Reaching new heights: Canada hosts Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series for first time in Montreal

It’s a first for Canada!

The Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series is happening in Montreal’s Old Port this weekend, and CityNews is diving you right into the competition.

“Watching it in person is a whole different beast,” said head judge, Olivier Morneau-Ricard. “The ambience, the noise that the athletes are making when they hit the water, gives goosebumps.”

Divers are set to plunge in the St. Lawrence River at the Grand Quai from Friday to Sunday.

But the athletes have already been making waves in the competition.

“The first stop was in Greece, in Athens, a spectacular location,” explained Morneau-Ricard. “Today here in Montreal, we have the sixth stop.”

“We’re going to finish with Australia, the eighth stop.”

According to the judge, the athletes will jump from a platform over 20 metres high — comparing it to a nine storey building.

To become the Red Bull Cliff Diving world champion, the athletes’ scores are accumulated from every circuit.

While reaching speeds up to 85 kilometers per hour, the high diving athletes are scored by judges – and all are welcome to witness the dives for free.

“We look at the beauty, the aesthetics of the dive,” said Morneau-Ricard. “We want to see an effortless dive with a spectacular entry.”

Before the three-day event begins, some have been training at Parc Jean-Drapeau’s aquatic complex.

Stephane Lapointe is the national team coach for high diving.

He said that Montreal is known as the capital city for high diving around the world.

“To get everybody here to see our amazing facilities and everything we’re trying to produce over the years, it’s amazing,” said Lapointe. “We’re waiting for you at the Grand Quai, then the Port of Montreal, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.”

This famous competition has been around since 2009.

And Canada is literally reaching new heights by hosting for the first time this year.

“Come,” said Lapointe. “Cheer for our Canadians!”