Bungy Jumping
New Zealand has loads of ways to get the adrenalin pumping,
the most well known is the Bungy Jump. Attached to latex rubber
cord, you free fall to the ground before being bounced back.
I did my Bungy Jump at the home of Bungy in Queenstown, New
Zealand on the world's first bungy bridge, which was established
in November 1988. The Bridge is 43 meters above the Kawarau
river. You can choose how close to the water to want to get.
From a not touching the water to a full soaking!!
I made several visits to the bridge during my stay in Queenstown,
walking over the bridge watching people jump and trying to
build up my courage to do it. It looks a long way down!! I
was due to leave Queenstown on the Sunday, I was returning
back to the town centre after yet another visit to the bridge.
I decided to go into the jump shop and ask about jumps for
the follow day. Half hoping that maybe they don't jump on
Sundays or they are fully booked. But no, I could jump in
the morning.
A fairly sleepless night followed. I packed all my stuff
and headed for the bridge (Now a familier route) I arrived
at the bridge and a small crowd were there watching. I entered
the shop/office, where they weigh you and write a large number
on your hand. I had a large red 69, after a little waiting
around my turn had arrived. I was nervous, they wrapped my
feet in a towel and tired a piece of cord to it. A girl two
ahead of me was about to jump, she was starting to cry, but
really wanted to do it. They were very patient with her and
made her feel really at ease, but eventually she decided to
not jump. Not I was getting really worried! The girl in front
jumped after a little pursuasion. It was now my turn.
I had asked to touch the water, I asked if I could get my
hair wet. They adjusted the settings. Eventually I found myself
standing with my toes hanging of the edge. I waved to the
camera as directed and told to loom straight. He counted 5-4-3-2-1,
but it was too quick so I aborted, the next time I jumped.
Immediately I felt loads of wind the river was rushing up
to meet me.. and then I realised that I was now going up and
I was still alive! I didn't touch the water, it was something
to do with the way I jumped. If you jump to far out the cord
slows you down before you reach the water. I was not too worried,
the feeling was great!! I bounced up and down a couple of
times, waving to the crowd. I was then recovered by the boat
on the river and untied. It is a great buzz and I ran up the
stairs back to the shop, where I get my video, T-shirt and
jump certificate.
After completing the jump I could easily do it again, I was
told in the shop that I could for half price if I do it within
24 hours, I was tempted, really tempted. I bought myself a
hot drink and sat outside with some people waiting to jump.
I gave them loads of encouragement and was asked if I could
take some photos of them when they jump.
Bungy jumping is the most scaryest thing I've ever done!
Well worth it, but would I do another one now? I'm not sure!!
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