonders, urban landscapes, and remote venues watched by thousands of spectators on site or on screen
MEDIA INFO & ASSETS
MEDIA INFO
Cliff diving is both pure and mesmerising. The oldest extreme sport in the world is still spreading its unique spirit around the globe in 2024.
OUTCOME NUMBERS 2023
1 billion impressions across print, TV and online channels
266,000 hours (the equivalent of 30 years) watch time on Red Bull TV throughout the season
1065 pictures in news agencies 1. 4 billion impressions across owned social media channels
It’s not just all about dry interviewsmedia representatives can also get wet during the World Series stops, in a diving workshop offered at most venues, and they can test their knee stability and head for heights on the 27 metre high platform.
10,744 media items in 1,529 outlets in 70 countries > 1.1 billion video views
81 hours of 2,692 TV news airings across international networks
14 live and/or highlight TV takers
Discover the editorial world of cliff diving!
The Red Bull Cliff Diving Newsroom is your central hub to stay up to date with the latest editorial products.
HD video and high quality images are captured and immediately made available for all media channels including television, film, print, radio and podcasts, mobile, social and digital. The content is available free of charge for editorial purposes after successfully registering.
Red Bull Cliff Diving Newsroom redbullcliffdivingnewsroom.com
WHAT YOU WANT. IT’S QUICK AND EASY!
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2. FIND.
Several options lead you to your desired content. Search specifically in drop-down menus and editorial sections or simply search full text.
3. USE.
Download your favourite content in the format you need. All products are available in HD.
Get in touch media@redbullcliffdiving.com
EDITORIAL ASSETS
MOVING
ˇ Clips trailer, winning dives best moments, chasing perfection, raw clip, editorial
ˇ Live (HD) on redbullcliffdiving.com, Red Bull TV, Facebook and YouTube
ˇ News cuts (pre news, ‘ready to air’ news, national & international news, regional selects)
ˇ Athletes’ profiles
ˇ Highlight programme (52min, HD)
STILL
ˇ Location | Lifestyle
ˇ Action | Sequences
ˇ Preparation | Portraits
EDITORIAL
ˇ Pre-event release
ˇ Daily wrap ups and insights
ˇ News release
ˇ Quotes
ˇ Feature stories
All-purpose
editorial content
ˇ Athletes’ profiles
ˇ Judges’ profiles
ˇ Info graphics
Extras throughout the year
ˇ Generic sports clips
ˇ Social media clips
ˇ Pre- and off-season content
ˇ Special activations and athletes’ projects
Media Service – Moving and still images, editorial texts and special requests – during the entire season the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series’ editorial service provides the media with a variety of rich and distinct contents and formats. A skilled team of photographers, TV crews and news, digital and social editors produce editorial content and distributes news, pictures, stories, audio and TV-footage to the international media, providing background and inside information and bringing the sport closer to a wider audience.
The season finale in 2017 at the border of Patagonia tested the athletes’ stamina in an icy-cold challenge when the water temperature stayed clearly below the 10-degree Celsius mark.
ENCYCLOPEDIA
A
Acapulco
In Acapulco, Mexico, pearl divers began to dive from the cliffs of La Quebrada in the 1930s in order to find the biggest and most valuable pearls. Legends recall the heights from which they jumped. The figure of 36 metres is inscribed into the top of the cliff; however, many people talk about dives in excess of 40 metres. The highest level on site is actually 25.90 metres above the sea.
B
Blind Entry
The last time the diver sees the water is at least half a somersault before entry and hence lines up “blind”.
Braking distance
The braking distance for a high dive from 27m is approximately 4m after entry into the water.
C Chamois
The chamois or ‘shammy’ is a small towel that serves a few purposes.
It keeps the divers’ body dry before a dive. This is important because the hands and legs need to be dry to not slip out of position in the air. At the same time, the athletes try to keep their hands wet – in the same way that some people wet the tips of their fingers to turn the pages of a book.
In case of low temperatures, the divers try to keep warm by drying their bodies with the chamois. It’s dry again as soon as you squeeze the water out of the towel.
Champions
Between 2009 and 2023 the World Series has crowned seven different champions: Orlando Duque (1), Gary Hunt (10), Artem Silchenko (1), Jonathan Paredes (1) and Constantin Popovici (1) in the men’s, Rachelle Simpson (2) and Rhiannan Iffland (7) in the women’s.
Chilly windy
A weather condition sometimes experienced at World Series events: chilly temperatures and windy weather. The term was coined by Michal Navratil, a Czech diver from the original line up, and has turned into regular World Series lingo.
Clean Cliffs Project
Founded by cliff divers Eleanor Smart and Owen Weymouth, the project’s mission is to prevent plastic pollution in our world’s bodies of water and inspire others to take action through cliff diving and other outdoor activities! Find out more: www.cleancliffsproject.org
DDegree of Difficulty
The Degree of Difficulty of a dive is evaluated based on the following: take-off, number
of somersaults and twists, position during the somersaults and entry into the water. As of 2024 the World Series follows a new Degree of Difficulty table as an adjustment to the sport’s recent evolutions.
EEquipment
There is no need for equipment. Falling free from great heights combined with the most appealing acrobatics –that’s the simple essence of cliff diving. It’s pure. It’s fast and it takes your breath away - the main reasons why so many people are intrigued by the sport.
Evolution
Improvement and evolution are crucial aspects of the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series. Besides offering mesmerising diving action, the World Series also intends to push the limits of the sport. Bringing together the best of their kind and providing them with a stable platform height and a set number of competitions broke new boundaries in its very first year of existence. Gary Hunt’s triple somersault with four twists – the Triple Quad – was the first dive conceived exclusively for cliff diving. The evolution of the sport, which began in 2009, continued in the past years following intense off-season preparation and with the introduction of a Women’s World Series in 2014. More spellbinding action from up to 27m is guaranteed in this anniversary season.
FFemale competition
The first female competition in the history of Red Bull Cliff Diving was held in Malcesine, Italy, in July 2013 and won by Germany’s Anna Bader. The Women’s World Series was introduced in 2014.
Free fall
During a dive from 27m, the athletes have about three seconds of free fall in which to perform their spectacular movements before they break the water.
GG-force
At the highest point, the G-force value increases to around 10, which means that the diver experiences a force equal to ten times his own weight.
HHeight
High diving competitions are generally held at heights ranging from 20-22 metres for female and 26-28 metres for male divers. 26.5 metres – the minimum height in the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series for a men’s competition – is the equivalent of an eight-storey building.
High Scores
All tens from the judges to score 156.00 points - Gary Hunt and Constantin Popovici accomplish the first ever perfect dives in the history of the World Series in 2019. Three more athletes added their names to this elite group in 2021: Rhiannan Iffland, Carlos Gimeno and Catalin Preda.
Heroes
Outstanding achievements, broken records, and unforgettable moments – cliff diving has its heroes, like King Kahekili, Enrique Apac Rios, Lucy Wardle, Olivier Favre, Orlando Duque or Gary Hunt. Also Rhiannan Iffland, the Australian wildcard who won 5 of 7 competitions
in her debut season to become the women’s champion in 2016; in 2023 she secured her seventh overall title.
I Impact
The force of the impact is nine times harder than from the 10-metre platform and can be compared with running full speed into a wall.
J Judges
An international panel of five people judges each dive. The judges consider take-off, position in the air and water entry and they award scores from 0 to 10.
KKahekili
In the 1770s, a no less illustrious personage than Kahekili, the last independent king of Maui, indulged in cliff diving.
KAMEHAMEHA
In the 19th century, the Hawaiian King Kamehameha, was the first to allow the organisation of cliff diving contests with defined rules to determine the best and bravest athlete.
Kaunolu
The holy cliffs of Kaunolu, on the southwestern part of the Hawaiian island of Lanai, are considered the birthplace of this majestic sport.
LLele Kawa
Lele Kawa is a Hawaiian expression, meaning ‘leaping feet-first from a high cliff into water without making a splash’ and was used by Kahekili as an initiation rite for his warriors.
Live
In 2024, all stops of the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series will be live on redbullcliffdiving.com, Red Bull TV, Facebook and YouTube. The first round will be live on TikTok, rounds 2 and 3 on TikTok, YouTube and Instagram.
Locations
Athens (GRE), Boston (USA), Polignano a Mare (ITA), Causeway Coast (NIR), Oslo (NOR), Montreal (CAN), Antalya (TUR), and Sydney (AUS) are the eight intriguing locations in 2024.
MMaximum height
The maximum height for competitions in the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series is 22m | 72ft for the women and 28m | 92ft for the men. Due to the rapid acceleration, almost no time benefit occurs from higher dives and the risk of injury increases disproportionately.
Mind
A lot of things go through a diver’s mind just before a dive: They rehearse the whole process mentally before stepping onto the platform. Some of them mimic the dive, recreate it in their heads and visualize the movements. In the last seconds before the dive, they are completely focused, and the fear is gone.
NEW
In 2024, there are two brand new venues in Northern Ireland and Canada. Simone Leathead (CAN), Maria Paula Quintero (COL), Carlos Gimeno (ESP) and Jonathan Paredes (MEX) are the four new permanent divers.
O Origin
Cliff diving had its origin during the 1700s in Hawaii.
PPerformance
Cliff diving is a performance-based sport and everything that happens from take-off to landing requires absolute precision to score high. Precise and athletic, MIDO’s Ocean Star 600 Chronometer with its outstanding watchmaking performances perfectly reflects the qualities required in cliff diving. An exceptional autonomy up to 80 hours power reserve and an extraordinary accuracy, the sporty automatic timepiece is water-resistant up to a pressure of 20 bar (200m / 660 ft). midowatches.com
Platform
The platform must be a stable takeoff board constructed with a minimum length of 1.5m, a minimum width of 0.75m and a rim at least 2m beyond the vertical line.
Pressure
The fact that the mere thought of a cliff dive in a neutral and relaxed environment sees the heart rate and the body tension rise to the same high level experienced before the actual execution, emphasises the mental and physical pressure to which the athletes are exposed.
R Requirements
The main requirements for cliff divers are an extensive technical education, many years of experience in diving or a similar acrobatic sport, as well as courage, self-confidence, extraordinary physical control, and the ability to make decisions within fractions of a second based on the following impulses: sight, space, time, and experience.
SSafety
Regulations for safety are a maximum height, a minimum water depth, a stable platform; a water spray at the entry area, rescue divers, paramedics as well as an ambulance.
Skill
Most athletes reach their maximum technical skill and mental maturity at around 30 years of age. Besides a technical education, the main prerequisite for all cliff divers is at least 10 to 15 years of training in diving or a similar acrobatic sport.
Somersault
A somersault is an acrobatic exercise in which the diver rotates head over end, forwards or backwards, reverse or inwards. The record number of somersaults is currently 5.
Speed
From 27m, the speed at which you enter the water is approximately 85km/h | 53mph; an acceleration that compares to a Lamborghini Murciélago.
T Training
A balanced training programme includes springboard diving, flexibility, and power training, as well as mental conditioning.
Triple Quad
Gary Hunt’s triple somersault with four twists – the Triple Quad – was the first dive conceived exclusively for cliff diving.
Twist
The body twists on axis whilst rotating. The record number of twists is currently 5.
UUnder water
As soon as the athletes land, they start their braking process under water. In less than a second the divers’ bodies decelerate from 85km/h | 53mph to zero.
VVertical position
To minimise the risk of injuries and the water splash, the water entry should be in a perfectly vertical position.
W
Water
Water is the central element in cliff diving. Characteristics like temperature, density and colour play important roles when the diver approaches the entry point.
Water entry
The most precarious part in cliff diving is the water entry. Even if the divers have a good line and break the water’s
surface perfectly vertical, it still hurts. As their bodies are under tremendous pressure, the water feels like a wall.
Web
redbullcliffdiving.com is the official website of the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series. It contains latest news, divers’ profiles, picture galleries, videos and the most recent information about the stops and results.
Wind
Probably the most important factor if a competition is safe, is the wind. Getting hit by a gust of wind in mid-air is one of the sports director’s main concerns. The international weather service Ubimet provides the best weather information everywhere the World Series goes to.
Women’s World Series
In 2014, Red Bull Cliff Diving introduced the Women’s World Series and Rachelle Simpson (USA) was crowned the first-ever female champion and defended her title in 2015. Ever since her wildcard title in 2016 Rhiannan Iffland (AUS) has dominated the sport.
World Aquatics
In April 2012 World Aquatics, formerly known as FINA, included high diving as a professional sport.
Z
Zero protection
Cliff divers do not have any protection except their own experience. Their diving ability is their only protection against injuries.
Photography
Red Bull Content Pool (Romina Amato, Ray Demski, Escobarphoto.com, Jadran Cilic, Balazs Gardi, Andy Green, Damiano Levati, Jörg Mitter, Ricardo Nascimento, Rutger Pauw, Christian Pondella, Mauro Puccini, Mauricio Ramos, Graeme Murray, Andreas Sacherer, Dean Treml, Stefan Voitl, Andreas Vigl), MIDO Inc., Port de Montréal, private.
