Bungee jumping is an extreme sport that has won the hearts of adrenaline junkies around the world. It has a thrilling history behind it, and its origins can be traced back to the islands of Vanuatu in the South Pacific. From its humble beginnings, the activity has evolved into one of the most popular adventure sports of all time. Let’s take a look at the thrilling origin of bungee jumping.
From Vanuatu to The World
Bungee jumping is a sport that involves jumping from a high platform while attached to an elastic rope or cord. The origin of this activity can be traced back to the islands of Vanuatu in the South Pacific. The name “bungee” is derived from the English word “bungy”, which is the name given to elastic straps by the natives of the island.
The sport of bungee jumping was first practiced by the Vanuatu people as a ritual. A person from the tribe would jump from a tall wooden tower with vines tied to their feet. It was believed that the ritual would make the gods happy and bring good luck to the village. It was also used as a rite of passage for young boys as they were coming of age.
The activity was first seen by outsiders when a film crew from the BBC visited the islands in 1979. They filmed the ritual, and the footage made its way back to England. The world was soon captivated by the activity, and it wasn’t long before the first commercial bungee jumping sites opened.
Testing the Limits of Human Endurance
In the early 1980s, bungee jumping gained popularity as an extreme sport. A group of thrill-seekers in England called the Dangerous Sports Club decided to test the limits of human endurance by jumping from tall buildings with elastic cords tied to their ankles. They gained a lot of media attention, and soon the activity had spread to other parts of the world.
The pioneers of the sport continued to push the boundaries by attempting higher and higher jumps. They began using bungee cords instead of vines, and developed a variety of stunts such as tandem jumps, water jumps, and more. They also introduced different types of equipment to make the sport safer, such as helmets, chest harnesses, and specialized shoes.
The Thrill of Bungee Jumping
Today, bungee jumping is one of the most popular adventure sports in the world. People from all walks of life can experience the thrill of jumping from a high platform with an elastic cord attached to their body. The activity has evolved into a safe and regulated sport, with special bungee centres set up all over the world.
The thrill of bungee jumping comes from the adrenaline rush it gives you. It’s a unique combination of fear and excitement that can’t be experienced anywhere else. There are a variety of jumps available, ranging from low-level jumps to extreme jumps from great heights. Whatever your level of experience, bungee jumping is sure to give you an unforgettable experience.
Here are some of the most popular bungee jumping locations in the world:
- Macau Tower in Macau, China
- Europabrücke in Innsbruck, Austria
- Kawarau Bridge in Queenstown, New Zealand
- Verzasca Dam in Ticino, Switzerland
- Royal Gorge Bridge in Colorado, USA