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Wednesday, April 3, 2013

C is for Cliff Jumping


One of the most common fears among people is a fear of heights. I am lucky enough to not have this fear. Instead, I find joy and excitement in scaling heights. However, one of my great joys comes out of being able to jump from things into water. In fact, if there is water, I will usually try to find the highest point to jump into said water. For this reason, "C" is for Cliff Jumping. 

Now, while a cliff is the common jumping point, one can jump from any point of height. I've jumped from trees, bridges, and more recently, the mast of a sail boat. The feeling of falling through the air gets the adrenaline going, which always results in a smile on my face. 

I started with this "hobby", so to speak, back when I was a young lad. We had a small waterfall about a half mile from our house. My little brother and I would ride our bikes down to jump and swim all day long.  I still enjoy going to that swimming hole whenever I am home. Brings back great memories. 

These days, I have two favorite jumps.  The first is from a cliff at a beach. It is about 35 feet up and you end  up maybe 50 yards offshore. The first time I jumped off this was because a friend and I had intended to go surfing but it ended up being flat. We dared each other to jump. Once we did, we were hooked. We ended up jumping 8 times that day. 

The second jumping place that I enjoy is a waterfall also on Kauai. The waterfall itself is about 20 feet tall. The highlight comes from the giant Banyon tree that is perched on top of the waterfall. This has two adventurous purposes. First, it serves as an anchor for a rope swing, which has given many great days of use. Second, the tree serves as a higher point to jump out of. I would guess that the jumping point from that tree into the water is somewhere between 50 and 60 feet. 

While I have jumped from some decently high points, one thing that I do notice is that the elated feeling I get is the same no matter what the height. It is for this reason that I encourage anyone to give it a try. Jump from a small rock into a pond or your pool deck. It will put a smile on your face and give you a sense of adventure. 

Side Note: I will definitely advise to start with a height you are comfortable with. I have seen people get hurt, some pretty seriously simply from landing wrong. Just because it is water does not mean it can't hurt you. Also, if you are jumping for a first time, please please please make sure you know the depth and dangers that may lie beneath. 

Yours truly jumping from the cliff at Shipwrecks beach

22 comments:

  1. I have never been cliff jumping before, and the thought just scares me! Although it does look like fun! Hopefully ill get over my fear and jump one day! Maybe in Hawaii this summer at black rock in Maui!

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    1. It is one of those things you can't really think about, you just gotta do it. If you are hesitant, you end up like Jason Segal in "Forgetting Sarah Marshall". Hawaii would be a great place to start since the water is nice and warm already :)

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  2. I cannot even imagine.
    I enjoyed your post. See you for 'd'.

    Donna

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    1. Thanks for stopping by :) "D" should be a fun one.

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  3. I am the opposite of adventure, but I can easily imagine my sons doing this. I'm actually glad they didn't inherit my chicken gene.

    Have fun with A to Z!

    Jenny at Choice City Native

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    1. I am having a blast so far. And it's not for everyone. There need to be some people to take care of those of us who get hurt doing crazy things.

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  4. When I was younger I did the jump rock at Waimea Bay,Hawaii. I'm not quite sure how high it is but it sure was fun! Since I've gotten older I've become a bit less comfortable with heights so I'll leave the jumping to the younger folks!!

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  5. Oh goodness! We jumped off a cliff once in Bermuda but it was nothing compared to that! You are a daredevil!

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    1. I wouldn't say daredevil. But I definitely love a good adrenaline rush :)

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  6. I've always wanted to see the cliff divers of Acapulco, Mexico. Maybe something you'd like to try? Looking forward to the rest of your A - Z posts!

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    1. Maybe not the diving perhaps unless I got soem formal practice. But just jumping from there.. heck yea I'd do that.

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  7. I'm terrified of heights, but I want to try this sooo bad!

    Happy A through Z blogging!
    http://pensuasion.blogspot.com/

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    1. Then do it! Just start with somethign smaller. Perhaps a small diving board. It's really about the thrill of jumping more than the height.

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  8. I think I'll settle for writing about it in a story. I'm afraid of heights, especially after I nearly fell off a 15 foot ladder, third rung from the top. I had to pry my arms off the ladder.

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  9. I don't think I've ever jumped from a great height into water... oh wait, I did jump off a kid's diving board. That was the extent of my bravery.

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    1. Like I said, it is all about comfort level. Would I be correct in saying that you had a smile on your face after coming up from the water when you jumped? :)

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  10. I read this through my fingers!
    Love to be in the water but I approach it like it might bite me... well come on... it might! :)

    auntyamo
    http://ficticiousamo.wordpress.com/

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    1. Haha, Well I have yet to encounter water biting anyone. There are some things in it however...

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  11. I'm afraid the closest I've come to cliff jumping is jumping off our back porch onto the trampoline. Boy, my parents were not happy campers when they caught us.

    I'm completely envious that you had a small waterfall and swimming hole near you. When I lived in Oregon there were several swimming holes near us, though, and I will forever remember them fondly.

    Shannon at The Warrior Muse

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    1. I went to college up in Oregon. There are some great places to explore. And I've dont the trampoline jump as well. My friend put his next to his pool and we would launch ourselves from the trampoline to the pool. Ahh to be young and fearless again.

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  12. Just the thought terrifies me! :)

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  13. That looks absolutely amazing! I am not sure if I am still brave enough to try something like that....but I bet if I was put in the right situation, I would!

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