Bungee Jumping Is A True Thrill Ride
Bungee jumping is when you jump from a significant height while attached to a large elastic cord. A harness keeps you safe as gravity takes over. When the cord reaches its maximum stretch, it pulls you back up and away from danger. You might be asking yourself why there has to be danger and why there are no safety precautions below. Sometimes there is an airbag below, but that also takes away from the rush. Everyone knows the saying, "The only thing to fear is fear itself," but not everyone knows the saying, "Everything you want is on the other side of fear." It's the danger that makes it a true bungee jump. If you want to relieve stress and truly feel alive and exhilarated, then bungee jumping is for you. It's all about taking that leap of faith and then being rewarded for it.
How Is Safety Ensured?
The first thing you should know is that according to the United States Parachute Association, 1 in 500,000 bungee jumps result in a fatality. They are eager to point this out because it's the same number for skydiving. They want to make the point that skydiving is no more dangerous than bungee jumping. Either way, while 1 is always too many, the risk of danger is miniscule. In fact, the National Safety Council states that you're more likely to die from a bee sting or lightning strike.
The key to safety is putting your harness on correctly. Regardless of how many times you have been bungee jumping, always let a professional double check it for you. They will also make sure that everything is set correctly based on your height and weight. Do not wear loose clothing, and remove glasses and any jewelry. Location also plays a role. A steel bridge is one of the safest launching points. Avoid jumping in inclement weather or if it's windy.
How Much Does It Cost?
On average, bungee jumping usually costs between $100 and $200. This will depend on the location and the height of the jump. In most cases, the higher the jump, the more it's going to cost. It's also going to be cheaper if you don't need to hike to the jump.
If you want to jump at night, you're usually looking at $250. If you want to do a tandem jump, it's usually going to cost just below $400. This relates to the $100 rigging fee. You should also know about potential added costs. For instance, if you want photos or videos, it could cost you another $40-$80. And if you need to transport yourself to the jump site, it could add to the cost.
On the other hand, you can also save money. For instance, if you want to jump more than once, it can reduce your cost. The more jumps you have, the cheaper the cost per jump. If you're a first responder, you should be able to get a discount. And if you're in a large group, you should always get a discounted price. This will usually be somewhere between 10% and 15%.
Finding A Place To Bungee Jump
In general, you want a steel bridge, a safety fence, or a crane. These are sturdy jumps. All you have to do is search for a company in your area that offers bungee jumping and you're likely to find one of those three as the jump site. However, it's possible you're looking for something more specific.
If you're seeking the most beautiful background for bungee jumping in the United States, look at High Steel Bridge, Washington. When you jump, you will take in the lush landscape and clean and flowing river below. The only negative is that you need at least 12 people to book it.
If you travel in smaller crowds and you're a beginner, the best place to start is Stratosphere in Las Vegas. Make your way up to the 108th floor, get strapped in, and go for it. This is excellent for beginners because the cord doesn't jerk. You will be eased down. Other jumps to consider include Navajo Bridge in Marble Canyon, Arizona and the Redwood Trees in California.
