Land diving is a ritual performed by the men of the southern part of Pentecost Island, Vanuatu. Men jump off wooden towers around 20 to 30 meters high, with two tree vines wrapped around the ankles. The tradition has developed into a tourist attraction. According to the Guinness World Records, the g-force experienced by those at their lowest point in the dive is the greatest experienced in the non-industrialized world by humans.
A diver preparing to jump. Except for the vines, land diving is performed without safety equipment.
Pentecost Islanders
Villagers soften the ground to help absorb the impact.
People below dance and sing chants, providing emotional support for the divers.
Pentecost Island is one of the 83 islands that make up the South Pacific nation of Vanuatu.
Palm Trees on Pentecost Island, Vanuatu
Pentecost Island
Land diving
The village of Melsisi on Pentecost Island