Cliff Jumping: A Thrill to be Alive

I have been meaning to start blogging again for some time. Luckily, opportunity found me when I decided to jump off a hundred and ten foot cliff on Sunday morning at Shuswap Lake (insert image of my mom scowling at me).

I have a few days off now to recover.

I jumped off the largest cliff at Shuswap Lake at the wrong angle. I hit the back of my legs like concrete into the cold lake. Currently I am stuck in my house with a black and blue bottom, a bruised tailbone, whiplash, a bucketful of medications, and the knowledge that it could have been a lot worse.

If you’ve ever wanted to BASE jump, you are not alone- the thrill, the escape, the pride. The injury?

It was my first and my last cliff jump. I would not recommend doing it. The pain I am in now wasn’t worth the four seconds of free-fall. Once I hit the water, my arms had to hold up my body, and I wasn’t able to respond to my screaming friends who were about to jump in after me. Winded by the fall and wading in freezing water, these are only some of the dangers that come with cliff jumping.

Others dangers/risks include:
1. Not knowing how deep the water is
2. Hitting the side of the cliff
3. Not knowing if the water has rocks in it
4. Slipping/tripping on your run and not jumping in at the proper angle
5. Unexpected undertows
6. Debris in the water

Unfortunately these never changed anyone’s mind! Sure didn’t change my mind. My goal is not to preach but to warn- it is extremely dangerous. I am lucky to be walking even alive.

If you must try it, please consider these important tips based from my experience.
1. Check to see if you are slightly mad, then please change your mind and not jump.
2. After you don’t listen to my warnings, start with small jumps.
3. Watch someone who has done it first.
4. Walk through the steps where you will launch yourself to make sure you won’t trip, and that you have enough room to jump past the cliff.
5. Know your cliff. How deep is the water below? Are there any rocks sticking out? How far out do you need to jump to clear the cliff?
6. Commit. If you’re going to go, go and put everything into it.
7. Point your toes, close your eyes, and tuck your arms into your sides. Head straight.
8. Hit the water straight on, with your feet breaking through the water like the tip of an arrow.
9. Swim like hell back to the surface.
10. Let your friends know you’re safe.

Now before you print off this list and try it, remember that IT IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. There are many uncontrolled factors.

Jump safely my friends. (preferably don’t jump.)
Jess