Have you ever heard people say, “If someone else jumped off a bridge, would you do it?” Well, if you are going to answer with a yes to that question, then bungee jumping is the answer! Bungee jumping can be an amazing experience and it is important that you prepare yourself.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Finding the Location
Step 1. Check your body condition
Bungee jumping is generally very safe, but under certain conditions it can be potentially dangerous. These conditions include high blood pressure, liver conditions, dizziness, epilepsy, and accidents to the neck, spine, spinal column, or legs. If you have any of the conditions mentioned above then you should consult a doctor before planning your bungee jumping experience.
- Many bungee kits are tied to your ankles and can exacerbate any ankle or knee problems you may be experiencing.
- Injuries to the neck and back can make it difficult for someone to bungee jumping because of the pressure created on the limbs when jumping. Consult your doctor.
Step 2. Make sure you are old enough to bungee jump
Some outfitters allow jumpers to be at least 14 years old, while others only allow those aged 16 and over. In most cases, if you are under the age of 18, your parent or guardian will be required to accompany you at the time of signing some of the waivers provided by outfitter.
Step 3. Find a bungee jumping spot
Many bungee jumping venues are set up in scenic neighborhoods. Find the one that appeals to you the most! There are many locations around the world and some of the most popular tourist attractions that also offer bungee jumping experiences.
You can jump from bridges, cranes, platforms on buildings, towers, hot air balloons, helicopters or cable cars. Choose any location you like
Step 4. Check the safety and legality of the bungee organizer
Make sure the equipment used is legal equipment and not just an instructor standing on the edge of the bridge with a rope. Read outfitter reviews online or ask outfitters for references and find out what other people are talking about. Check if your outfitter is listed on the local tourism service provider list or not.
BERSA (British Elastic Rope Sports Association) is a code of practice safe guidelines for operator safety. It covers three important topics: opt-in information (meaning you have to understand the risks involved), redundancy (meaning there are backup system components in place so that if one component fails the entire system will not fail) and competence (meaning that all equipment and personnel must have of adequate quality and competently perform their functions). This code can allow you to guarantee that your carrier is safe
Step 5. Don't be afraid to ask questions
This can help you check out the outfitter and make sure they know what they're doing. You can ask about their equipment, staff training, operating standards, history and so on. It also helps you determine how knowledgeable, friendly and safe they are as an outfitter.
Step 6. Check the fees
Take a look at the fees first, and be prepared to pay $100 or more. Many outfitters will charge a deposit when you order and the deposit fee can be around $50 or half of the total cost.
Step 7. Make a reservation for your bungee jump
You may need to reserve your spot in advance to guarantee that when you arrive you can jump in. Some outfitters require advance booking as you will have to use transportation to the jump location.
Part 2 of 3: Preparing Yourself
Step 1. Don't think too much about it
The more you think, the more nervous you will be and the more likely you will be to back off or make a decision to get out of the situation. Everyone is nervous, so don't worry about this feeling!
Just because you have a fear of heights doesn't mean you won't jump. Bungee jumping is a very different experience and you probably won't feel the same way during the jump – mainly because of the adrenaline rush
Step 2. Dress properly
Wear comfortable clothes and tuck your shirt into your pants so your shirt doesn't open or show your belly to everyone while jumping. Don't wear a skirt. Your clothes should not be too tight or too loose. Use flat-bottomed shoes that fit your foot size. Do not wear boots or shoes that cover your ankles as these can interfere with the connection of the ankle fittings.
Step 3. Tie your hair
If you have long hair, you should tie it up so it doesn't get caught in any of the components or hit you in the face when you jump.
Step 4. Understand your equipment
There are various types of equipment used when bungee jumping, but the most common are body gear and leg gear. The leg gear will be attached to both of your ankles and you will need to have replacement gear (usually the kind of sitting gear you use for regular rock climbing).
Body fittings allow you to move easily and turn completely or turn around with ease. If you're connected via gear, your body should at least have a seat kit and shoulder gear, or full body gear
Step 5. Think about how you are going to jump
There are many different styles of jumping but the best way to jump is the swallow dive. In this jump style you take a nice jump off the platform with your arms spread wide and soaring like a bird downwards. By the time you reach the bottom you should be straight face down and land smoothly.
Other types of falls include backward freefall, railing jump (similar to kite-flying except you jump a railing off multiple bridges), bat drop (where you hang upside down on the edge of the platform before jumping and then fall), elevator (dropping your first leg, but can very dangerous and hurt your ankle) and tandem (jumping with two people at the same time)
Step 6. Watch as other people jump
Take some time to relax and watch other people jump in before starting your experience. This can help ease your mind and nerves.
Step 7. Shave your legs
If you are wearing leg gear, then they have to lift your pants to put on the gear. If the appearance of your unshaven legs would embarrass you, then make sure you shave them before jumping in.
Part 3 of 3: Jumping
Step 1. Sign up with your outfitter
You will pay a fee for your jump if you have not registered and signed some forms and waivers. While bungee jumping is perfectly safe, they will make sure you understand the risks involved. If you have any questions regarding the waiver, feel free to ask a crew member.
Step 2. Get ready to be weighed
They will weigh you to make sure they are using the appropriate equipment for your weight and to make sure you do not exceed the weight limit set by the outfitter.
Step 3. Go over the bungee bridge
When you get to the top of the bungee, there will be an instructor who will help prepare you. If you made it to the top, then you don't have to worry because this is one of the scariest parts!
Step 4. Listen to your instructor
Listen to what they have to say, because it will make your jump more enjoyable. Also, don't be afraid to ask questions – that's why they're there. The instructor will fit the pads around your ankles and then attach a large elastic band around the ankles, which will eventually attach to the actual bungee cord!
Step 5. Understand that fear is natural
Fear is your body's way of protecting itself as a defense. Try to channel your thoughts and reassure your mind that you will not cause any harm to yourself. Everything will move quickly once your feet are tied, so let this happen.
Don't look down before jumping! You'll have plenty of time to admire the view as you jump. Looking down before you jump can make you change your mind
Step 6. Jump when the staff member shouts 'Now
' It was an absolutely incredible feeling as it fell through the air at such a fast speed! Enjoy, and you're free to scream loudly! By the time you end up falling, your speed will slow down smoothly and you will feel quite at peace.
After the jump, a man in a boat will come and untie you or they will lift you back onto the bridge or wherever you jumped from
Step 7. Brag about it
You've just bungee jumping – you'll instantly look “so cool”!
Tips
- If this is your first experience, don't try anything fantastic… trust me.
- Take all valuables out of your pocket before jumping.
- Don't chew gum or other foods!
- When they tell you to jump, do it right away! If you stand up there thinking about it, you'll just look like a scared chicken. You may also want to not look down.
- If you don't want everyone to see your belly, then tuck your shirt inside! Because your clothes WILL fly open!
- Get your jump video. It's so much fun to watch yourself jump in and show it off to others! If you know how, copy the video and place it on your MySpace or other site!
Warning
- People with a history of anxiety attacks may need to reconsider.
- Don't bungee jump if you have poor knees or hips. Bungee jumps can make your knees or hips hurt.
- Make sure you have all the safety equipment on you before you even think about jumping.
