Adapted Bungee Jumping!

Activity:  Adapted Bungee Jumping

Target Participant Group:  People using wheelchairs

Whistler Bungee Jumping Location

Therapeutic potential of this activity: 

• Provide a sense of normalcy
• Provide opportunity for life enjoyment
• Provide a sense of mastery upon completion 
• Provide opportunity to increase one’s social circle
• Serve as a healthy outlet for individuals who are addicted to unhealthy risk taking behaviors
• Provide trust building opportunity

What other groups may benefit from this activity?

• Individuals at risk (chronically engage in unhealthy risk taking behaviors)
• Wounded warriors
• Individuals with hearing impairments
• Individuals with visual impairments

What groups may not be as appropriate for this activity?

• Individuals with heart conditions
• Individuals with no fine motor control (necessary for self-attachment of retrieval line if jumping solo)

Activity description:

     Depending on individual physical needs and/or preferences, bungee jumpers can jump several different ways by having the cord attached to their person at different locations.  Options include the chest/waist, ankle, tandem (pairs), or in a wheelchair!  Where the cord is attached will affect the jumping experience (i.e. being attached at the chest/waist will minimize the amount of going headfirst).  Wheelchairs are harnessed in such a way as to prevent any damage.  The type of cord used will be determined by where it will be attached, as well as the weight of the bungee jumper.  All participants (or their parent/ guardian) must sign a waiver before the activity.        

Man in a wheelchair bungee jumping!

Resources needed:

·         Bungee cords

·         Bungee harness

·         Transportation

·         Guts! J

Best leadership style for this activity?

   The best leadership style for bungee jumping is one that puts the safety of participants before everything else.  Leaders should also be experts at trust building in order for participants to have the most safe and enjoyable experience possible.   

Where did I find this activity?

   Activity information and photos were found at Whistler Bungee at http://www.whistlerbungee.com/ and Whistler for the Disabled at http://www.whistlerforthedisabled.com/summertouradventures.htm#offroad.

Where can others find more information on this activity?

   For more information people can check out In the Sky Sports at http://www.intheskysports.com/.  This website has information on bungee jumping locations and more, as well as other similar sports (i.e.sky diving, gliders, etc.)