The “Big Jump.” It’s a summer rite of passage in Maine’s island communities to leap off the dock into the wake of a departing ferry.

Organizers of the annual Big Jump on Cliff Island on Wednesday challenged islanders and visitors: How many people can we get to jump?

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Participants take the “Big Jump” off the dock on Cliff Island into the wake of a Casco Bay Ferry vessel as it departs just after noon Wednesday. The total number of jumpers fell far short of the record for the annual summer tradition.
Participants take the “Big Jump” off the dock on Cliff Island into the wake of a Casco Bay Ferry vessel as it departs just after noon Wednesday. The total number of jumpers fell far short of the record for the annual summer tradition. Jill Brady/Staff Photographer
Carter Hoffman, 16, flips off the dock on Cliff Island on Wednesday, an annual tradition for him and others. Low tide made the feat seem even more impressive.
Carter Hoffman, 16, flips off the dock on Cliff Island on Wednesday, an annual tradition for him and others. Low tide made the feat seem even more impressive. Jill Brady/Staff Photographer

Shortly after noon, just as the Casco Bay Lines vessel pulled away, eager leapers began flinging themselves from the crowded dock into the chilly waters of the bay, a plunge made even more impressive by low tide. In the excitement, organizers forgot to count.

One resident put the tally at 22 jumpers, far short of the 94 who took the plunge four years ago. No record this time, just fond memories of a Maine island summer.

 

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