Bungee jumping is an activity in which you jump from a high point, such as a bridge or crane, while connected to a long, elastic cord. As you fall, the cord stretches, first slowing your descent, then stopping you before you hit the ground. The cord bounces you up and down until you come to a stop, then the bungee operator lowers you to the ground.
History
The first bungee-type jumpers were the "land divers" of the Pacific islands of Vanuatu. For centuries, in a ritual designed to show courage and faith, young Vanuatu men jumped from a scaffolding with vines tied around their ankles to prevent them from crashing into the ground. Inspired by the land divers, a group of men gathered on a bridge near Bristol, England, in 1979 for what is frequently cited as the first "modern" bungee jump.
Cords
Bungee cords are typically rubber and are engineered to stretch about three to four times their "free" length--that is, the length when there is no weight on the cord. Bungee jump operators must choose the correct cord not only for the distance of the drop but also for the weight of the jumper.
Other Equipment
Traditionally, bungee cords attach to the ankle of the jumper. For greater safety, a jumper can wear a body harness. Some bungee-jump systems, such as those at many amusement parks, put jumpers into a type of capsule or pod attached to bungee cords. This lets riders enjoy being thrown through the air, but without their body being violently jerked by the cord. Expect to wear a helmet when bungee jumping.
Safety
People with certain medical conditions should avoid bungee jumping. They include abnormal heart beat or blood pressure, breathing or circulatory problems, back problems, leg problems and recent surgery. Women who are pregnant or suspect they are pregnant should never go bungee jumping. Bungee operators may also exclude people whose weight is out of proportion to their height.
Regulation
Bungee jumping is regulated at the state level. One state may require all bungee jumping be overseen by licensed operators, while another may have no such requirement. Some states allow you do jump from nonfixed objects, such as hot air balloons, while other may allow jumps from fixed points only.
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