Nothing congers up more emotions than standing on the edge of a bridge trying to talk yourself into jumping off- of course knowing that you are tied to what you hope is an extremely secure rope.
The atmosphere was very chilled out at the AJ Hacket Bungee Jump site in Queenstown, New Zealand. Sugar Ray was playing through the speakers and the day was mild and calm. Everyone who worked there was laid back. I felt as if I was in Australia, and surprisingly I felt at ease when booking in my turn to jump off the bridge.
I watched two others jump off, screaming and laughing as they plunged 50m into the water and bouncing up and down again.
I was thinking, “I can do this no worries, and I can’t wait to tell everyone at home I’ve done it!”
It was my turn, Mum and Dad were wishing me luck as I walked out onto the bridge. I went over to the guys who would literally have my life in their hands as they tied a rope around my legs.
“Ok, you ready Jenna?” One guy said. They helped me up and over to the platform.
There I was, standing over the Shotover River, Queenstown.
The bridge...
After giving me some direction on how to jump off the bridge they counted me down.
“3,2,1….” Nothing. I could not move. My body would not let me throw myself off the bridge.
“Its ok Jenna, we’ll try again- look Mum and Dad are watching you- give them a wave, now let me help you back onto the platform.” I heard the guy say all of this, but in my head I was thinking “no, no, no, no, no.”
We, well they, tried a few more times to countdown and convince me to jump. I wanted to but I wouldn’t let myself. Eventually, something they said worked.
“Jenna, you’ll be so disappointed if you don’t do this, but if you do do it you will be on a high for the rest of the day, I promise.”
I don’t know why I believed him, but I did. I looked across at Mum and Dad who were waiting in anticipation. I gave them a wave and I jumped.
It was over before I could think about it. Bouncing up and down I was laughing my head off and clapping. I was giving thumbs up to Mum and Dad. The world was upside down.
The jump itself I can’t really remember because it was so quick. The fact that I did something that I had to really push myself to do is what sticks in my mind. I felt like I had accomplished something big and I loved that feeling.
I recommend Bungee Jumping to everyone so that everyone else can feel that rush, and experience that high- as well as bragging about what a thrill seeker you are to your family and friends!
It’s your life, live it.
