As everyone has probably heard already, over the weekend our entire group went bungee jumping from the highest commercial bungee jump in the world (http://www.faceadrenalin.com/). To be completely honest, bungee jumping was never something that I was exceptionally interested in doing. When the house decided that this was something they really wanted try, I thought to myself: “ok, why not”. After agreeing to participate in this activity, I decided to not think about what it would be like and most importantly, not to get nervous about it. This train of thought was similar to how I felt before coming to South Africa: it’s going to happen and it will be a new and extremely exciting experience and whatever happens will happen. I thought this way for number of reasons: to be practical, to keep myself calm and to not create unrealistic expectations that could not be met.
The last two nights before the event, however, I started to realize that I was actually going to be jumping, willingly, off of a huge bridge to be caught by nothing but an elastic cord. I woke up in the middle of the night before the morning of the jump and realized that standing on at the edge of a high platform was actually a recurring nightmare I had had many times before. I tried to ignore these fears as I got ready the next morning.
As we made our way to Bloukrans Bridge, and as the people on the bus got more and more nervous, I thought to myself, “should I be nervous too?” As I approached the bridge itself, reality set in and I realized exactly why my friends were so scared. Prior to seeing the bridge, my biggest fear was thinking about how I was going to convince myself to willing jump off without the secure feeling of being caught (because this action is something that completely goes against all common sense). After a few minutes of deep breathing and seeing that I was not the only person, nor the most nervous, I decided to not think about it as being scary or a challenge, but rather something new and thrilling.
After being weighed and harnessed up, we headed for the bridge. We had a quick instructional presentation and headed across the catwalk. We were instructed to not look down (because the catwalk was completely see-through) and I think that most of us heeded this sound advice. On the bridge, we were given our jump order. I was very comforted to find out that I was third (because 3 is my lucky number). I took this to be a sign that I was supposed to jump and that I would be safe doing it. The energy level on the bridge was extremely high. About 15 or 20 men jumped and danced around, as loud techno music played to pump us up.
Immediately, the first and second jumpers, Michelle and Ben, were sat down and outfitted for their jump. Watching Michelle disappear off of the bridge, truly made me lose my stomach and begin to feel uneasy. Watching her return, safely and ecstatically, however, gave me the confidence I needed.
As I was strapped up, I asked the instructor if I should just fall or try to jump. He looked at me with wide eyes and exclaimed, “There is no falling here! You jump!” I double checked the exact procedure (of pushing off the bridge with your toes) nevertheless, I still felt tense and apprehensive about doing everything correctly.
I was escorted to the edge of the bridge: probably the scariest part of the entire process. I glanced down the valley far below and before I knew it, the countdown began: 5..4..3..2..1 Bungee! And I jumped. The countdown and two men who were right behind me were what compelled me to jump (I was scared for what complications might occur if I were to freak out and not jump at the last minute).
The first few seconds were somewhat of a blur. I remember screaming involuntarily for the first few seconds of the free fall. The next thing I remember is dangling hundreds of feet above the ground, feeling extremely exhilarated. My legs slipped out a bit as I dangled in the valley. I flexed my feet while thinking of the “what ifs” (what if I slip out, what if this cord were to break, etc). I decided to dismiss these scary thoughts and breath deeply, focusing on the beauty around me. I savored the moment of freedom, independence and the incredible feeling of vitality. I had just made a huge jump- by myself and for myself, with a minimal amount of doubt or fear. I felt proud and very excited.
After about a minute, I thought to myself “I wonder where that man is who is supposed to come get me”. Immediately after this thought passed through my mind, I heard a man calling out my name. I struggled to look upwards, but all I could see was the bridge and bright sun. I felt such a rush was I was pulled into a sitting position and could process and enjoy what I had just done and how I had gotten through it safely. I looked below me at the incredible distance and beauty, realizing that I was no longer scared at all and how strange it felt to be suspended at such a height without any sense of fear.
I could have never expected or prepared for that jump. The way it made me feel was incredible and impossible to properly articulate. I have watched the DVD of my jump about 20 times already, every time wishing I could be back and do it again. I would defiantly recommend bungee jumping to anyone and everyone and the only advice I would give is: savor it and enjoy every second of it (because it doesn’t last very long)!
