The highly-anticipated 2024 Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series will make its triumphant return to Boston Harbor on June 7-8, 2024, marking the 100th stop since its inception in 2009. This will serve as the only stop in the United States it is once again open to the public, free of charge.
Just two weeks after transitioning from the historic setting of Athens, the world’s elite cliff divers will once again showcase their talents against the backdrop of the renowned Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston’s bustling Seaport neighborhood. Notably, this year’s event extends over Friday and Saturday, a departure from previous editions. The Seaport neighborhood, transformed from industrial warehouses to a hub of art, gastronomy, and commerce, provides a vibrant setting for the competition. The striking architecture of the Institute of Contemporary Art, with its unique cantilever extending over the water, offers an unparalleled stage for the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series.
This June, the city of Boston will once again be captivated as 24 of the world’s top cliff divers display their breathtaking skills against the backdrop of the waterfront museum. As always, the renowned competition is complementary and accessible to the public, but early arrival is recommended to secure optimal viewing spots. Gates open at 12 p.m. ET and the action kicks off at 1:00pm.
“It’s extraordinary to return to Boston,” remarked Red Bull athlete and standout cliff diver Ellie Smart. “The energy from the crowd last year was incredible, and we’re hoping for more of the same this time.”
Returning to defend their 2022 Boston event wins, Molly Carlson of Canada and Aidan Heslop of Great Britain will be back in the lineup for the 2024 Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series. Alongside them, 2023 overall Series Champion Rhiannan Iffland of Australia, and Constantin Popovici, ROU will also make their way back to the competition in an attempt to secure another series title. Hot on their heels will be a crop of young and talented athletes hoping to dethrone the champs, including returning American diver Ellie Smart, as well as new American permanent divers Maya Kelly and Kaylea Arnett.
At each stop of the 2024 Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series, 12 women and 12 men compete to earn maximum championship points in their quest for the glorious King Kahekili Trophy. There will be 8 female and 8 male permanent divers and 4 wildcards for each division, totaling 24 divers vying for the title.
The platforms for the men are 27m (88.5ft) high and 21m (69ft) high for the women, with divers entering the water at speeds in excess of 50mph. The performance of each dive is evaluated by a panel of judges, taking into account the divers’ acrobatic skills and artistic expression in the ultimate display of focus and skill. From remote places to urban locations, oceans, rivers, calm and wild waters, the uniqueness of each diving site adds to the magic of these unparalleled sporting competitions watched by thousands of spectators on site or on screen. Seven stops between June and November will define the overall champions in the 14th season of the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series.
Each diver is required to perform a minimum of four different takeoff directions (out of five) per stop, highlighting more diversity of the dives and rewarding more well-rounded athletes. In addition, a Best Dive Award has been added at each stop presented to the athlete with the highest judges score, with the winner receiving an additional 10 points towards the final standings of the World Series.
The event is free-to-attend for fans to view dives from the ground surrounding the ICA and waterfront. For fans looking for an in-person VIP experience, tickets are available to the exclusive VIP hospitality yacht. Those on the VIP boat will enjoy live streaming of the event via TVs, outdoor deck access, food and drink, and more.