Land diving (known in the local Saa language as Gol and in Bislama as Nanggol) is a ritual performed by the men of the southern part of Pentecost Island, Vanuatu.[1] Men jump off wooden towers around 20 to 30 meters (66 to 98 ft) high, with two tree vines wrapped around the ankles.[2][3] The tradition has developed into a tourist attraction.[3][4] According to the Guinness World Records, the g-force experienced by those at their lowest point in the dive is the greatest experienced in the non-industrialized world by humans.[5]
- ^ Harewood 2009, p. 94
- ^ Debra Ronca. "How Land Diving Works". HowStuffWorks. Archived from the original on 8 July 2011. Retrieved 26 May 2010.
- ^ a b Mike Lee. "Land Divers of Vanuatu". ABC News Internet Ventures. Archived from the original on 29 January 2011. Retrieved 24 May 2010.
- ^ Jolly 1994, p. 132
- ^ MacClancy 1998, p. xviii