What is Bungee Jumping?

The notion of jumping from tall heights at an accelerating rate to the ground below is likely to be anxiety-inducing to most who try it. But bungee jumping is a popular activity for many who love to live on the edge with many instructors and professional associations validating what is now more than a trend for adrenaline-junkies.

  1. What are Bungee Cords?

    • There are two types of bungee cords: all-rubber and sheathed. All-rubber are designed to have bigger rebounds after the person jumps. The all-rubber are also create less G-forces to the jumper's body. The sheath cords were the first type of cord used for the bungee jumping activity. They were initially used for connecting heavy equipment because of their durability and strength.

    Harnesses

    • Chest and waist harnesses are used primarily for beginning jumpers. Ankle harnesses allow the jump to perform more advanced stunts.

    What Happens After You Jump?

    • After you take the plunge and the elasticity of the cord stretches, leaving you bobbing up and down, the operator will either pull you back up or you will be lowered safely down to the ground.

    How Dangerous is Bungee Jumping?

    • For the most part, bungee jumping is a safe sport. The accidents that have happened were a result of the jumper not being properly connected to the cord, or the cord not accurately connected to the platform.

    Bungee Jumping as a Competitive Sport

    • Bungee jumping allows the jumper to perform acrobatic stunts while jumping from the platform and on the rebound. Skilled athletes will practice front and back flips, twists, inverted positions, seated positions and upright positions. An all-rubber cord is better for doing tricks.

    Risks of Bungee Jumping

    • Deaths and critical injury occur mainly as a result of improperly maintained equipment or underestimating cord lengths. Other injuries include the possibility of uterine prolapse in women where the uterus can tip or slide from its normal position, eye trauma as well as minor dislocations and back injuries. Make sure that you are in good health before you decide to bungee jump.