Bungee Jumping
- Bungee |
Bungee Jumping
Bungee jumping is an activity designed for true thrill-seekers that involves jumping from a tall structure, whether that is a building, crane or bridge, whilst attached to a long elasticated cord. It is also possible, although far less common, to jump from movable objects such as helicopters, hot air balloons and cable cars.
The person jumping will have a quick safety briefing and then step up to the mark to be secured to the bungee rope. The cord is securely tied around the ankles, which allows the individual to fall or dive off the platform head first. Some sites also use a body harness in place of, or as well as, the ankle harness.
The drop is typically somewhere between 80 metres and 150 metres, meaning that the jumper will experience an extended free-fall before the cord full stretches and starts to recoil. Some bungee jumps are done over rivers or lakes, where the weight and height of the individual jumping is carefully calculated so they can touch the water at the bottom of the first bounce. The rebound that follows is half the thrill of the jump, with the ability to bounce up and down for quite some time before coming to a total stop. The jumper will then be lowered slowly down to a team below.
The first commercial bungee site opened in New Zealand in the 1980s, but there are plenty of opportunities to complete an exhilarating jump elsewhere. Find sites near you below [OR HYPERLINK HERE].
Pros
- Low cost
- Low risk
- Raise money for charity
- Unique sensation
Cons
- Limited opportunities in the UK
- Wind and weather dependant
- Only a few seconds of free-fall
Training & Qualifications
Qualifications are governed by the British Elastic Rope Sports Association (BERSA) include novice, student, proficient jumper, experienced jumper and advanced jumper. Accreditation is gained from a club or training centre.
Gear
You are not required to provide any equipment. Harnesses and ropes are supplied.