I Took a Leap of Faith at the World Home of Bungy
I stand on a wooden ledge jutting out from the bridge suspended across the Kawarau Gorge about 14 floors deep. The pristine Kawarau river with its clear blue water gurgles through the gorge beneath. My legs are bound with an elastic band tied a little above my ankles. I shiver as the cold wind gushes between the rocky cliffs. My entire surrounding seems to move in slow motion as I shuffle to the edge of the plank, one inch at a time. With one hand holding on to a handle on the girders of the bridge, I peek down to see the river flowing below the bridge. My heart skips a beat, sending a shiver down my spine. Quickly, I look up as the depth intimidates me. The jumpmaster asks me not to look down and to look ahead and concentrate on another bridge that I see in front of me – A bridge carrying traffic across the Kawarau River. I follow his directions like a pious disciple.
“You are doing great so far! You can do it” the jumpmaster says. I grin at that remark. He askes me to wave and smile at the camera on the railing and in the room located at the far left end of the bridge which I oblige with glee. Pretending to be brave, I let my grip go on the handle. Trying to divert my attention from the heights, I start counting the number of vehicles crossing the bridge that I see in front of me. The camera mounted on the circular railing above goes to and fro, capturing the footage of all the action below. The little distraction helps a great deal in bringing down the jittery feeling within. All that remains is a thought that I should not close my eyes while I take the plunge.
“Are you ready to jump?” asks the crew making sure I m fine. I nod in silence. Taking a deep breath, I start leaning forward, trying to keep my body straight like a plank. As gravity takes over and my feet lose contact with the plank I take The Leap of Faith.
The next 5 seconds of free fall seems like a lifetime. The cool gush of wind hitting my face exhilarates me. My entire body goes numb and I feel nothing but the chill of the wind striking against my face. As my head approaches the river, I can clearly see the rocky riverbed beneath the flowing water. Just when my head is about to dunk into the waters, the elastic cord pulls me back wriggling me like a worm. I lose all sense of direction as the elastic bounces me up and down, tossing me randomly. The tension in the cord eases a bit with each bounce. As the bobbing stops, the jumpmaster lowers me gradually by releasing the cord while the rescue crew approach in a bright yellow raft. I am handed a pole to hold on to as the crew brings the raft closer to safely lower me down, butt-first.
It takes a while for me to realize that the jump is over. Heart still pounding with the adrenalin rush, I look up to wave at the camera booth one last time to get a picture of achievement captured. Next moment, I’m being taken back to the shore where I m led towards a stairway taking me all the way back to the Kawarau center.
Jumping off a cliff tied to just an elastic cord is not everyone’s cup of tea. As claimed by AJ Hackett- the world’s home for commercial Bungy, It takes a nerve of steel to do the feat. But, trust me; the feeling of accomplishment after you have taken that plunge is second to none.
Was I afraid to jump? Yes, a little!
Was I ready to die? Definitely NO!!
Would I Bungy jump again? Hell YES, anytime !!!!
Am I crazy? May be!!!! Well, that summarizes it.
Was I ready to die? Definitely NO!!
Would I Bungy jump again? Hell YES, anytime !!!!
Am I crazy? May be!!!! Well, that summarizes it.
I did my Bungy Jump at the historic Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge near Queenstown in the South Island of New Zealand. It is here that the world’s first commercial Bungy operation started. There are various other locations across the country where you can take the leap of faith. If you are traveling during off-peak seasons, you can just show up at the Kawarau Bridge Bungy center and book your jump on the spot. Since many adventure junkies consider Bungy Jumping in New Zealand as a Rite of Passage, the slots get filled up quickly during peak seasons. So, if you are visiting during the peak season between November and March , I would advise making your booking well in advance.
That was all about my first Bungy Jumping experience. I m glad I did it in New Zealand, the country considered the home of extreme adventures. My crazy adventure in New Zealand did not stop with Bungy Jump. I did the Sky Dive, went caving in the underground caves of Waitomo and also took the shot over jet ride.
I shall continue to post more about my New Zealand trip in the coming weeks. So, stay tuned! Till then, Kia Koa!
Wow looks like a lot of great things to do in New Zealand. Thanks for post
Thanks for sharing a great post!
That would be nice to read the continuation of the story! I really enjoyed this one and hope to hear more positive reviews pertaining your coming trip!
Hey,
Just watching the video of you jumping off that bridge has scared me enough to know I am never going to be bungee jumping.
Very well written post though.
Keep up the great work!