Lebanon welcomed three-time Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series champion, Australian Cliff Diving sensation Rhiannan Iffland for a few days, prior to the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series event happening in Beirut, on July 14.
Rhiannan
got a taste of Lebanese cliffs and the landscapes they have to offer, as she
went on a small road trip and dove from impressive heights (approximately 17
meters high) into crystal blue water at scenic location Chekka, in the North of
Lebanon. Rhiannan discovered the shorelines of Chekka, going through the tunnel
and arriving at the mountain where Phoenician bolts still exist. She later
followed the old train railway taking her to the cliff, that she climbs and
dives straight from.
Rhiannan then went on to explore the more historical and culinary side of
Lebanon as she had lunch by the side of the port of Byblos.
“I didn’t know what to expect before coming here, I really wanted to get a taste of the Lebanese culture, meet some locals. The food is also great, I could have hummus all day.” – said Rhiannan.
After
diving off cliffs in the Philippines, Ireland, Italy, and Portugal, the Red
Bull Cliff Diving World Series athletes get ready to hit the waters of the
Lebanese Mediterranean Sea. Beirut will officially be hosting the 5th
stop of the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series with divers launching off the
city’s greatest natural landmark, Raouche.
“The Pigeon Rocks” or “Raouche Rocks” lie on the most western coast of Beirut,
and are deeply rooted in the country’s history as well as its inhabitant’s
hearts, making the climb up and the dive down even more special. Adventurers
and adrenaline seekers have been diving off the face of Raouche to tell tales
as old as time.
“It’s an honor for me to dive from Raouche, I’ve heard it’s a really special place for the people of Lebanon. I saw the location the other day and it looks stunning. It’s a great place to host all the fans and to show off what we’re capable of. I’m hoping to put on a good show, put up a fight, and hopefully do some super spectacular dives.” Said Rhiannan.