The Discovery Of Bungee Jumping
It was Sir David Attenborough (one of the BBC's best known broadcasters and writers) and his crew that recorded the first film footage of the land divers, or bungee jumpers from the island of Penetecost in the 1950s. The discovery of bungee jumping was so intriguing and original, that it sparked quite an interest in the modern western world. Most people had never seen anything quite like it, much less ever attempted such a feat. Seeing the young natives jump from seventy foot stick towers and hurl themselves at the ground was shocking. The fact that they were tethered to the tower with a jungle vine was almost unbelievable.
Because of the impressive nature of this primitive form of bungee jumping, the American show 'That's Incredible!' (which ran on the American Broadcasting Network from 1980-84) actually sponsored a jump from the Royal Gorge bridge. They filmed the event and aired it on their television show, which could be considered one of the original 'reality TV' shows of our times. In addition, an extreme sports group based on Oxford and London called 'The Dangerous Sports Club' began to practice the new sport of bungee jumping. Inspired by the BBC documentary, this group is credited with the first modern bungee jump. The jump took place in Bristol, England, from the Clifton Suspension Bridge in April of 1979. These events catapulted the discovery of bungee jumping into the full attention of the mainstream media and the public's eye.
Within a few short years, the world would see an onslaught of bungee jumping enthusiasts and clubs to cater to the excitement of this new and dangerous sport. Modern commercial bungee jumping operators perform and provide jumping services from a variety of mobile cranes, hot air balloons, bridges and other types of structures. Commercial operators utilize the most advanced techniques and equipment to ensure safety of their patrons. Despite the intrinsic danger involved, insurance companies now provide liability coverage for such endeavors, as there have been few fatalities overall.
Since the modern discovery of bungee jumping, millions of people world-wide have taken the plunge into this extreme sport. There have been many safety standards and strict guidelines set up to protect the public from injury as much as possible. Many permanent bungee jumping sites have even been set up. The first such site was set up at the Kawarau Bridge in New Zealand. It can truly be said that the discovery of bungee jumping has brought an ancient religious ritual into the forefront of the extreme sports culture of the 21st century, and surely beyond.
Comments
Menu
My Articles
Bungy Jumping In AmericaBungy Jumping As Stunts
Where To Bungee Jump
Five Bungee Jumping Questions
The Risks Of Bungy Jumping
Bungee Jumping Clubs
How Did Bungy Jumping Become So Popular?
Bungee Jumping Safety
The Highest Bungy Jumping In The World
Physics Of Bungee Jumping
Bungy Clubs Around The World
Ways To Bungee Jump
Naked Bungee Jumping
What Type Of Bungy Jumping Trip Would You Like?
Types Of Bungee Jumping
Bungee Jumping Equiqment
The Sport Of Bungy Jumping
Do You Want To Learn Bungy Jumping?
Bungee Jumping Culture
The Discovery Of Bungee Jumping
The History Of Bungee Jumping
Bungee Or Bungie Jumping
Modern Bungee Jumping
Who Is Best Suited For Bungy Jumping?
My Articles The Sport Of Bungy Jumping Three decades before bungy jumping began to come into the.. Physics Of Bungee Jumping While modern bungee jumping has become known and practiced.. The Discovery Of Bungee Jumping The discovery of bungee jumping may have taken place back in.. |
|
|
Related News:
|