Bungee jumping facts for kids
Bungee jumping is an exciting adventure sport. It involves jumping from a tall place, like a bridge or a special platform. An elastic rope is tied to the jumper's ankles. This rope stretches to slow the fall and then bounces the person back up. It's designed to be very strong and stretchy, not to break. Jumpers also wear safety gear, such as helmets and harnesses, to keep them safe.
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History of Bungee Jumping
Bungee jumping has a very old and interesting history. It began as a special ceremony on South Pentecost Island in Vanuatu. This island is in the South Pacific.
Ancient Origins in Vanuatu
Long ago, young men in Vanuatu took part in a brave ritual. They would jump from tall wooden towers, sometimes as high as 30 meters (about 100 feet). They tied jungle vines around their ankles. The goal was to show their courage and prove they were ready to be adults. The vines were just long enough to stop them from hitting the ground. This ancient tradition is called land diving.
From Ritual to Sport
Over time, the idea of jumping with a flexible rope became a sport. People around the world started to see the thrill in it. This led to what we now call bungee jumping.
Modern Bungee Jumping
Modern bungee jumping started in a big way in the 1970s. Four British friends made a famous jump from the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. This event helped make bungee jumping known worldwide.
A.J. Hackett and Commercial Bungee
A.J. Hackett is a very important name in bungee jumping. In 1987, he became famous for jumping from the Eiffel Tower in Paris. After that, he opened the first permanent commercial bungee jumping site. This was at the Kawarau Bridge in New Zealand. The bridge is 47 meters (about 154 feet) high. People could pay to experience the thrill of bungee jumping safely. This idea quickly became popular around the world.
Safety in Bungee Jumping
Safety is super important in bungee jumping. While it's an exciting sport, there are rules and equipment to keep jumpers safe.
Key Safety Measures
- Rope Size: The elastic rope must be the correct size for the jumper's weight. Using the wrong size could be dangerous.
- Harness Fit: The safety harness must fit perfectly. It helps spread the force of the jump evenly.
- Rope Length: The rope must be the right length for the jumping height. It needs to be long enough to stretch but short enough to stop the jumper before they reach the ground or water below.
- Trained Staff: All bungee jumping sites have trained professionals. They check all the equipment and make sure jumpers follow safety rules.
Always remember that bungee jumping should only be done with experienced operators and proper safety gear.
Images for kids
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Bungee jumping off the Victoria Falls Bridge in Zambia/Zimbabwe
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Land diving is a rite of passage for boys of the South Pacific island of Pentecost
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Bungee Jump in Normandy, France (Souleuvre Viaduct)
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A steel cage platform used for lifting it with a mobile crane. In the center of the base, a 15 cm wide hole with rounded plastic rim is provided to guide the bungee rope during the jump.
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Bungee jumping from the Souleuvre Viaduct in Normandy
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SCAD dive system rigged on a crane
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Jumping at Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge in Queenstown, New Zealand, April 2007
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See also
In Spanish: Puenting para niños
