Free fall: Bungee jumping is the simplest of all aerial extreme sports

Ever dreamt of taking a plunge from an aircraft? Well, you can turn that dream into a reality. Bungee jumping ? the simplest and most easily understood of all aerial extreme sports ? allows you to do just that. You do not need to be fighting fit or have enormous stamina. All you need is the courage to stand on the platform, look down and ignore the butterflies in your stomach. And trust me, you won’t regret it, for it is the experience of a lifetime.

I was having second thoughts when I looked down from the platform. All kinds of questions came to my mind. Will the cord hold my weight? Will I get hurt? Silly questions but valid ones, especially when you are 150 feet above the ground, staring down and mistaking people for ants. I did what I always do in such situations. I took a deep breath and decided to summon all the courage I had. Prior to my turn, I had watched three people taking the jump and somehow felt convinced that it was safe. If I had faith in the kernmental ropes, then why not on this bungee cord? My bungee master started the countdown ? five, four, three, two, one and bungee. Wow! I was enjoying the free fall, it felt like I was jumping from a building to commit suicide. I started to scream louder and louder. Before I knew it, I felt like a yo-yo bouncing in the air.

Step by step: You are required to sign an indemnity form, and then receive a safety briefing and a basic training session from the site officer, who then weighs you and classifies you in a weight category. Below 50 kg, 50-70 kg, and above 70 kg (up to a maximum of 150 kg). You are then attached to safety harnesses, and then to the bungee cord, made from Malaysian rubber that elongates up to 210 per cent. The length of the cord is usually between 20ft and 60ft and is adjusted according to your weight. Finally, the ‘jumpmaster’ rechecks the harness and gears and the crane cage ascends to the designated height.

During the ascent, the jumpmaster gives you another crash course in the pre-jump procedure. A 20x20ft airbag waits below to cushion your fall in case of accidents. When you finally make the jump, the elasticity of the cords ensure that you rebound a couple of times mid-air before you are retrieved by the ground staff.

Although no specialised clothing is required, you are not allowed to wear glasses during the leap.

What you need: The entire equipment ? cord, harnesses and crane cage ? is provided by the operators. Prospective jumpers need to bring along their spirit of adventure, courage, and a pocket full of cash ? bungee jumping is expensive. Be prepared to shell out anything between Rs 500 and Rs 1,000, depending on the company you do it with.

The minimum age is 14 (under 18s need parental/guardian consent). Those over 50 need a medical certificate certifying good health.

You should not jump if you suffer from any of the following: high blood pressure, epilepsy, asthma, damage to neck, spine or eyes. Pregnant women also are prohibited from jumping.

There are no height or weight requirements. You do not need any previous experience.

Check the reputation of the company and the qualification and competency of the bungee master before you take the plunge.

At the last moment, if you think that you do not have the courage to go down, tell this straightaway to the bungee master.

JUMP STATIONS

In Delhi: Mickey’s Bungee, Wanderlust, M-51, 52 Palika Bhawan, Opp. Hyatt Regency, R.K. Puram, New Delhi - 110066 (website: www.wanderlustindia.com).

In Bangalore: There is Ozone, an adventure sports club that conducts bungee jumping from a height of 80 feet. The jumping pad is in Kanteerava Stadium.

In Goa: Gravity Adventures ? Asia’s first bungee jumping club ? on North Anjuna Beach, allows you to jump from a permanent tower.