Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series Returns to Boston This Weekend

BOSTON, Mass. — The world’s elite cliff divers are set to dazzle spectators this weekend as the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series returns to Boston. The competitions will take place on Friday, September 19, and Saturday, September 20, high above Boston Harbor.

Divers will leap from platforms atop the Institute of Contemporary Art, with men diving from 88.5 feet and women from 69 feet. Each participant must perform at least four different takeoff directions while judges evaluate their acrobatics and artistic styles.

James Lichtenstein, a leading contender in the men’s category, shared insights on what judges look for. “A strong jump and a clean position in the air are key,” he said. “We try to enter the water without making too big a splash.”

The King Kahekili Trophy, making its first U.S. appearance since 2010, will be awarded to the overall winner. This event is free and open to the public, with gates opening at 8:45 a.m. and the first competition dives starting at 9:30 a.m.

The schedule for Friday features warm-up dives followed by multiple rounds for both men and women, with the finals taking place on Saturday along with the ceremony crowning the world champions around 1 p.m.

This year not only marks the thrilling series finale in the U.S., but it also signifies the first Women’s Final since the division’s inception in 2014. American diver, who currently stands second in the overall rankings, expressed enthusiasm about competing on home soil.

<p“My ultimate goal is to keep diving for as long as I can,” she said. “This weekend is about returning to what I love and being with my family.”

Onlookers can expect an exhilarating display as divers perform gravity-defying moves while navigating the challenges of jumping from substantial heights. As described by a fellow competitor, the experience is a thrilling combination of fear and excitement.

“I’m always nervous standing on the edge,” said another diver. “But it’s about executing the dive despite that.”

With over 20,000 spectators anticipated to fill the harbor area, excitement for the 16th annual Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series is already building.