What is the best method for jumping into a body of water from a considerable height?

[JulesMaximus]

feet first, with an old pair of sneakers on

This.

I've jumped off a 30' rock cliff into a water filled quarry and this was always the preferred method.

 

[Blackjack200]

Chuck Norris

Dude, the water just moves out of the way.

 

[jteef]

feet first for me, though i've always put my chin to my chest and my arms above my head, hands together pointing up like a toothpick. highest i've jumped is 70 or 80 feet. the navy method looks less prone to getting seriously injured but more prone to more parts of your body slapping the water and causing pain. if i was tossed out of something, that's the form i hope i would try to get. if i can control the jump myself, i'd still use my original method cuz i'm comfortable with it.

my buddy jumped his first time trying to hold his arms at his side pointed down his thighs, but the impact yanked them up. he didn't tear any muscles but said it hurt pretty bad.

 

[ProfJohn]

Feet first... there is a reason that the navy, coast guard and everyone else teaches this method.


Head first is just stupid. Let's use your most vital organ to break the surface of the water.

 

[kstu]

we had a ~50-60 ft quarry jump i went off a few times in my younger years. both feet first and diving (just how perk describes it: you jump out, not down). i made a fist with both hands to break the surface tension.

 

[guyver01]

Head first is just stupid. Let's use your most vital organ to break the surface of the water.

to some of us.. our most vital organ is at the waist

 

[Kev]

where is the cannonball option? I would want to make the most badass splash possible

 

[kalrith]

feet first, with an old pair of sneakers on

This. Also try to be perpendicular to the water when you land. There's a high bridge around here that's popular for college kids to jump off of. My brother did it twice with the above method. The second time his feet were slightly in front of him, and the back of his legs took quite the beating because of it.

A few years ago a girl jumped off the bridge, landed wrong, and broke her sternum

 

[zinfamous]

I just realized, no one has asked the obvious:

OP, what is a "considerable" height?

Like, taller than an alternator?

 

[skyking]

42

 

[Locut0s]

Feet first if you don't know the depth of the water; otherwise head-first.

If you dive head-first into a body of water from a great height, it needs to be pretty deep. Otherwise you risk smacking your head on the bottom, causing paralysis and possibly drowning.

If you go feet-first into water that is too shallow, I suppose you would break your legs, but at least you could still use your arms to surface and swim to safety.

This. Not that I have much experience but from what I've read and seen if you are going to dive head first make sure you have your arms extended out in front of you and have your hands horizontal to the water. Like this

..o
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The platform created by your hands is supposed to break the water tension and create a cavity for your body to enter the water better. Again so I hear.

 

[marvdmartian]

While the "swan dive" method might make you look cooler, it's definitely not recommended for the average person jumping from over 20' into the water.

Besides, the navy method was developed for people abandoning a sinking ship, likely with wreckage in the water. You sure don't go in head first when there's a good possibility that a small/medium size piece of junk will impact your head, whereas going feet first might hurt, but probably won't knock you out or kill you. There's also the fact that people will be hurt, scared, and generally freaking out. Pretty sure no one is going to pull the stunt of doing a swan dive.

 

[IHateMyJob2004]

having grown up near a large lock that is part of the Erie canal, I can tell you that you go feet first and with shoes on!

 

[TastesLikeChicken]

This. Not that I have much experience but from what I've read and seen if you are going to dive head first make sure you have your arms extended out in front of you and have your hands horizontal to the water. Like this

..o
|... |
|_ _|

The platform created by your hands is supposed to break the water tension and create a cavity for your body to enter the water better. Again so I hear.

You don't really want to do it that way. You can sprain or break your wrists. For those that have to dive head first, make a fist in each hand. Punch the water as you enter and it will make for a softer landing. Works the same for feet-first when you kick at the water as you enter.

 

[Wolfsraider]

If you don't know the depth, find out the depth, then decide... seriously more folks are killed from items beneath the water or the bottom being too shallow. i have seen many jump before looking , 2 of my friends are wheelchair bound as a result

ok then after safe free fall dive lol