History of Bungee Cords

Bungee jumping evolved from a test of manhood on Pentecost Island to an activity for thrill seekers across the globe. As the sport of bungee jumping grew, the materials advanced from tree vines wrapped around the ankles of islanders, to high-tech, springy ropes made of rubber and wrapped in cloth.

  1. Origin

    • On April Fools Day of 1979, the first bungee jump using a modern cord was carried out by the Oxford University Dangerous Sports Club. They lept off the Clifton Suspension Bridge near Bristol. Though they were arrested shortly afterward, the popularity of bungee jumping took off around the world.

    Features

    • The core of the bungee cord is commonly made of natural or synthetic rubbers, or a mixture of the two. It's then wrapped with layers of cotton, nylon or encircled by braided rubber.

    Function

    • In bungee jumping, you hook yourself to the cord either via an ankle or body harness, with the other end attached to the structure you're jumping off of. Other common uses include strapping down luggage or for military cargo drops.

    Expert Insight

    • The American Institute of Physics (AIP) states that jumping involves the conversion of gravitational potential energy into the elastic energy of the cord as the rope tightens and catches jumpers. The AIP notes that the key is the elasticity of the cord. The jumper needs to make sure that the cord won't bounce and stretch longer than the drop (see Resource below).

    Fun Fact

    • The origin of the word "bungee" is unknown, as is the spelling. Bungee, bungi or bungy jumpers credit the origin of the word as coming from British slang for India rubber.