Pros & Cons of Bungee Jumping

For the avid thrill seeker, bungee jumping is a tempting pastime. Just about anyone who is physically able to wear the safety gear and absorb the impact can participate. It is frequently available at popular attractions and bridges such as the Victoria Falls Bridge in Africa, but as with any risky sport of its type, there are pros and cons to taking the leap.

  1. Satisfies Your Quest For Danger

    • Just about everyone enjoys living on the edge every once in a while. Bungee jumping can satisfy that desire; it gets the adrenaline pumping in your body, which ultimately releases feel-good endorphins.

    Risky but Relatively Safe

    • Contrary to what may seem logical, bungee jumping is relatively safe. According to a study reported on in a 1998 article in The Los Angeles Times, the "jolt" felt after bungee jumping is actually less than what a pole vaulter might experience. The article mentions that typical complaints by jumpers include minor anomalies such as dizziness from hanging upside down after dropping.

    Bragging Rights

    • Nothing bonds people together like overcoming a fear. Jumping with a partner gives you more in common with that person, not to mention plenty of stories to share later. Having successfully taken such a risk can also give you something to brag about to your friends and co-workers.

    Nothing is Foolproof

    • While relatively safe, there are no guarantees when bungee jumping. As with any extreme sport, there are inevitable dangers. Nothing is 100 percent foolproof and you take the risk that your gear could fail when jumping.

    It's Going to Cost You

    • Bungee jumping isn't exactly a cheap date. Paying around $100 isn't unheard of for each jumper, which in most scenarios adds up to more than a simple dinner and movie.

    Hidden Injuries

    • Bungee jumping can also be a quick way to discover if you have any latent injuries. It's possible that jumping could bring to the surface a sprain or tear that you might not have known about and further complicate the injury.