The Ultimate Rush

The ultimate adrenaline rush

This was the phrase on the signboard that got my attention on our way to Whistler. I had been intrigued and fascinated by this dangerous sport, and had challenged myself to try it. My friends and family were aware of this obsession but had not taken it seriously. They thought that this latest interest would last only for a while and that in time I would forget all about it. But that was not to be; finally I had found the place and the opportunity.

At first my husband was skeptical and thought that probably I was not aware of the danger it involved. After checking in at the hotel where we had planned to stay overnight, he drove us back to the site, so that I could have a look at the place and see someone actually doing it.

Whistler is world famous for skiing in the winters; it is also the venue for 2010 winter Olympics. Located at about 2 hours drive from downtown Vancouver it is one of the main tourist attractions for people visiting British Columbia. The site for bungee jumping is about 8 km from downtown Whistler. It is the first North American commercial site for bungee jumping operated by people with 27 years of experience.

Finally I saw the signboard of Whistler Bungee that had caught my attention earlier, took the right turn from the highway and drove another 5 km drive on the forestry road till we reached a clearing that was the site. There were few cars parked there, my husband also parked the car and said, “This is it.”

My heart was pounding with excitement as the view was breathtaking… there was a river flowing right in front with trees on both sides of the bank. The sun had come out after rain and the sunrays filtered through the branches of the trees. That was a good omen….

On our way to the bridge we heard a scream and saw a man jumping, and then hanging by the rope….hey that’s easy…I can do it.

There were no stairs to the top, just some stones placed as steps. Once on the bridge, I could see and hear the gushing water of the river flowing way down below. It was a scary sight and made me think again about the decision. No there’s no going back now….I have to keep the promise.

There were two men standing in the middle of the bridge beside the platform. They were the site operators; one of them asked us if we were interested in bungee jumping to which I just nodded my head in affirmative. He then handed me the Waiver form to fill and sign which meant that incase of any injury they will not be liable. The fee was $ 96.00 including taxes; this amount was for the first jump, for the second one it is $40 only.

Everything was happening so fast… I think my husband tried to say something to me which I ignored deliberately…The forms were signed now and I was ready though the butterflies in my stomach still fluttered violently.

I saw two young men in their early twenties getting ready for the jump. The site operators were very professional and efficient; they ensured that the straps of the harness on the ankles of these men were fastened properly.

Watching them jump and then come up one by one, telling everyone present there that it was an experience of lifetime was definitely a morale booster for me. The excitement was contagious; I was all set to take the plunge with more confidence.

I opted for full body harness, which meant that, I would be hanging from my waist in a reclining position, as opposed to hanging from the feet (incase of the ankle harness). Full body harness is made up of two pairs, a seat harness and a chest harness. Chest harness is worn like suspenders and the seat harness has two loops one for each leg and a belt around the waist. These are then connected to the bungee cord. After double-checking and securing the connections one of the men explained to me that I was supposed to keep my hands away from the straps and cord. He further told me how to use the D-shaped carabiner (metal link), with which I was to hook myself to the retrieval rope, after the jump.

The gate was opened and there I stood on the edge of the platform with the river about 200 feet below. The height of the bridge from the river seemed to have doubled then. The countdown began 5,4,3,2,1 JUMP... I just stood there looking down, but having come this far it only seemed fair that I go for it. It was now or never, so I looked around once more and at the sky. When the countdown began again 5,4,3,2…I jumped…

For about 7-8 seconds I was free falling in the air...I did not scream, just looked up. Then suddenly there was a soft tug as I had stopped falling, just short of 40 feet above water. There was no jerk (since the bungee cord is made of rubber on the inside, and cotton braid on the outside, which prevents any sort of shock when the cord reaches the 160 feet drop), instead there was a rebound and I was again thrown 100 feet up in the air and then back, but this time it was not that high as the gravity had started to slow it down. The last rebounds were slower and horizontal.

By that time I had started feeling exhilarated and took a deep breath since I had been holding my breath. I also became aware of the fact that I was still alive and had fulfilled the promise to myself. It was the moment of truth and celebration of life. I started enjoying my surroundings and the experience of being suspended in the air ...it was an awesome feeling. Someone called my name from the top and I saw a rope being lowered slowly till it reached me. I grabbed it and hooked the carabiner to the metal ring, the way I was told to and gave a gentle pull to ensure that it was secure now. The other end of the rope was attached to a vehicle on the bridge that was driven slowly by one of the site operators. Another operator made sure that the rope was straight and not twisted or entangled with the bungee cord.

Finally I reached the bridge all smiles, my husband and kids looked happy and relaxed to see me. The small crowd that had gathered there cheered and congratulated. One of the women present there, said to my daughter, “Not many students in your class have Moms who jump from a bridge, go home and cook dinner for them”. My son who was worried earlier about my safety, gave me a big hug and said,” You did it.”

People often ask me why I did it and if it has made any difference. It was definitely an experience that I will never forget. Every time I think of the time when I overcame my fear and jumped I am ready to face any challenge. Moreover the experience has humbled me somehow. Now I am thankful and more appreciative of God’s blessings, the greatest of which is LIFE itself.