Bungee Jumping: the Facts

The idea for bungee jumping was inspired by the invention of bungee rope and the practice Land-diving in Pentecost Island. Jumping from the highest platform from a specially built 80-ft tower made out of local trees and vines. No screws or nails used.

The modern fashion for bungee jumping began on April Fool’s Day, 1977 when members of the Dangerous Sports Club jumped off Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol. Since then the sport has spread worldwide, and many commercial companies worldwide offer jumps to the public from a variety of structures.

As early as 1990, there were concerns raised about the possible ill effects of bungee jumps on health, and in particular on the eyes. In 1994 cases were reported of visual loss and intraocular hemorrhage. The same year saw an article about hearing loss after bungee jumps. Other reported negative effects include comminuted proximal femoral fractures and blunt facial traumas.

But despite all this, bungee jumping is a jolly wonderful thing to do, and can be tremendously confidence-building.