The monoliths of Portugal’s Azores islands will see the athletes propelling themselves into water from great heights in July.
This unique volcanic archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean serves as the take-off point for breath-taking cliff dives for the fourth time in a row. However it will be the very first time that a female competition will be held on the circular-shaped Vila Franca do Campo islet offshore from São Miguel.
Back to the roots is the motto going into the second half of the season. Pure cliff diving directly off the cliff face – an impressive monolith of volcanic stone and the outside crater walls of the almost perfectly round islet are the ideal spots to explore this pure sport, spreading their wings diving straight from the cliffs like the pioneers did in Hawaii almost 250 years ago. Only for the more difficult optional dives will the athletes use the platform construction placed above the ocean.
The islet of Vila Franca do Campo, named after the village just in front in the mainland, is located around one kilometre from the coastline and came into being following the collapse of an old volcano.
After being used for many purposes over the centuries – from a military fort area to a vineyard – this islet was classified as a nature reserve in 1983. The crater walls are home to much endemic vegetation.
Inside, the crystalline waters of the natural swimming pool have an added beauty and feature their own stunning beach.
The diving championships kick- off on 25 April, with the inaugural event in Columbia.