Essay/Term paper: Bungee jumping

Essay, term paper, research paper:  Literary Essays

Bungee Jumping


Bungee jumping is a sport that has dramatically evolved over the past
couple decades. Bungee jumping has evolved into a sport of art and thrill. As
a tribal tradition, the ritual was soon incorporated with a bungee cord. Bungee
jumping spread rapidly throughout the world, ever-growing in popularity.
Detailed designs and engineering have helped to take bungee jumping to all new
limits. An array of prices depicts a variety of heights, harnesses, and
locations of sites. Bungee jumping offers many diverse medical advantages. New
innovations in the bungee field have led to all new rides and adventures.
Bungee jumping is a sport that enables a person to prove something to themselves,
regardless of age, sex, religion, or race.
Bungee jumping is based on an age-old ritual practiced by the "land
divers" of Pentecost island in the South Pacific archipelago of Vanuatu. Young
men proved their courage by plummeting off giant towers. Every spring villagers
there collect liana vines and wind them into long cords. The men then scale six
story wooden towers, attach the vines around their ankles and jump. A
successful leap is considered a demonstration of courage. In 1979, a bungee
cord was incorporated with this tribal ritual. Members of the Oxford
University's Dangerous Sports Club read about and designed a safe form of the
practice. Atop the Golden Gate Bridge, dressed in tuxedos and top hats, the
first form of bungee jumping came to existence. In 1987, bungee jumping moved
to the American commercial scene. Two brothers, John and Peter Kockelman, began
jumping from bridges over river gorges in the Sierras. Recognizing the sport's
commercial potential, they opened Bungee Adventures in 1988.
Bungee jumping spread rapidly throughout the world, ever-growing in
popularity. Bungee jumping became national crazes in many areas. After the use
of a bungee cord was thought of, the idea first spread through New Zealand.
From here, Australia and France soon caught on and joined the sport. This new
hobby, predominantly known and practiced only by skydivers, rock climbers, and
other extremists caught the world's attention and spread like a wild fire. In
America, bungee jumping was also proving popular. The first commercial bungee
business began thirty minutes outside San Diego, CA. Commercial sites in
Colorado and Utah soon began to pop up. Expansions of these businesses now help
to cover almost every western state. Bungee Jumping's popularity has helped it
to become an officially recognized sport. National Freestlye Bungee
Championships are held each year and are broadcasted on a number of channels
including "ESPN 2."
Detailed designs and engineering have helped to take bungee jumping to
an all new limit. The actual bungee is composed of all synthetic fibers and
designed for strength. The cord is a special blend of rubber with a high
tensile strength and special ozone and ultra-violet ray protection. Each cord
is rated at over 1,000 jumps and is guaranteed for 500. Elaborate "crane towers"
allow for a full jump without breaking the law. Early aerialists risked going
to jail for jumping off open bridges, thus a new platform was needed. Many
jumpers discovered the use of cranes. At 180 feet, specially designed cranes
allow for plenty of jumping room. The use of hot air balloons was another idea
that went over well. Many companies now specialize in the use of a hot air
ballons for bungee jumping platforms. Increased regulations have helped make
the hobby safe for all jumpers. Though cranes are legal, they are hard to come
by. Hot air balloons are easily accessible and provide variable heights for
jumpers.
Increased regulations have helped make the hobby safe for all jumpers.
The Federal Aviation Administration is responsible for certifying all bungee
jumping applicants. Each applicant must comply to certain standards that are
outlined by the Administration. From proper equipment to instructors, each
applicant must make a passing grade in order to obtain certification. Many
variations of bungee jumping platforms are illegal for public use. Open bridges
where among the first types of platforms used by jumpers. For years, aerialists
staged jumps early in the morning or late at night to evade local sheriffs.
Every country has its own regulations for certification. The United States has
the highest safety codes and restrictions in the world. Thus, the U.S. has the
lowest ratio of accidents of any other country. Though the ratio for accidents
is so low, there are still the inevitable accidents that due occur. Bungee
jumping allows zero margin for error. Numerous fatalities and accidents have
occurred over the past few years. The question of whether the sport should be
outlawed has been constantly debated since the beginning of its public
accessibility. Most bungee enthusiast, though, will tell you of the chills and
thrills-not the spills.
An array of prices depicts a variety of heights, harnesses, and
locations of sites. The price for the typical jump usually ranges within the
same area between companies. Prices tend to rise depending on the type of jump,
heights of jump, and location of jump. Typically, the standard crane, body
harness jump ranges around forty to sixty dollars per person, per jump.
Different packages are also available, giving the jumper a variety of harnesses.
Hot air balloon platforms are a little more spendy. Prices range anywhere from
ninety dollars per person, per jump to around 140 dollars. Many times,
incentives are offered to help with the companies marketing. Some companies
give group leaders a free jump for bringing in a certain amount of jumpers.
Depending on the number of people in a group, discounts may also be given.
Bungee jumping offers many diverse medical advantages. Plummeting at 75
m.p.h. towards the earth with nothing but a giant "rubber band" to stop a 180
feet drop, will, in most cases cause a release of adrenaline into the blood
stream. This release of Adrenaline tightens the blood vessels. After the
release of this tension, the vessels are more relaxed than normal, allowing for
easier blood flow through the body. Bungee jumping helps build a person's
confidence and self-esteem. The experience that bungee jumping offers is like
no other. "What does not kill me will make me stronger," directly illustrates
the effects that such a sport can offer. After a jump, the person experiences a
natural high or sense of euphoria that will always be remembered.
New innovations in the bungee field have led to all new rides and
adventures. Engineers have taken the idea of bungee jumping and expanded on it
extensively. New rides that incorporate bungees are appearing constantly.
Reverse bungee jumping was one of the first generation bungee apparatus. In
this case, the person is mounted from the ground position and is hurled toward
the sky by a single bungee. A newcomer to the bungee world, the "ejection seat"
enables a couple to experience the ride simoutaniously. A single bench seat,
secured in a metal chamber, is latched to the ground, then shot into the air by
use of bungees.
Bungee jumping is a sport that provides the thrill of a lifetime for
many. Global recognition of bungee jumping has increased its popularity in the
past decade. Continual inspection and new regulations help to make the sport
safe for all. With the use of bungees, engineers are able to create a whole new
selection of rides for thrill-seekers. Bungee jumping, whether in tribal
villages or ontop eighteen story cranes, will always attract those who have an
urge to prove something to themselves.