Bungee Jumping – Why, You Ask?
The first question that comes to mind for this particular extreme sport is, “Why.” Why would you jump off a perfectly good bridge? Or crane? Or why would you jump off a platform? Or hot air balloon? The question that follows closely behind in the observer’s mind goes something like this – “Is that a rubber band tied to their feet?” The answer to the first is simple: To fly, bounce and fly again. To we land based humans, the desire to soar through the air has been with us throughout history. Bungee jumping offers the sensation of flying from the initial free-fall to the repeated rebounds. And, the answer to the second question is, well, yes. It’s a rubber band!
Bungee jumping, or some non-elasticized form of it, has been documented for centuries. As far back as the Aztecs people have been plunging headlong into space with some sort of lifeline tied to their bodies. Back then it was vines – not much give I imagine. Today, the “rubber band” is actually much more that. It is thick pre-stressed braids of latex shock cord. Most jump companies have added a body harness to the attachment fittings for added security. There have been injuries and fatalities, but they are very few considering the several million jumpers since its modern beginnings in 1979. All equipment is provided at the sites whether on a bridge or at a commercial jump site. Just bring your confidence!
