What is bungee jump?
Bungee Jumping is an exciting adventure sport which involves jumping off a high platform, usually from a bridge, tower, dam or crane. The cord used to connect the jumper to the platform is a thick, elastic cord, which recoils after several seconds of freefall. Although bungee platforms tend to be static structures, it’s possible and thrilling to bungee from helicopters, hot air balloons and mountain gondolas.
This activity is popular around the globe. It’s great to do with family or friends, and you can cheer each other on while you wait your turn to jump.
Some bungee locations have a weight limit, not an age limit, so anyone can try it. There is no upper age limit. Some bungees sites have a minimum, which is usually around 14 years of age. However, this depends on the individual bungee.
This is a sport that anyone can do. It requires only minimal preparation from the participant, requiring only good health and fitness.
If you are averse to heights, then choose the height that is most suitable for you. Check out our list of 10 highest bungees in the world to compare different bungee sites! Check out our list of bungee sites around the world if you’re looking to book a particular bungee or want to find out if there is a site near you!
History of Bungee jumping
A legend about the island Pentecost Island in the South Pacific states that bungee-jumping originated on this island. According to the legend, a woman fleeing a husband who mistreated her climbed a branch and then her husband chased her. As her husband was grabbing her, she tied vines to her ankles before jumping. The vines saved the woman because her husband had jumped at the exact same time, but he hit the ground.
Since the legend began, men on the island have been jumping from trees while wearing vines around their ankles. The practice of ‘landdiving’, or Naghol as it’s called on the island has become a Pentecost Island tradition. Every year, between April and July, it is done on Saturdays.
Modern History:
The Oxford Dangerous Sports Club jumped from Bristol’s Clifton Bridge on April 1, 1979. Some members of the club jumped from Bristol’s Clifton Bridge, England, illegally and unprepared. They did it again on the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, USA. The following year.
The sport was pushed into the mainstream by this and other jumps. A.J. Hackett established the first commercial bungee jump location in Queenstown (New Zealand).
What is the equipment used for bungee jump?
This sport requires minimal equipment. Participants only need to bring suitable footwear.
The bungee site provides the shock cord, leg and body harness, and helmet.
You shouldn’t be suspicious if there is no harness. Some bungee sites connect jumpers via their ankles to the cord, while others use a safety harness. Both pieces of safety equipment will keep you safe.
Bungee cord: A cord specially made and designed from tightly woven rubber strands. Different bungee sites use cords of different thicknesses and strengths. This cord will recoil once you reach a specific point before reaching the ground.
Harnesses – The harnesses can be worn around the waist, thighs, chest and shoulders. A bungee cord is attached at the front of both pieces.
What will I be doing?
Pre-activity:
Arrive at your bungee jump site an hour or more before the time you are scheduled to jump. This will allow you the opportunity to observe the surrounding, get familiar with the instructors and the other people who are jumping before you, as well as have a safety talk.
You will be weighed before the jump so the operators can set up the rope that you will use. You’re ready to jump after you have attached your harness and rope, and checked that everything is safe and secure.
During the activity
Relax, extend your arms, bend your legs, and jump. The freefall will last only a few seconds. After that, the elastic will recoil, causing you to slightly back up. You will then swing at the end until the rope is fully stretched.
Post-activity:
You can relax after your harnesses are detached from the rope, and then the harness is removed. Reminisce about the amazing bungee jump experience that you just had.
Who can bungee jump?
Bungee Jumping is a sport that’s accessible to everyone, including people with limited mobility, amputees and visitors with partial paralysis. It is recommended that you speak with the staff of the bungee jump site you plan to visit before you go if you are unsure whether you or a member of your group will be able to participate.
Min. Weights: Minimum and maximum weights:
The rules for different bungees vary, but in general the minimum weight to bungee jump is around 35/40kg. Again, the maximum weight varies between sites but generally is around 145/150kg.
Pregnant women
Unfortunately, pregnant women should not attempt to jump off a bungee.
Health requirements
Participants must generally be in good physical health. If you have epilepsy or joint problems, you may be denied the opportunity to take part. If you’re unsure, it is best to check with the bungee sites you plan on visiting before booking their policies on health requirements.
Other Rules
In addition, it’s important to note that bungee enthusiasts who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs may not be allowed to participate. This sport demands a high degree of commitment and attention to safety instructions from instructors.
Bungee variations
This thrilling sport is available in a variety of exciting variations, including bridge and canyon swings as well as sky-jumping.
Bridge Swing – This is available at many bridges in the world. It is similar to bungee jump, but you are swinging instead of freefalling.
Canyon swing: This is similar to bridge swinging. However, instead of jumping off a bridge you jump down the canyon. Canyon swinging is similar to cliff-jumping, except you are attached to a cord.
Sky jump: This is a controlled descent from a high height. A wire is attached to the participant as they “fall” at a controlled rate. Sky jumping is different from bungee-jumping because the wire does not recoil. Most sky jumps end with a landing pad at the base of the tower.
