Kingsbridge

The craze of 'tombstoning' provides one of the best adrenaline rushes one can get, albeit with the added danger of serious injury...and death.

Although it has now been given a name, 'tombstoning' is nothing new. The cliffs of the South Hams coast have always been here, and people have always been jumping off them into the sea.

The press have been quick to criticise the activity, highlighting the obvious dangers it carries with it. However, this has done little to deter today's youth from launching themselves from cliff tops into the depths of the angry sea. After all, boys will be boys. If we're asked not to press the red button, guess what we're going to do...

While many extreme sports require relatively expensive equipment, such as a snowboard, parachute, or surfboard, 'tombstoning' requires very little accessories. All one needs is some form of platform to jump off (usually a cliff, although a pier is a good starting point), something to jump into (the sea, obviously) and a certain amount of bravery.

I have seen many amateurs wander to a sensible launching point on a cliff, begin shaking uncontrollably, and then walk back to the safety of the shore. I have also listened to countless negative comments from those who regard the activity as 'bloody stupid'.

But once someone jumps from a cliff into the sea, be it from 5 feet or 50 metres, you will invariably witness them getting straight back up their to do it all again. Like many extreme sports, 'tombstoning' can become a bit of an addiction.

This is not to suggest that the activity is not dangerous. Far from it, 'tombstoning' can be fatal if basic safety checks are not carried out. Anyone who does wish to take part should only do so if they are very familiar with a particular area. They should know the exact depth of the water they are jumping into, and they should be a strong swimmer. It is certainly not something to do on your own either – supervision from friends is crucial in case of any difficulties.

While partaking in 'tombstoning' can, and has, caused serious injuries and even death in some cases, it results in an amazing rush of adrenaline. The feeling of free falling through the air, and then the sudden impact of hitting the water, is a rush like no other. Any attempt to describe the emotional roller-coaster that the 'tombstoner' goes through would be an injustice. So you'll just have to imagine. Or try it yourself...

'Tombstoning' is a very risky pursuit of adrenaline. But that's exactly where the appeal lies.