**History and Development of Bungee Jumping**:
– Originated from Vanuatu
– Popularized by AJ Hackett
– First modern bungee jump in 1979
– Spread as an extreme sport globally
– Various bungee jumping records set
**Safety and Health Concerns**:
– Ocular complications reported
– Injuries from bungee cord jumping
– Traumatic carotid artery dissection cases
– Fatal accidents documented
– Emphasis on safety regulations and equipment
**Equipment and Techniques**:
– Steel cage platform for lifting jumpers
– Elastic rope made of braided shock cord
– Use of body harnesses for safety
– Different types of bungee cords for various bounce experiences
– Safety precautions derived from climbing equipment
**Locations and Variations**:
– Bloukrans Bridge in South Africa
– Kushma Bungee Jump in Nepal
– Various commercial bungee sites worldwide
– China’s second-highest bungee jump
– Different variations like Catapult, Bungy Trampoline, Bungee Running, etc.
**Cultural and Social Impact**:
– Indigenous groups protecting bungee jumping customs
– Media portrayal and public perception
– Bungee jumping as a tourist attraction
– Influence on other extreme sports
– Economic benefits for local communities
Bungee jumping (/ˈbʌndʒi/), also spelled bungy jumping, is an activity that involves a person jumping from a great height while connected to a large elastic cord. The launching pad is usually erected on a tall structure such as a building or crane, a bridge across a deep ravine, or on a natural geographic feature such as a cliff. It is also possible to jump from a type of aircraft that has the ability to hover above the ground, such as a hot-air-balloon or helicopter. The thrill comes from the free-falling and the rebound. When the person jumps, the cord stretches and the jumper flies upwards again as the cord recoils, and continues to oscillate up and down until all the kinetic energy is dissipated.
