New Zealand Bungy Jumping - Leap Of A Lifetime

Bungy jumping is a proud New Zealand extreme adventure sport conception, created by A J Hackett when he first jumped from a bridge in Auckland.

He also went on to establish the world's largest commercial bungee jumping operations starting in 1988. The word bungy is Kiwi slang for elastic strap.

The sport involves jumping from a tall fixed structure while connected to a long rubber cord at the jumper's ankle. The fixed structure can be a bridge, building or rail viaduct.

When the thrill seeker jumps, the elastic cord is stretched to absorb the energy of the fall. The jumper flies up again when the cord rebounds.

The jumper moves up and down this way till all energy is expended. The heady adrenaline rush when jumping needs to be experienced first hand to be believed.

The central factor influencing the jump is the cord itself. The elastic cord can be made up of latex strands which are pre stressed and enclosed in a tough braided outer cover to provide maximum resistance to any further extension when the cord reaches its natural length. There are cords where latex strands are exposed giving a longer softer bounce.

In such a high risk sport, the jumper's safety is given paramount importance. Commercial operators strictly conform to tried and tested guidelines laid down in the Bungy Code of Practice. This provides the framework for New Zealand/Australia Bungy Jump Standard.

The calculations and fittings are checked rigorously for every jump. The length of the cord should always be much shorter than the height of the jump platform so that the cord has room to stretch.

An ankle attachment to the cord gives the jumper a smoother bounce but there have been accidents where jumpers have been detached. This has led to use of body harnesses which serve as a backup to the ankle attachment.

Every six months, the Standards Association of New Zealand completes an independent audit of the bungy jump sites. This has ensured the safety of New Zealand bungy jumpers.

There are variations of the typical jump where you can jump in tandem with a qualified instructor. You can also go in for a partial water immersion jump from the top of a bridge. Night jumping is another available option.

:

• Bungy jumping is an extreme sport and the jumper must be sensible to avoid it if he/she has major health problems such as abnormal heart rate, abnormal blood pressure, back problems, respiratory problems, recent surgery etc. Consult your doctor if in doubt.
• It is best to clear your doubts with a qualified jump master before embarking on a jump.
• It is an increased security measure to have a body harness in addition to the cord strapped at the ankle.
• Wear clothing that does not interfere with the harness.
• Avoid wearing jewellery, glasses and even contact lenses that can cause injury and/or obstruct vision.
• Check for fine weather on the day of the jump as wet slippery conditions can cause equipment to not operate reliably.
• Ensure that the commercial operator guiding your jump is fully trained and an accredited member of the governing body for bungy jumping.
• Know before hand the recovery method that involves how you will be retrieved after making the jump. This will help you to be prepared after the jump.

In the South Island of New Zealand, Queenstown is home to many bungy jumping spots. The Kawarau Bridge boasts of a 43 metre jump. You can go in for a 47 metre jump from a ledge atop the gondola. Skippers Canyon offers a 102 metre plunge.

The Nevis Wire jump at 134 metres is the highest of the lot overlooking the rugged Nevis river. You can enjoy 8.5 seconds of freefall Nirvana.

Hammer Springs is another popular spot for bungy jumping in the South Island. Winter bungy jumping can be found at the Mt Hutt ski fields.