Former champion Orlando Duque jumps into what to expect at the Boston event this June.
Get ready to dive head first into The 2024 Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series (redbull.com)—returning to Boston June 7-8. With the Institute of Contemporary Art as their stage, 24 of the world’s best cliff divers will plunge into the Boston Harbor, marking the tour’s 100th stop since its inception in 2009. Here, director of Red Bull Cliff Diving and winner of the inaugural Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series, Orlando Duque, shares everything you need to know about this year’s competition.
Why did Red Bull Cliff Diving initially choose Boston and the Institute of Contemporary Art?
Boston is a city that loves sports, and bringing the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series brings an exciting twist and adds variety to the mix. The ICA, with its prime location, serves as a natural stadium for cliff diving, allowing us to bring the sport closer to the audience.
As a diver who has competed in Boston, what advice would you give to Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series divers?
Competing in Boston is special, but it’s crucial to be prepared for any weather condition. We’ve encountered all types of weather in the past, and it can significantly impact performance if divers aren’t ready… The best we can do is arrive prepared for anything and handle it day by day. Careful analysis and planning by the sports team are key to the divers’ safety.
What is the significance of the King Kahekili Trophy for divers?
The King Kahekili trophy represents Hawaiian cliff diving tradition and honors the great Hawaiian chief who first leaped from the sacred cliffs of Kaunolu in the late 1700s. Having your name on it is the biggest honor in our sport.
What are you most looking forward to seeing at this year’s Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series?
This season introduces some new locations, bringing fresh challenges for the divers. These new venues allow for more variety, both on and off the cliffs, and showcase the pure and natural side of our sport. Additionally, new divers joining the tour will challenge the familiar faces.
Is the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series doing anything special in Boston to celebrate its 100th stop?
We have a series of fun celebrations planned, but more importantly, we take great pride in reaching the 100th stop! We will continue working hard to develop the sport we love.
Photography by: COURTESY OF BRAND
