Physics of Bungee Jumping

While modern bungee jumping has become known and practiced worldwide, what is less understood is the physics behind bungee jumping.  Interestingly enough, the extreme sport originated from spiritual rituals of South Pacific natives, who had no idea of the science behind the sport.  Modern bungee jumping enthusiasts find much comfort in the idea that someone has worked through the math required to perform a safe jump.  So who developed the physics of bungee jumping and how sure are the modern practitioners of the sport that it is relatively safe?  Let's start by taking a look at the origins of the science behind the sport.

Years before the discovery of the land diving natives on Pentecost Island, a British mathematician named Robert Hooke was discovering the physics of bungee jumping.  He began working as an assistant to the famous scientist Robert Boyle in 1653.  However, it wasn't until 1660 that he formulated and wrote down Hooke's Law of Elasticity.  In laymen's terms, Hooke's law basically tells us how much tension a spring can endure, and the maximum length it will reach.  Hooke's law can be used on any material that is considered linear-elastic, or stretching lengthwise.  Oddly enough, rubber is usually considered non-linear, because variations of stress and temperature can have a significant impact on the elasticity of the rubber.

Today, modern practitioners of the physics of bungee jumping don't have to be as well-versed as Hooke.  Depending on the bungee cords used and their ratings, the science has been simplified quite a bit.  The commercial proprietor who is offering 'bungee jumping' as an extreme sport still has to be on their toes.  Cords that are manufactured to meet a well established United States military specification (mil spec) are perhaps the best to use.  This is simply because of the rigorous testing that must go in to making sure they meet the mil spec.  Most of these cords have a specific weight limit and elongation potential.  Using these numbers, along with the length of the jump and the weight of the jumper, the calculations can be made.  The length of rope needed, how many strands are needed for the weight, and how much beyond the normal length of the cord the jumper can expect to go.

The physics of bungee jumping has changed some with advances in the material used in bungee cords.  Some cords are also 'pre-streched' so there is less elasticity and bounce, and a more forceful shock and return from the bottom of the jump position.  The problems with some jumpers using cords that were too long are the result of not understanding the physics of bungee jumping.  Even though modern bungee cords are weight and elongation rated, some people still fail to take this into account when performing amateur jumps.  This is why it is highly recommended that anyone who wants to learn bungee jumping should consult with a professional.  This is not a sport that you can learn and practice at home.  The physics of bungee jumping have been simplified by 20th century manufacturing standards, resulting in a much safer sport for everyone participating.

Naked Bungee Jumping

There's a new trend in bungee jumping, but I wouldn't exactly say that it's taking the world by storm. So what is this new angle on the ancient sport of bungee jumping?  How about naked bungee jumping.  OK, so I know you think I'm crazy, but there hundreds, perhaps thousands out there who will swear by this experience.  Let's take a few minutes to look at the possible attraction, as well as the detractors, of this bizarre variation on the sport.

First, it is interesting to note that the natives who have performed the ritual that has become bungee jumping for thousands of years wear very little clothing.  I'll admit, it must be a bit different jumping from a make-shift wooden tower using a jungle vine attached to your ankles.  This is a far cry from modern bungee jumping.  However, these native young men wore nothing more than a flimsy loin cloth on their plunge to please mother earth.  So in some primitive, instinctual way, there must be a spiritual attraction of sorts in performing naked bungee jumping.  Some people who choose to participate in this variation of the sport have admitted to being extreme naturalists, even nudists.  Of course, there are those who complete nude bungee jumping who wouldn't qualify as nature lovers at all.  

A common theme that is seen at the special events held for such display is that of a couple performing a tandem jump.  A tandem jump is simply a jump where two people go together, usually tethered together, facing each other.  There is obviously some primitive expression of sexuality in this type of event.  However, more modern couples are choosing to participate in naked bungee jumping to show their devotion to one another.  Taking the plunge can now be applied to more than just marriage!  Many couples who share their experience afterward say that there is a definite bonding that takes place.  Sharing an adrenaline rush such as the death-defying act of naked bungee jumping is something that will tie them together forever in their eyes.

Another reason many people choose to go 'full monty' on the ropes is because it is usually cheaper.  Yep, you heard me right.  Although the time investment and equipment used by the jump company is the same, the cost is less.  Some companies even allow those brave souls who want to go naked bungee jumping to go free of charge.  These types of promotional efforts appeal to those who are of a more frugal nature.  Some companies that offer naked bungee jumping do so once a year, on a pre-planned date or weekend event.  This helps make the event more palpable to the public.  Imagine going to an amusement park and seeing people riding the rides naked!  It would be a great shock, especially if you did not know that it was planned that way.  By scheduling the special jumps for a specific date, the promoters of this type of event avoid that aspect of publicity.

It's growing among the ardent fans of the sport, as well as the newcomers.  It seems to have no defining characteristic except that those who perform it are lovers of adventure.  So whether you believe in the spirituality of it all or not, naked bungee jumping is here to stay.

Modern Bungee Jumping

Modern bungee jumping started with a jump from a suspension bridge in Bristol, England, on April 1, 1979.  Obviously, it was no April fool's joke.  From a height of 250 ft., four friends from the 'Dangerous Sports Club' leapt into the history books by taking the historic plunge.  They were promptly arrested by the authorities shortly after completion of their activities.  However, this failed to dampen their spirits much.  They moved their jumping activities to the United States, where the jumped from the Golden Gate bridge in San Francisco, California.  They also managed to secure sponsorship from the American television show 'That's Incredible' for their jump from the Royal Gorge bridge in Colorado.  Their perseverance helped bring modern bungee jumping to the spotlight of the media, and the masses.

Bungee jumping takes place around the world today, from Australia to the United States, to many countries in Europe.  It is well respected as a dangerous and extreme sport.  Despite it's obvious dangerous aspect, millions of people have successfully completed jumps since the onset of modern bungee jumping.  Indeed, tens of thousands of bungee jumpers take the plunge each year, in an ever-increasing variety of ways and places.

Many commercial endeavors have sprung up because of the rise in popularity of bungee jumping in the modern sports world.  One of the most notable and respected outfits is the A. J. Hackett Bungee Company in New Zealand.  A. J. Hackett founded the company in the late 1980s, after popularizing the sport with his own jumps.  Indeed, he contributed to the modern bungee jumping by developing a new type of bungee cord.  He personally demonstrated his new super elastic bungee cord when he jumped from the Eiffel Tower in 1987.  His company has done a great service to the sport by helping to develop modern means and methods that provide a safer form of bungee jumping.

Modern bungee jumping has even crept into some aspects of mainstream western culture.  For example, there have been a few major movies that have featured a bungee jump in their plot.  One of the most well-known of these movies would be the James Bond spy-thriller, 'GoldenEye', from 1995.  In this particular film, Bond is shown performing a bungee jump from what is supposed to be a dam in Russia.  While the jump was actually performed, and was not computer or artist generated animation, the actual location of the jump was incorrect.  The filming actually took place at the Versazca Dam in Switzerland.

Modern bungee jumping has even become a sport that in which the participants are striving to outdo one another.  The Guinness Book of World Records has become involved, and has recorded what they have officially deemed as the 'highest commercial bungee jump'.  This jump takes place from the Bloukrans River bridge in South Africa.  At over 700 feet above the floor of the valley, it is an astounding feat indeed.  While other jumps have taken place from higher locations, this particular locale is considered the highest because it is purely a bungee jump.  There are no additional cords or secondary safety cables ... just the good ol' bungee cord.  Like it or not, it looks like modern bungee jumping is here to stay.

How Did Bungy Jumping Become So Popular?

Some people love anything that is new.  Some people love anything that is adventurous.  Put both of those key elements together and it is easy to see how bungy jumping very quickly went from being one individual inventing an elastic rope and tossing himself off high structures to a legitimate sport which has gained worldwide popularity in a relatively short period of time.  Twenty-five years ago no one had heard of bungy jumping;  today, it is all the rage--  everywhere!

Bungy jumping is one sport for which the aspect of newness is constant.  Whether a person is attempting his very first jump or has made it a consistent part of his lifestyle, the element of adventure is such that each and every jump is a fresh experience.  Even if you frequent the same bungy jumping sites on a regular basis, this is a sport in which every experience is different, and each time feels like the first time.  Adventure-seekers of all ages and backgrounds will delight in this factor, because no matter how long you engage in the sport of bungy jumping it is something which will never become routine.  The excitement is present whether it is your first jump or your twentieth!  

The overwhelming sense of adventure helps in making bungy jumping so popular.  There are many people who are naturally drawn to all of the aspects of thrill-seeking, from the adrenalin rush it has on one's entire system to the knowledge that one is essentially risking life and limb and hoping to win the game.  There are no other sports that compare in these factors, which makes bungy jumping quite unique.  

For those who have the time and resources to travel, this too plays a positive role in bungy jumping's popularity.  While it isn't difficult to find a jumping site convenient to one's home area, companies which offer bungy jumping expeditions add to the enjoyment, as do faraway locations which make the bungy jumping experience a great vacation.  

For individuals who have youth on their side, many feel the desire to experience everything that life can possibly offer.  The more, the better;  and the more intense, the more better yet.  For the many who wish to try every extreme that can be found, this sport presents the most unforgettable experience. Those who feel the need to "try everything once" will find nothing lacking in bungy jumping!  Being able to capture it on videotape for future reference, and to share with less-adventurous colleagues, is certainly an added bonus.  Your bungy jumping experience on videotape could also be the factor needed to prod others into trying the sport for themselves.  

Sometime in the future surely someone will feel the need to analyze this sport and what its allure is to those who choose to engage in it either as a hobby or a lifestyle.  It would make more sense, though, to merely describe bungy jumping as fun--  and that in itself is a good enough reason for its popularity.  

Five Bungee Jumping Questions

There are five bungee jumping questions that you need to ask when you decide to go jumping.  Here's what they are, and why they matter.

# 1 - How do I want to go bungee jumping?  This question will help decide how high off the ground you will be when you do your bungee jump.  Do you want to use a commercial crane outfit, or are you looking for something more in tune with nature?  Perhaps jumping off of a bridge towards the earth and a running stream of water would be more appealing to your sense of adventure.

# 2 - What club or outfitter will I use?  This question is of primary importance, as it relates directly to the safety of the experience you will have.  Not all bungee jumping clubs or commercial outfitters are the same.  Make sure that the jump team, especially the jump master are all certified.  The club or company should participate in a certification program as well.  Do your homework here, both with the company and with local governmental offices and consumer advocacy groups such as the Better Business Bureau.  Be sure you are selecting a reputable group that abides by the best safety practices out there.

# 3 - What position will I jump in?  There are a variety of positions available to most bungee jumpers.  First timers will often want to do the swan dive, while more experienced jumpers may prefer a different method.  Some outfitters offer what is called the water touchdown.  Confident in their abilities to correctly calculate the exact length needed, they provide the opportunity to go into the water at the bottom of a bridge jump.  This is best done in an area where the water is fairly deep.  Obviously this is a more dangerous jump than the regular bungee jump position.  Knowing how you will jump and what to expect will prepare you in advance for your jump (as much as possible).

#4 - How will the recovery be done?  It is important to know how you will be retrieved once your jump is over.  You don't want to be stuck at the end of the bungee cord, upside down, for a long period of time.  Most outfitters will let down a secondary line that you will attach to your harness, allowing them to pull you back up.  Some, however, prefer to allow slackening of the bungee cord in order to lower the jumper to the surface.  This is, however, a more dangerous method.  You should be aware in advance so you can be prepared after the jump.

#5 - How much is this going to cost me?  While this shouldn't be a primary determining factor of if you are going through with it or not, you don't want to get ripped off.  The average cost of a bungee jump is in the neighborhood of $100, give or take depending on your location.  This can sound intimidating, but remember, this is a once in a lifetime experience (even though many participants return over and over to this type of event), and your decision to participate should not be based solely on the cost.

These five bungee jumping questions will assist you in making the best decisions possible on your jump.  Don't allow these things to make you timid, just remember, 'Carpe Diem, Sieze the Day!'.

Do You Want To Learn Bungy Jumping?

Perhaps you have decided to take up the sport of bungy jumping, but would prefer some professional training before taking the plunge.  Or perhaps you have thought a lot about bungy jumping, but still have not reached a conclusion as to whether you want to try it or not.  If you find yourself in either of these categories, you can benefit from taking some bungy jumping classes which are designed to teach you everything you need to know and have a bit of hands-on experience under the guidance of skilled instructors.  This way, you can have the confidence of knowing you have learned the basic skills needed for bungy jumping before you take your first death-defying challenge.  

As there are already a number of classes in various locations for bungy jumping staff members, it shouldn't be long before suitable classes are also open to the general public to assist them in gaining the important knowledge and skills needed for this sport.  You can decide if this is something you would like to consider as an option;  if so, check to see when classes like this are available in your area.  

Another possibility for learning all about the sport of bungy jumping is to begin as a spectator.  While this may also help you decide whether or not you are personally suited for bungy jumping, you will have the chance to view this amazing activity as close as you can be without actually participating.  With this goal in mind, you can watch either your friends doing their own novice bungy jumps, or you can see perfection in motion by viewing trained professionals.  In addition to watching bungy jumping first-hand, you can also utilize a video camera so that you can focus on all the details of the jumps later on.

While you can probably gain the helpful cooperation from most of the companies that provide bungy jumping by simply requesting the chance to begin your initiation into this sport as a spectator, there are some of the companies which already present it as an option and consider spectators to be a basic part of their customers' bungy jumping experiences.  One that lists this as a trip option in itself calls it the "Auckland Ultimate Bungy Jump Spectator" part of their Adventure Tour.  Offered by New Zealand on the Web, it includes a guided bridge walk where you can watch the action from a safe point.  Not only will this give you the chance to take in the excitement up-close, you will be able to learn the basics from those who are actually participating.  Taking still-pictures or making a video of the action will allow you to view it at a later date when you can pay close attention to the details.  

Whether you choose the method of "watch and learn" or seek training from skilled professionals, you will be at an advantage when you finally decide to take your first solo jump.  The more you know beforehand, the more you will want to take part in bungy jumping.  

Bungy Jumping In America

Although there are many bungy jumping sites in countries all over the globe, many Americans who have developed an interest in this sport would prefer locations that are closer to home.  Fortunately, there are plenty of places in the United States where prospective bungy jumpers can begin trying out this fascinating new hobby.  Whether you'd like a plan a traveling vacation centered around bungy jumping, or if you want a day of excitement nearer to where you live, it is not difficult to find a bungy jumping location which suits your needs.  You may just decide to make it a part of your lifestyle.

Some of the prime bungy jumping sites in the United States can be found in California.  Due to its year-round mild climate, outdoor sports in general are very popular in this state, and bungy jumping is no exception.  Bungee America, which is located in Los Angeles, is one of the most well-known in Southern California.  Since it first opened in 1989, Bungee America is the oldest bungy jumping company in the country.  This fact, coupled with their perfect safety record, may help you in deciding that Bungee America would certainly be a good choice for your bungy jumping trip.  

Pioneer, California, is home to Bungee Experience, which has been an operating business since 1989.  It was founded by Glenn Bruno, one of America's first bungy jumpers.  They usually schedule bungy jumping once per month between April and September at various Northern California bridges which are no lower than one hundred forty feet.  They also offer bungy jumping excursions to higher bridges around the United States.  

In Washington state you can find the Pacific North West Bridge surrounded by the area's breathtaking scenic beauty.  Bungee.Com provides for this location's bungy jumping;  if you elect to become a member of their Dangerous Sports Club you will be entitled to special members' discounts for your future trips.   

Located in Wisconsin, the Extreme World's sports park has bungy jumping as its main attraction.  The Extreme World Bungee Jump tower, at a height of one hundred thirty feet, is currently the only bungy jumping provider in the midwest that allows this sport to be done without the use of traditional ankle harnesses.  Your Extreme World bungy jumping experience will have you plummeting toward the ground at a speed that accelerates to forty mph.  After your fall has been successfully completed, you will be given the opportunity to purchase a videotape of your experience.

Over the Edge, Inc., in Boise, Idaho, offers bungy jumping for individuals and groups. They have bridge sites in various parts of Idaho, or they will take you on an excursion to any of their nineteen other bungy jump bridges in the western United States.  One favorite is the Grand Canyon Jump, located at the northern tip of the Grand Canyon.  Another popular bungy jumping experience offered by Over the Edge, Inc., is the one hundred sixty foot jump at Yellowstone National Park.

Wherever you are in the United States, and whichever part of America you would like to be the destination for your bungy jumping, there are plenty of options available.

Bungy Clubs Around The World

If you are a newcomer to the sport of bungy jumping and wish to find others who share your likeminded interests, or if you're a seasoned jumper who considers this sport to be one of your main passions, you may be interested in connecting with bungy clubs and their members.  As the popularity of this sport has become worldwide, so have the clubs which cater to bungy jumping enthusiasts!

In the United States, there are currently twenty-five states which have their own listed bungy clubs.  This is quite impressive for a sport which has only been in existence in its present form for the last two decades.  Some of these states boast more than one club;  California has the most, located in Sacramento, El Segundo, Alameda, and Los Gatos.  Canada presently lists five, located in British Columbia, Alberta, Ottawa, and two in Ontario.  If you are truly passionate about this sport, checking into these bungy jumping clubs is a great way to make your experiences even better.

If you wish to do a bit of traveling to join in with bungy jumping clubs, you can proceed to Mexico, Costa Rica, Brazil, Peru, Argentina, Guatemala, Colombia, Venezuela, or Ecuador.  Whether your interest in bungy clubs is for the jumping itself or interacting with other members, these clubs in Central America and South America will give you both benefits as well as broadening your horizons in very different geographical locales.  

In the United Kingdom, many of the best bungy clubs are affiliated with the British Elastic Rope Sports Association in Oxford, England.  Endorsement by this Association assures you that the clubs have met and maintain specific standards, including the Code of Safe Practice.  In becoming involved with any of these clubs, you will know that your safety is their primary concern.  It is important to note that bungy jumping clubs in the United Kingdom are not required to be affiliated with the Association, and only those who are must adhere to their standards.  Therefore if you wish to become involved with bungy jumping clubs in the United Kingdom, it is a good idea to find out beforehand if the club you are interested in has been approved by the British Elastic Rope Sports Association.  

In addition to those located in the United Kingdom, twenty-four other countries in Europe list bungy jumping clubs, as well as fourteen clubs in other locations.  If traveling will be a part of your bungy jumping experiences, becoming involved in the bungy jumping clubs in the areas you will visit will certainly add to your enjoyment.  In selecting foreign destinations in which to engage in your hobby, you can go beyond the sport to the extra fun of taking part in a new culture, sampling its cuisine, learning a new language, and, above all, having the opportunity to get to know many other people who share your interest in bungy jumping.  You may choose a club close to your own home, or you can make it an even more special treat by finding one to your liking on the opposite side of the globe!

Bungy Jumping As Stunts

While we may never know for certain which is actually stronger--  the media's influence on the public, or the public's influence on the media--  but there is no way to discount the fact that the influence in both directions is very strong indeed.  The general population, especially the younger people, are greatly influenced by what they see on on the movie screen, and they wish to emulate their favorite stars.  The actions which the celebrities take part in, American youth wants to take part in also.  And bungy jumping is no exception!

On the other hand, what is presented in the media often clearly mirrors the behaviors and the lifestyles of the American public.  For better or for worse, a large part of American entertainment is based on mimicking their audiences.  If it is popular amongst "regular folks," presenting it on the movie screen tends to make it even more popular.  

One of the most well-known recent movie stunts showed James Bond jumping over the edge of a dam in "GoldenEye."  Bond's bungy jump stunt was for real, not merely a movie effect.  Bungy jumping has become an interesting stunt in modern movies, as evidenced by the growing number of bungy jumping companies which offer special training to those who plan to do similar stunts in films.  On the Hollywood scene there have always been actors who specialized in movie stunts in general, but seeing more doing bungy jumping stunts shows how popular this sport has become.  

The James Bond character, stunt-doubled by Wayne Michaels, may have performed one of the most recently popular bungy jump stunts, but is far from being unique.  Even thought it was voted as the best stunt ever filmed did not distract others from attempting the same feat;  perhaps it even assisted others in wanting to meet or even outdo what Wayne Michaels did.  

Bungee America, which offers great bungy jumping experiences to all who wish to try the sport, is also Hollywood's number one bungy stunt company.  Since 1996, they have assisted in the bungy jump stunts for no less than forty-five Hollywood films.  The first, made in February, 1996, starred Arnold Schwarzenegger in his movie "Eraser."  In this movie, which involved falling sixty-five feet and doing a back-flip, Schwarzenegger did not use a double, but performed the stunt himself.  This is quite impressive, and surely a positive influence on the fans, because most stars do use doubles in their place for such dangerous stunts.  It undoubtedly has prodded his already-large number of fans to have an even deeper respect for this actor.  

Bungy jumping is clearly a sport which is here to stay, and its appeal in the media proves it.  The more that Hollywood presents it as stunts in their films the more the general public will want to take part;  and the wider the public interest and involvement in bungy jumping, the more commonplace it will continue to be on the movie screen--  for daily life mirrors the media, and the media mirrors daily life.  

Bungee or Bungie Jumping

You've seen it, but perhaps are still unaware of the controversy surrounding bungee jumping.  No, I'm not talking about the obvious discussion surrounding the safety of this sport.  What I want to present in this article is the origins of the word 'bungee'.  Actually, there is some controversy as to whether it is bungee or bungie jumping.  My word processor's spell check feature likes the 'bungee' version, but as we shall soon see, this may not actually be the historically correct spelling.

While the sport of bungee jumping was brought to the forefront of the modern public's attention by a BBC documentary in the 1950s, the term bungee was in use prior to this time.  The natives whose religious ceremony has evolved into this sport did not come up with this term, as some might suspect.  Looking back into the dictionaries of the past and the etymology of the word, we can find this disclaimer: origin unknown.  While this may be the official stance, let's take a closer look at the word, it's historical uses, and possible origins.

The first documented use in Western culture of any variation of the word bungee appeared in a novel called 'Tall Ship' in 1915.  The spelling of the word in this novel was actually 'bunje', and was used as a nick-name for a physical training instructor on the ship.  It just so happens that the term also referred to Indian rubber, or rubber that was exported from India at the time.  Perhaps the nickname was used as a reference to the stretching performed as part of the instructor's training regimen, as similar to the stretching of rubber from the rubber tree.

The next variation occurs in 1934, in a journal called the 'N&Q'.  The statement is made referencing the use of the term 'india-bungie' or 'bungie' in the school classrooms referring to soft rubber used as an eraser.  Interestingly enough, the reference is to the word's usage some fifty years prior to the publication date, which would be back in the 1880s.  Perhaps we are getting closer to the origin?  Can we come to a conclusion yet as to whether it is bungee or bungie jumping?

Let's look a bit closer at the idea that the word comes from an Indian rubber produced at the turn of the 20th century.  In the country of India, Hindi was and still is the native language.  If we look into the Hindi language, we can find some idea as to the origin of this strange word.  In the early 1800s the term 'bungy' and a variation, 'bhangi' was used in a derogatory manner towards house servants.  In fact, during this time, the term described a low caste, usually employed as sweepers.  They were considered among the lowest servants in the home.  Could it be possible that the name for this group was later given to a product that they began to produce?  If these servants were put into the fields to harvest the sap of rubber trees, it would not be a far stretch to see their nickname associated with the product of their toil.

Whatever the case may be, today we see two primary spellings.  Whether you participate in bungee or bungie jumping today may have more to do with where you go for your jump.  Those in the northern hemisphere seem to prefer the term 'bungee', while those in the southern hemisphere stick with the more traditional 'bungie'.

Bungee Jumping Safety

Bungee jumping safety should be at the top of anyone's priority list if they plan to engage in the extreme sport of bungee jumping.  It's not every day that someone jumps off of an object 100 or more feet in the air, attached only by a large rubber rope.  There are many, many things that can go very, very wrong in bungee jumping.  Bungee jumping safety is the art and practice of making the sport as safe as possible.  This is especially true with commercial ventures that are open to the public.  Such places may serve thousands of patrons every year.  One fatality can be enough to put them out of business for good.  They take bungee jumping safety very seriously ... as well they should.

The first thing you should know about bungee jumping safety is that each organization or group that conducts bungee jumping is referred to as a 'club'.  It is important that you find out if the club you are jumping with is certified through some safety governing body.  In most countries, there is a government safety organization that regulates public safety standards in various environments.  In the United States, for example, we have OSHA, the Occupational Safety & Health Administration, who oversees all workplace safety issues.  In Great Britain, there is the Heath & Safety Executive (HSE), whose functions are very similar.

However, there is an organization devoted strictly to the safety of bungee jumpers everywhere.  The organiztion is known as BERSA, the British Elastic Rope Sports Association.  BERSA has put together a code of practice in conjunction with the HSE, as a standard for safe operations when conducting bungee jumps.  While member clubs and companies sign up voluntarily to follow the guidelines, there is no legal requirement for those who decide not to.

Another aspect of bungee jumping safety is the actual equipment used in bungee jumping.  While there is a variety of methods and equipment that can be used, regular inspection is important.  It is highly recommended that each and every piece of equipment be triple checked after every single jump.  After all, if one piece of equipment fails, it can cost someone their life.  Most commercial operators do just that.  Attachments at the platform are checked.  The bungee cord itself is checked for any damage.  Each jump is logged, as each type of cord has a known life expectancy.  The weight of each jumper is checked, and usually written on one hand of the jumper, so it can be double-checked as well.  Every detail and element of physics must be correct before a person jumps off of the platform.  Once you jump, there's no coming back - there can be no mistakes.

There are a number of injuries that can be sustained during a bungee jump.  From minor bruising, to broken bones, to death, all of them can be prevented with proper bungee jumping safety.  As in any extreme sport or occupation where there is no second chance, safety should always be the number one priority.  Bungee jumping is no different.  

Bungee Jumping Equiqment

Bungee jumping equipment comes in a variety of shapes and sizes.  In fact, each piece of the equipment used in bungee jumping can have quite a few variations.  It is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the equipment used in bungee jumping before you participate in a jump.  This way you will know what to look for and what type of setup you would like best.  While there are many different types of platforms and retrieval equipment, for the purpose of this article, we will look at two things that will affect your jump the most - the bungee cord, and the harness.

When talking about bungee jumping equipment, the bungee cord is one of the most important items.  There are several variations on the type of cord that is used in bungee jumping today.  There are braided cords, unbraided cords, pre-stretched and un-stretched, natural rubber, mil spec, and the Euro cord.  These are the major variations in the bungee cord used in today's bungee jumping sports events.  Let's take a minute to look at the characteristics of each one of these cords, and the impact that it has on the end user:  the bungee jumper.

First, there is the military specification cord (or mil spec), which is manufactured to meet the requirements of the U. S. military.  Of course, the military uses it to tie down equipment, not jump from bridges and other tall objects!  However, because of the rigorous and standardized testing of the mil spec, these cords work well for bungee jumping.  When using mil spec cords in bungee jumping, they are usually grouped together to form a set, as one cord can typically hold around 200 pounds of weight.  Each cord has a protective sheath on it to prevent dirt and foreign objects from abrading the cords.  The downside to this is that it is not possible to inspect the ends of the cords for fraying and / or signs of failure.

Some bungee cords are pre-stretched.  This prevents the cord from stretching as much during the actual jump, which provides more of a 'jerking' action and a shock as the jumper reaches the end of the cord length.  These are used mostly in the northern hemisphere.  In the southern hemisphere the commercial proponents of bungee jumping tend to use a natural rubber, un-stretched and unbraided cord.  This provides for a lot more 'bounce' and a more smooth experience at the bottom of the jump.  While these natural cords do not last as long as the mil spec cords, they do provide a much more comfortable jump for the average user.

The next piece of bungee jumping equipment that you should inquire about is known as the harness.  There are two main types of harnesses - the leg harness and the body harness.  The leg harness usually consists of a towel wrapped around the ankles with webbing tied around this in a special knot.  The towel provides padding to help prevent injury to the ankles.  The webbing is then attached to the bungee cord.  The body harness is very similar to a climber's harness, and in fact, is many times the same thing.  The most important aspect of the harness is how it attaches - if it is secure - to the bungee.  Some accidental deaths have occurred when the bungee cord was attached using climbing carabineers instead of specialized equipment.  It can definitely be said that bungee jumping equipment has come a long way since the vines on Pentecost Island!

Bungee Jumping Culture

There is something about an individual that is willing to jump from a high place, attached to a rubber band.  This modern extreme sport, known as bungee jumping, seems to have it's own culture attached to it.  It's almost ethereal, hard to put your finger on it, but it is there.  Perhaps it comes from the past, or is a morphing into a new spiritual experience, but the bungee jumping culture can be seen and felt.

So what is the bungee jumping culture?  Where did it come from?  Where is it going?  The origins of the sport itself gives us a clue as to where the bungee jumping culture came from.  Originally a religious ritual used on the South Pacific island of Pentecost to appease mother earth, it was supposed to proved for a good yam crop.  It was also a demarcation, a rite of passage, for young boys to become known as men.  Since as long as anybody can tell, these natives have conducted this ritual every spring, literally for thousands of years.  The prevailing culture of the original land divers was definitely a spiritual one.

Re-discovered in the 1950s and promoted heavily in the modern world during the 1980s, bungee jumping has grown by leaps and bounds.  The modern bungee jumping culture doesn't consist of primitive natives trying to appease the mother earth.  However, there is a back-to-earth element to this extreme death defying outdoor sport.  It provides a thrilling adrenaline rush that is next to nothing else on earth.  Perhaps space travel could rival this effect, but I doubt it.  The bungee jump goes beyond the limited religious and cultural conflicts of our modern day, and appeals to something more primitive, more basic.  The modern bungee jumping culture is a multi-ethnic, multi-generational, and multi-socio-economic group, all looking for the thrill of their lives.

So what does the modern bungee jumping culture look like?  It defies logic.  Both young and old alike flock to bungee jumping events.  There is simply a mystique that permeates this sporting event like no other.  Back to mother earth, defying death, and telling the tale - all of these are the bragging rights of successful bungee jumpers.  They all share in common this aspect of the sport - survival.  Jumpers face a primeval fear, the ultimate loss - death, and overcoming that fear to complete a jump.  There is a sense of accomplishment and victory that goes beyond mountain climbing and other extreme sports. 

Taking the back-to-nature theme to the extreme, there is a new movement within bungee jumping called nude bungee jumping.  It typically appeals to the green back-to-earth movement, as well as the frugal bungee jumpers.  Commercial bungee jumping outfitters usually provide a discount, or even a free jump, if someone decides to go the full monty.  This type of jump is usually done with a partner, for a spiritual bonding that goes beyond the everyday realm.  This is yet another evidence that the bungee jumping culture is evolving beyond normal boundaries, and we have yet to truly see what it will become.

Bungee Jumping Clubs

So you want to go bungee jumping, and you are trying to figure out where to get started.  Or, perhaps you are a seasoned jump veteran, and you are looking for others to start a jumping group together.  Either way, you are really looking for the same thing: a bungee club.  Bungee jumping clubs have come into existence over the last few decades as a result of the prominence and massive expansion of the bungee jumping industry.

A group called the Dangerous Sports Club could be considered to be the first bungee jumping club.  This group, from Oxford and London, were active in a variety of extreme sports adventures from the late 1970s through the 1980s.  The club is credited with the invention of the modern bungee jumping craze.  Their first jump took place on April 1st, 1979.  The club was very active during their heyday in the early 1980s.  Easily the most famous member of the Dangerous Sports Club was Graham Chapman, of Monty Python fame.

Since that time, bungee jumping clubs have grown in popularity as well as quantity.  There are bungee jumping clubs on virtually every inhabited continent of the globe.  The fact that this extreme sport has taken such strides in popularity is evident from the number of clubs and the amount of jumpers who make the plunge every year.  There are two primary bungee jumping safety organizations that operate as certification entities today.  One is the United States Bungee Association (USBA), the other is the British Elastic Sports Association (BERSA).  These organizations would be a good starting place to find a bungee jumping club, because they keep track of who is certified by their respective organizations.  This is good, because you can be assured that the club is operating with safety procedures strictly enforced.

Some experienced bungee jumpers may want to start their own club.  However, this is a big endeavor, and they should consider all of the steps necessary to start a club before they get started.  Just a few of the things needed will be considered here.

First, in order to start a bungee jumping club, you would want to write and document your 'business plan', so-to-speak.  This would document your project and would provide something for you to give out to prospective investors and concerned government agencies.  You will need to acquire financing in order to pay for equipment, insurance, experienced crew, jump location, etc.  Once contracts are in place for the crew, location, etc., you will want to get any needed governmental permits.  Once all the paperwork is in place, you can begin construction of your jump site.  After testing with sandbags, and your crew, you will finally be ready to start promoting your bungee jumping club.  As you can see, these are only an overview of the steps required.  Even this short list presents a formidable task to starting a club.

It is probably best to start by joining an existing bungee jumping club, and drawing from their experience while you grow your own experience.  This would provide the springboard needed to launch your own bungee jumping club in the future.

Bungee Jumping Accidents

Bungee jumping is, by it's nature, a dangerous sport.  There is no denying that fact.  However, modern manufacturing methods and safety practices have made the sport much safer over the past decade.  It is certainly safer than the land diving of the South Pacific natives.  Unfortunately, even with all of these advances in the sport, bungee jumping accidents still occur.  In this article we will examine what can happen as a result of bungee jumping.

The most severe bungee jumping accidents can actually be fatal.  Most of the fatalities that have occurred in bungee jumping occur as a result of head trauma.  Miscalculation of the length of bungee cord necessary to complete the jump safely has resulted in several deaths since the sport became a public phenomenon in the late 1970s.  One of the most infamous deaths from bungee jumping occurred during practice for the half-time show of Superbowl XXXI, in 1997.  Laura Patterson, who was practicing with members of her professional team, died upon impact when she jumped from the top level of the Louisianna Superdome.  The accident was blamed on the bungee cords being handled incorrectly.  The half-time show was subsequently cancelled, and a tribute to Laura was performed instead.  Other deaths have resulted from people actually coming loose from the ankle harness.  This has led to the common practice of using a body harness as a back-up safety precaution.

Bungee jumping enthusiasts will be quick to point out, however, that there are only a handful of deaths from among millions of jumps that have been performed over the last few decades.  Even though this is true, there are many other types of bungee jumping accidents that can occur if strict safety guidelines are not followed.  Rope burn, pinched fingers and bruises are among the most common injuries suffered from bungee jumping.  While these may not be attributable to actual bungee jumping accidents, they can be considered an adverse side-effect by most people.  

More serious than sprains and bruises are the possibilities of other bungee jumping accidents, such as severe eye trauma, dislocation, back injury, and even broken bones.  These are not highly publicized events, but they do occur nonetheless.  In the case of the eye trauma, increased pressure in the eye an cause a blood vessel to burst near the retina.  This results in blurred vision or loss of eyesight completely.  Although it sounds horrific, this is only temporary, until the body repairs the damage done.  Of more concern would be back injuries and broken bones.  In the case of back injuries, a dislocation or strain on the spine can cause a lifetime of pain and suffering.  That is something to take into account when weighing the risks of bungee jumping.  

Bungee jumping accidents do occur, but they can be minimized by following established safety procedures.  It is up to you to ask the right questions.  It is up to the commercial company or club to ensure they have the right equipment and trained operators.  Bungee jumping can be fun, and does not have to involve serious injury if done correctly by trained operators and jumpers.