Death diving pushes height and risk limits

Death diving, an extreme sport in which participants plunge from high places before folding their bodies just before hitting the water, is growing rapidly, SVT reported from Saltsjöbaden. Viral videos, young stars and competitions before thousands of spectators have helped expand the Norwegian-born sport while athletes continue to push its heights and risks.

“Imagine a triple espresso and a cold shower. It is good to be a little crazy,” death diver Viktor Jonsson said.

The sport began as a poolside game at Frognerbadet in Oslo during the 1980s. In Sweden, it initially grew as a fun activity in Stockholm before becoming increasingly popular, according to competition organiser Adam Widén.

Every metre matters

Young athletes have become internet sensations by filming and editing their own jumps, attracting thousands of followers. Together with Norway’s Døds Diving League, the sport has developed international competitions, prominent stars, a world ranking and large audiences around the world.

Sweden holds a national death diving championship, with jumps from a height of 12 metres. Widén said the competitors are athletic and have very good body control. Although the landing is hard, he said a good landing is similar to a dive.

Safety rules

Competitions in Norway and Sweden are held under controlled conditions. The Døds Diving League recommends that divers do not jump from heights above 10 metres, while the maximum competition height is 13 metres.

Online videos, however, show athletes pushing both heights and risks further. In one case, 21 year old Vali Graham jumped 42 metres from a waterfall in Australia. He was knocked unconscious and suffered serious injuries but survived.

The league’s safety rules also state that divers must make sure the water is deep enough and always have someone with them.

“We are still normal people who like walks and coffee,” Jonsson said.

Two types of jump

Death diving has two forms. The classic jump involves simpler movements without complete rotations, while freestyle requires rotations and allows tricks such as grabs.

Judges assess the approach, airtime, landing and overall impression, including how much of the diver’s personality and style is visible in the jump.