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Different Body Positions Lead to a Variety of Bungee Jumping Styles
from: Maxx Sports GuidesWhile the extreme sport of bungee jumping has one main method, many varieties of jumping styles have emerged during the past decade.
Variety may be the spice of life, and it's true even in the already spicy international sport of bungee jumping.
The variety usually comes from the position in which you perform the jump, how you're tethered, and any "tricks" you may attempt to perform during the jump or the rebound.
Different Tethering Methods
Let's look at the different methods of being tethered, and see what impact these have on your jump.
A body harness is the most common attachment method used. The harness attaches to your body near the center of gravity, or your belly button, making it easier to perform flips and spins.
Leg or ankle harnesses are another way of attaching to the bungee cord. This type of tethering allows for more of the traditional free fall feeling associated with bungee jumping.
It's strictly based on the example of the land divers in the South Pacific. Just these two different ways to bungee jump have a vast impact on the jump's performance and the sensations afforded the jumper.
Bungee Jump Variations
The other variations basically depend on your position when you jump. Following are a few of the ways to bungee jump in greater detail.
A highly recommended position is called the Swallow Dive. Just as it sounds, your flight downward will resemble the dive of a bird. Initiated by taking a "flying leap" away from the platform, the body forms the shape of a bird with arms outstretched like a bird's wings.
The Bat Drop is another way to bungee jump. In this position, you're held in place upside down. This position is taken with the help of the jump crew, or by suspending yourself by your toes on the platform's edge. The effect is less wind resistance, and you drop like a rock.
The Rail Jump is the most common way to bungee jump when jumping off of a bridge. This basic jump consists of balancing on the rail of the bridge before jumping. Again, some jump crew members will usually help you balance on the rail. This seems to be easier than climbing over the rail to jump.
Another way to bungee jump that's gaining in popularity is the tandem jump. In this variation, two jumpers take the plunge together. It's somewhat dangerous, as bumping heads at the bottom can be unpleasant, to say the least. The jumpers are actually tethered together, so they're both committed to the jump.
Keep in mind that this is by no means a complete list. There are many more ways to bungee jump than are mentioned here.
In future, as more people are attracted to this extreme sport, along with advanced safety methods, more ways to bungee jump undoubtedly will be developed.
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