Boston, September 20, 2025
News Summary
The Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series is set to take place in Boston, marking the first time the city will host the series finale and the first U.S. location for the event since 2010. Scheduled for September 19-20, 2025, the finals will allow spectators to view from various public locations surrounding the Institute of Contemporary Art. Competitors will dive from platforms approximately 90 feet high for men and 70 feet for women, showcasing acrobatic skills and artistic expression. The event promises live entertainment and the awarding of the prestigious King Kahekili trophy.
Boston — The Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series returns to Boston on September 19-20, 2025. This is the first time Boston is hosting the finale of the series and the first U.S. city to do so since 2010. The finals are being staged at the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) located at 25 Harbor Shore Drive, where platforms have been set atop the building for divers to launch into Boston Harbor.
Key facts and schedule
The 2025 series included stops in the Philippines, Italy, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and now Boston. Competitors dive from heights of approximately 90 feet for men and 70 feet for women. Participants will perform a minimum of four dives from platforms set atop the ICA, diving into Boston Harbor.
The event is free and open to the public, allowing spectators to watch from marina and park areas on Pier 4 Boulevard and Harborwalk. Rounds 1 & 2 began on Friday, with events scheduled from 8:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. The final round and crowning ceremony will take place on Saturday, starting at 10 a.m. The women’s final dive is scheduled for 11:35 a.m., and the men’s final dive at noon, with winners announced at 1 p.m.
Competitors and contenders
Seven of the 24 divers in this season’s competition represent the United States. Among them, Kaylea Arnett, ranked third overall, is one of the prominent U.S. competitors aiming for a top-three finish. Arnett has a diverse background in diving, performing with Cirque du Soleil after competing in traditional diving. On the women’s side, Rhiannan Iffland, an Australian diver, is expected to secure the top spot for women’s competition. Arnett and Lisa Faulkner, another American diver, are competing closely for the second-place spot.
Event experience and broadcast
Saturday’s final will include live sets from Red Bull DJs and a jumbo screen for dive viewing, allowing on-site spectators to follow the action from multiple vantage points along the waterfront. The ceremonies conclude with the presentation of the season trophy. The winner will be awarded the King Kahekili trophy, returning to the U.S. for the first time since 2010.
Competition format and history
The competition traces its roots back to 1997, when it began as the Bull Cliff Diving World Championships with fewer divers and no ranking system. Over the years the series adopted a structured ranking format and expanded to multiple international stops. Judges score divers based on acrobatic skills and artistic expression. The modern series stages multiple rounds at each stop, culminating in a final where the top-ranked divers perform a final set of dives to determine the event winner and, in turn, the season ranking.
Logistics and public access
Platforms are installed on the ICA roof and the landing zone is Boston Harbor. The public can view from marina and park areas on Pier 4 Boulevard and the Harborwalk; entry to these viewing areas is free. Events on Friday covered early rounds to narrow the field, while Saturday focuses on finals, entertainment, and the awards presentation.
Why this finale matters
This finale is notable as the first Women’s Final held on U.S. soil and marks the return of the series finale to a U.S. city for the first time since 2010. The combination of a high-profile urban waterfront setting, a free public viewing experience, and a global roster of divers gives the event both local and international significance.
FAQ
When and where are the finals held?
The Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series returns to Boston on September 19-20, 2025.
Is this the first time Boston is hosting the finale?
This is the first time Boston is hosting the finale of the series and the first U.S. city to do so since 2010.
Which stops did the 2025 series include?
The 2025 series included stops in the Philippines, Italy, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and now Boston.
How high do competitors dive?
Competitors dive from heights of approximately 90 feet for men and 70 feet for women.
Where exactly is the event being held?
The event is being held at the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) located at 25 Harbor Shore Drive.
Is the women’s final historically significant?
The finals are historic for women’s competition as it’s the first Women’s Final held on U.S. soil.
How many dives do participants perform?
Participants will perform a minimum of four dives from platforms set atop the ICA, diving into Boston Harbor.
Is the event free to the public?
The event is free and open to the public, allowing spectators to watch from marina and park areas on Pier 4 Boulevard and Harborwalk.
What were the times for rounds and finals?
Rounds 1 & 2 began on Friday, with events scheduled from 8:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
When is the final round and crowning ceremony?
The final round and crowning ceremony will take place on Saturday, starting at 10 a.m.
What is the schedule for women’s and men’s final dives?
The women’s final dive is scheduled for 11:35 a.m., and the men’s final dive at noon, with winners announced at 1 p.m.
What on-site entertainment is planned for Saturday?
Live sets from Red Bull DJs and a jumbo screen for dive viewing will feature on Saturday.
How many U.S. divers are competing this season?
Seven of the 24 divers in this season’s competition represent the United States.
Who is Kaylea Arnett and what is her standing?
Kaylea Arnett, ranked third overall, is one of the prominent U.S. competitors aiming for a top-three finish.
What is Kaylea Arnett’s background?
Arnett has a diverse background in diving, performing with Cirque du Soleil after competing in traditional diving.
Who is expected to top the women’s competition?
Rhiannan Iffland, an Australian diver, is expected to secure the top spot for women’s competition.
Which Americans are contending for second place?
Arnett and Lisa Faulkner, another American diver, are competing closely for the second-place spot.
How did the competition begin?
The competition started in 1997 as the Bull Cliff Diving World Championships with fewer divers and no ranking system.
How are divers judged?
Judges score divers based on acrobatic skills and artistic expression.
What trophy is awarded to the winner?
The winner will be awarded the King Kahekili trophy, returning to the U.S. for the first time since 2010.
Quick reference table
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Event | Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series Finals |
| Dates | September 19-20, 2025 |
| Location | Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA), 25 Harbor Shore Drive, Boston — platforms on ICA roof, landings in Boston Harbor |
| Public access | Free and open to the public; viewing from marina and park areas on Pier 4 Boulevard and Harborwalk |
| Dive heights | Men: approximately 90 feet; Women: approximately 70 feet |
| Number of dives | Minimum of four dives per participant in the final |
| Schedule highlights | Rounds 1 & 2: Fri 8:45 a.m.–12:15 p.m.; Final round: Sat starting 10 a.m.; Women’s final: 11:35 a.m.; Men’s final: noon; Winners announced: 1 p.m. |
| Competitors | 24 divers this season; 7 represent the United States |
| Notable athletes | Kaylea Arnett (ranked third overall), Rhiannan Iffland (expected top spot for women) |
| Entertainment | Live sets from Red Bull DJs and a jumbo screen for dive viewing on Saturday |
| Trophy | King Kahekili trophy (first return to the U.S. since 2010) |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Fall Events and Memorials This Week in Boston
Additional Resources
- Boston Globe: Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series Boston
- NBC Boston: Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series Returns to Boston
- MassLive: Glory or Gold – Red Bull Divers Last Shot to Make a Splash
- Red Bull: Cliff Diving Boston Recap 2025
- WCVB: Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series to Boston 2025
- Wikipedia: Cliff Diving
- Google Search: Cliff Diving
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cliff Diving
- Google Scholar: Cliff Diving
- Google News: Red Bull Cliff Diving
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
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