Standing on the bridge which is 216mts high (708 ft) at South Africa's Bloukrans Bungee jump was one of the most terrifying and thrilling things I have ever done. This is not for people who have a weak heart or someone who is scared of heights. Bungee jump gives the ultimate adrenaline rush to people who are brave enough to take the plunge.
Blokran's Bridge bungee is the world's highest commercial bridge. It is situated at Blokran's bridge on the national highway at the border between eastern cape and western cape in the area of the garden route. Six of us had been to South Africa on a trip a few months back and decided not to miss this adventure. As soon as we reached the place, we were asked to sign an indemnity form and booked the slot by paying R950. We were also told that we won't get money back if we step back with the fear of jumping. On an average out of every ten people that go up, two don't jump. So, our chance of jumping was thus 80%. There was a caged bridge we walked across to reach the jumping point. Crossing the bridge itself was a big task for us as it was very scary and adventurous. Once we crossed the bridge and reached the actual jumping place, everything changed. House music, great vibes, and chilled atmosphere. The Face Adrenalin team were really very friendly, energetic and helpful. They continuously tried to make us comfortable with the environment.
The biggest thrill from the bungee jump was that free fall. After that, I flew upwards as the cord recoiled, and then oscillated up and down. The bungee is rigged so that the cord attaches to the back of the bridge and loops under the jumping platform. So when I jumped, the cord pulled me out of free-fall into a smooth pendulum swing rather than a jerk. I hardly felt the recoil because there is pendulum bungee technology in this place. After this, I was left hanging in mid-air for 2 minutes. This was the part I actually enjoyed the most. I just spread my hands out, let go everything and enjoyed the moment. I felt a sense of euphoria followed by the feeling of peace and calmness of mind. I stopped thinking too much about the future or dwelled in the past and lived in that moment. I realized the importance of living in the moment after the jump.
After I completed my jump, I felt an amazing sense of accomplishment and the belief that I could do anything if I set my mind to do it. My experience has motivated me to take on other goals in my life which I thought I wouldn't be able to achieve. The thing about the fear is that it will always be there, it holds people captive and keeps emotionally frozen if they allow it to rule them. If we bravely go ahead and jump the bridge, the feeling after the jump was priceless.
It's hard to describe the experience. There aren't enough adjectives to describe the joy, confidence, and high adrenaline, I felt after I took the leap. It's one of my most memorable experiences from visitng South Africa, and even though it only lasted a few seconds, I'll remember it forever.
