The thrill of Bungee jumping

There are so many fun things to do in this world but it is so rare to find someone who confesses to finding bungee jumping fun.

Thursday, February 16, 2012
A bungee jumper floating across the sky. Net photo

There are so many fun things to do in this world but it is so rare to find someone who confesses to finding bungee jumping fun.There is the perception that the activity is deadly and some even compare it to suicide!For starters, bungee jumping requires jumping from a high spot with an elastic chord attached to your lower body. Without a doubt, there are protection measures and guidelines to make it safe for the person going to bungee jump.Like any other sport or fun activity, bungee jumping has its risks and accidents may occur. This however should not stop anyone from trying it out– just follow the guidelines.Dennis Kyakumanga, a 24-year-old resident of Kabeza says bungee jumping isn’t a sport for the faint hearted. He says he would not dare go for it."Bungee jumping is an extreme sport and I don’t want to try it out. I have a phobia for heights so the sport isn’t for people like me. However, I think it’s fun for the ones who can handle the adrenaline. I personally can’t!” exclaims Kyakumanga.Enes Isimbi, 26 years, a resident of Gikondo, on the other hand, begs to differ. She says if she had the chance, bungee jumping is one sport she can’t wait to try out. "Someday I will try it out. By this I mean jump confidently,” she says.  "I have this daring spirit that loves to try out new stuff, especially what others are afraid to delve into. I went wild water rafting once and it was fun. I was proud of myself for having done it and I am certain that I will go bungee jumping some day,”Isimbi says.She adds that doing extreme sport is a motivation to show one that they have the capability to do what others are afraid of doing.Pamela Katusiime, who works with a design studio in Kigali, has been there, done that and soared across the sky. While on a holiday trip to Jinja, Uganda, she ventured into the extreme sport."I had never dared to go to such great lengths and heights to feel great!” said Katusiime. "But when I took that leap of faith, the universe unfolded before my eyes, all fear was gone, I felt like I was flying and realized all at the same time, that nothing was impossible to achieve as long as you set your mind to do it.”If you and are not afraid of heights and are looking for an extreme sport, bungee jumping is the thing for you.However, you need to know the safety guidelines very well before trying out the sport. It is also an added advantage, to seek the advice of a friend who is a bungee-jumper.