| The first question that comes to mind for this | | | | and suddenly you are released from the ground to |
| particular extreme sport is, "Why." Why would you | | | | go flying straight up into the air. There are similar |
| jump off a perfectly good bridge? Or crane? Or why | | | | rebounds until your momentum wanes. Very thrilling |
| would you jump off a platform? Or hot air balloon? | | | | reverse gravity experience! Another lighter than air |
| The question that follows closely behind in the | | | | simulation is the trampoline bungee. You jump |
| observer's mind goes something like this - "Is that a | | | | normally on a trampoline while attached to a bungee |
| rubber band tied to their feet?" The answer to the | | | | from above. This gives you extra jumping power as |
| first is simple: To fly, bounce and fly again. To we | | | | the cords are tightened during your acrobatics. |
| land based humans, the desire to soar through the air | | | | There are many structures worldwide that are used |
| has been with us throughout history. Bungee jumping | | | | for bungee jumping. These structures include bridges, |
| offers the sensation of flying from the initial free-fall | | | | dams, suspension bridges and towers and are |
| to the repeated rebounds. And, the answer to the | | | | destination sights in and of themselves. The world |
| second question is, well, yes. It's a rubber band! | | | | record for the highest bungee jump occurred at |
| Bungee jumping, or some non-elasticized form of it, | | | | Macau Tower in Macau SAR China at the height of |
| has been documented for centuries. As far back as | | | | 760 feet. This is a tourist structure and the jump |
| the Aztecs people have been plunging headlong into | | | | was off the observation deck. The official record |
| space with some sort of lifeline tied to their bodies. | | | | keepers only consider jumps from fixed structures to |
| Back then it was vines - not much give I imagine. | | | | insure accurate measurement. That being said, a |
| Today, the "rubber band" is actually much more that. | | | | jump of 3,157 feet at full cord extension took place |
| It is thick pre-stressed braids of latex shock cord. | | | | from a helicopter in Cancun. |
| Most jump companies have added a body harness to | | | | The particular extreme sport is open to most people |
| the attachment fittings for added security. There | | | | of reasonably good health. It does not require any |
| have been injuries and fatalities, but they are very | | | | special skills. However, you will find that the "skill" of |
| few considering the several million jumpers since its | | | | releasing your hands before the jump will suddenly |
| modern beginnings in 1979. All equipment is provided | | | | give your trouble. No practice or preparation is |
| at the sites whether on a bridge or at a commercial | | | | required so stay off the roof! Pack up your nerve |
| jump site. Just bring your confidence! | | | | and head off to the nearest bungee jumping location |
| There are a couple of variations of bungee jumping | | | | to experience the thrill of flying. The free-fall is |
| around today. One starts you in the reverse position. | | | | exhilarating as the wind whistles by and ground |
| That is, you are on the ground with one end of the | | | | rushes up. Then you rebound again and again. Like |
| bungee attached to your harness and the other to a | | | | most thrilling adventures, you will want to get back in |
| crane above. The cord is stretched and stretched | | | | line for that second jump! |