Vanuatu natives / Bungee

Vanuatu natives / Bungee

The History Of Bungee Jumping

Bungee Jumping was inspired by the vine jumpers of Pentecost Island in the Pacific Ocean Vanuatu group (formerly the New Hebrides) (east of Australia).

Each year, the men of the island's tribe construct huge wooden towers, over eighty feet high (+20 meters). They then carefully select vines from the jungle which they then tie to their ankles before throwing themselves off the top of the towers.

The length and age of the vines must be carefully judged so that the vine arrests their fall just as they hit the ground. Inspired by the islanders, modern bungee jumping was invented by members of The Oxford University Dangerous Sports Club on April 1st 1979 (UK).

Using nylon braided, rubber shock cord instead of vines, and dressed in their customary top hat and tails, they performed a four man simultaneous jump from the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol. The D.S.C. performed many other jumps, including one off the Golden Gate Bridge.

During the late 1980's A.J. Hackett opened up the first commercial jump site in New Zealand. As part of the site publicity, Hackett performed an astounding bungee jump from the Eiffel Tower!