is a sport that has dramatically evolved over the
past couple decades. has evolved into a sport of art and
thrill. As a tribal tradition, the ritual was soon incorporated with a
bungee cord. spread rapidly throughout the world, ever-
growing in popularity. Detailed designs and engineering have helped to
take bungee jumping to all new limits. An array of prices depicts a
variety of heights, harnesses, and locations of sites. Bungee jumping
offers many diverse medical advantages. New innovations in the bungee
field have led to all new rides and adventures. Bungee jumping is a sport
that enables a person to prove something to themselves, regardless of age,
sex, religion, or race.
Bungee jumping is based on an age-old ritual practiced by the 'land
divers' of Pentecost island in the South Pacific archipelago of Vanuatu.
Young men proved their courage by plummeting off giant towers. Every
spring villagers there collect liana vines and wind them into long cords.
The men then scale six story wooden towers, attach the vines around their
ankles and jump. A successful leap is considered a demonstration of
courage. In 1979, a bungee cord was incorporated with this tribal ritual.
Members of the Oxford University's Dangerous Sports Club read about and
designed a safe form of the practice. Atop the Golden Gate Bridge, dressed
in tuxedos and top hats, the first form of bungee jumping came to existence.
In 1987, bungee jumping moved to the American commercial scene. Two
brothers, John and Peter Kockelman, began jumping from bridges over river
gorges in the Sierras. Recognizing the sport's commercial potential, they
opened Bungee Adventures in 1988.
Bungee jumping spread rapidly throughout the world, ever-growing in
popularity. Bungee jumping became national crazes in many areas. After
the use of a bungee cord was thought of, the idea first spread through New
Zealand. From here, Australia and France soon caught on and joined the
sport. This new hobby, predominantly known and practiced only by skydivers,
rock climbers, and other extremists caught the world's attention and spread
like a wild fire. In America, bungee jumping was also proving popular.
The first commercial bungee business began thirty minutes outside San Diego,
CA. Commercial sites in Colorado and Utah soon began to pop up.
Expansions of these businesses now help to cover almost every western state.
Bungee Jumping's popularity has helped it to become an officially
recognized sport. National Freestlye Bungee Championships are held each
year and are broadcasted on a number of channels including 'ESPN 2."
Detailed designs and engineering have helped to take bungee jumping
to an all new limit. The actual bungee is composed of all synthetic fibers
and designed for strength. The cord is a special blend of rubber with a
high tensile strength and special ozone and ultra-violet ray protection.
Each cord is rated at over 1,000 jumps and is guaranteed for 500.
Elaborate 'crane towers' allow for a full jump without breaking the law.
Early aerialists risked going to jail for jumping off open bridges, thus a
new platform was needed. Many jumpers discovered the use of cranes. At
180 feet, specially designed cranes allow for plenty of jumping room. The
use of hot air balloons was another idea that went over well. Many
companies now specialize in the use of a hot air ballons for bungee jumping
platforms. Increased regulations have helped ...