bungee jumping equipment

There are two main parts of equipment that we use for bungee jumping, cords and harnesses.

1. CORDS

There are two main types of bungee jumping cords, sheathed and all-rubber.

Sheathed cords were the first cords used for bungee jumping, initially by England's Oxford Dangerous Sports Club. They have a rubber core, encased in a cotton, and/or nylon sheath. These cords look like big versions of the bungee cords you use to strap a load to your car roof, hence the name bungee.

All-rubber cords were developed in New Zealand specifically for bungee jumping. They are comprised of over 1000 individual strands of rubber tied together into one solid cord. All-rubber cord stretches to approximately 4 times it's resting length while jumping. This results in less impact or G-forces to the jumpers body, than sheathed cords. The lack of the sheath results in less friction and heat generation, and hence less loss of energy than sheathed cord.

2. HARNESSES

Chest and waist harnesses should be used for beginning jumpers and shorter jumps. With these harnesses the cord is connected to your body very close to your center of gravity/rotation. This setup produces the least stress on your body.

Ankle harnesses allow for head dips, graceful jumping and advanced stunts. They should be used by jumpers with a little experience. If you jump and just stand straight up, the cord will whip you upside down when you reach the end of your free-fall.