Facing fears by Bungee Jumping

Hands were shaking uncontrollably. My heart was throbbing rapidly.  Safety checks performed. Harness snugged around my body. Even the pep talk by the bungee jumping instructor couldn’t scare away my fears. With both legs bound together, I started walking toward the edge like a penguin.

I was at the ledge when the jump instructor gave his final set of instructions. The countdown started… “1…2…3…Jump!” My heart felt like it was going to come out of my throat. I wanted to turn back, but didn’t. Without wasting a second more, I looked at the yellow signboard at the far end of the platform for final confirmation. With arms stretched out, I leaned forward and JUMPED!

My free-fall had taken me to a different world, where nothing was stable or familiar. Wind caressed my tresses at  jet speed. My anxieties had vanished into the thin air. I surrendered myself to the surroundings instead of controlling them—and that was the moment when I started to enjoy Bungee Jumping.  I was free falling–head down, feet up! The blood was rushing to my head. I got the roller-coaster feeling in my stomach. I screamed with excitement. Suddenly, I was pulled up by the bungee. I went to the top again and the free-fall continued. This process occurred twice, albeit with lesser intensity as compared to the initial jump.

After almost a minute of adrenaline-pumping excitement, my jump was over. Alas! All good things must come to an end. Finally, two people waiting near the river pulled me down to an awaiting deck. My harness was removed, water bottle provided and an awaiting certificate saying, “I have guts!”

Yes, I had done it. I had faced my fears. There’s no better feeling than winning over your fear.

If you love an adrenaline rush, are not afraid of free-falling, and want to overcome your fear of heights, you should try Bungee Jumping.

5 TIPS BEFORE YOU GO BUNGEE JUMPING

1. Choose a facility which has well-trained bungee jumping instructors, and is high and clear of obstructions.
2. Wear comfortable casual clothes and closed shoes.
3. Avoid eating before the jump. And don’t forget to look into the camera and smile.
4. The sooner you jump the better. Avoid looking down.
5. Don’t jump if you suffer from a heart condition, epilepsy, high blood pressure, diabetes, neurological disorder, or are pregnant.

5 PLACES WHERE YOU CAN GO BUNGEE JUMPING IN INDIA

1. Rishikesh: Jumpin Heights
2. Lonavala: Della Adventures
3. Bangalore: Kanteerava Stadium
4. Goa: Gravity Adventure Zone, Anjuna Beach
5. Jagdalpur: Nomadier, Chattisgarh

5 OTHER PLACES AROUND THE WORLD YOU CAN GO BUNGEE JUMPING

1. Macau Tower (233 m), Macau, China
2. Verzasca Dam (220m), Switzerland
3. Bloukrans Bridge, (216 m), South Africa
4. Rio Grande (206 m), New Mexico
5. Europabrucke Bridge 192 m), Austria

Have you ever been bungee jumping? If so, where was it? Or, have you ever faced down a fear? If so, please leave a comment below and share your experience.