## What is the Origin of Bungee Jumping?
Bungee jumping is an adrenaline-pumping activity that involves leaping from a tall structure with an elastic cord attached to your feet. As you fall, the cord stretches and then rebounds, propelling you back up into the air. Bungee jumping has become a popular tourist attraction, but its origins are surprisingly humble.
### The First Bungee Jumpers
The first recorded bungee jump was performed in 1979 by Oxford University Dangerous Sports Club member David Kirke. Kirke was inspired by the traditional Vanuatu ritual of land diving, in which men jump from wooden towers with vines tied to their ankles. Kirke replaced the vines with a modern elastic cord and jumped from the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol, England.
### The Commercialization of Bungee Jumping
Kirke’s jump sparked interest in bungee jumping, and soon commercial operations began to appear. The first commercial bungee jump was organized by AJ Hackett and Henry van Asch in New Zealand in 1986. Hackett and van Asch went on to establish bungee jumping operations around the world, and the activity quickly became a popular tourist attraction.
### Modern Bungee Jumping
Today, bungee jumping is a well-established activity with strict safety regulations. Bungee jumping is typically performed from bridges, towers, and other tall structures. The height of the jump can vary from a few meters to hundreds of meters.
Bungee jumping requires specialized equipment, including an elastic cord, a harness, and a helmet. The elastic cord is attached to the jumper’s feet and is designed to stretch and recoil under the force of the fall. The harness is designed to distribute the force of the fall across the jumper’s body. The helmet is designed to protect the jumper’s head from injury.
### Safety Regulations
Bungee jumping is a potentially dangerous activity, and it is important to follow all safety regulations. These regulations include:
* **Age restrictions:** Bungee jumping is typically not allowed for people under the age of 18.
* **Weight restrictions:** Bungee jumping is typically not allowed for people who weigh less than 45 kilograms or more than 115 kilograms.
* **Health restrictions:** Bungee jumping is not allowed for people who have certain medical conditions, such as heart disease, epilepsy, or pregnancy.
* **Equipment inspections:** All bungee jumping equipment must be inspected before each jump.
* **Safety training:** Bungee jumping instructors must be properly trained and certified.
### The Future of Bungee Jumping
Bungee jumping is a popular activity that shows no signs of slowing down. In the future, we can expect to see bungee jumping operations continue to expand around the world. We can also expect to see new innovations in bungee jumping equipment and safety regulations.