Xtra West Article

Basics of Bungee Jumping

With its origins going back by nearly 1500 years to the Pacific island of Pentecost as a rite of passage using strong vines as bungee cords, bungee jumping has been around for a long time. However, bungee jumping hadn’t become popular in modern times until the year 1979 when some members of the “Dangerous Sports Society” at Oxford University jumped with large rubber cords off a bridge in Bristol, England. Since then millions have taken part in bungee jumping. While it can be dangerous at some times, and in some cases it can result in death, bungee jumping is an exciting activity.

While the basics of bungee jumping involve using a long rubber cord, tying to around a person and jumping off something, there is more to bungee jumping than that. It is important that the right considerations of physics are used for bungee jumping. The cord should be long enough to where the jumper will not come in contact with the ground, and the cord should be able to bring the jumper back to the air after the cord reaches its full level of extension.

A person participating in bungee jumping should be physically fit so that there will be no risk of injury or equipment damage. Also, a professional should monitor all of the activities involved in bungee jumping.

Bungee jumping is a relatively safe activity, but there have been some cases of serious injuries and death. Of the two million people who have been estimated to have gone bungee jumping in recent years only five have died in the activity. There have been some serious injuries but they have not occurred very often. In fact, many of the injuries occurred because of poorly maintained equipment or from other already existing injuries that the jumper was not aware of.

Usually a jumper will experience the first time around some dizziness and various pains in the body, but over time the person can become more experienced and be less likely to feel any pain when bungee jumping.

One of the big reasons why so many like to go bungee jumping is that no impact is involved. The bungee cord will slow down a person descent and will absorb all gravitational force that occurs in a fall. In fact, this activity can give an adrenaline rush that can be especially exciting.

Many places around the world feature bungee jumping activities. It is best to go bungee jumping in an area that has been approved and is well monitored. Also, a bungee cord based on the person’s weight will be needed, as a larger cord is needed for those who weigh more.

Harnesses are also needed for bungee jumping. The harness will attach the person to the cord. The body harness can help to reduce the risk of injuries.

Bungee jumping is an exciting activity that can provide a great adrenaline rush, and it is being safer over time. After going bungee jumping it can be seen as to why so many like to do it.