WHAT IS A BUNGEE CORD (SHOCK CORD)

You may often hear the bungee cord referred to as a shock cord.

Or you may see it spelled as ‘bungie.’ Either way you come across it, the object is an elastic cord made up of one or more elastic strands forming a resistant and stretchable core.

They are typically protected by a woven cotton or polypropylene sheath. The fabric which constitutes the protective layering of the bungee cord isn’t necessarily elastic but is plaited in such a manner that the material is able to extend when tension is applied.  But don’t be surprised to find bare bungee cords especially if you are going bungee jumping.

Aside from allowing thrill seekers to hoist themselves from lofty platforms, the shock cord is also used to keep objects in place since many are sold with hooks which replace the need of tying knots.  These happen to be the kind on shock cords we specialise in! 

They are a must have for campers who take advantage of the elastic material which allows for flexible adaptability in many situations. Need to replace a damaged strap? No problem. Want to bundle up a few twigs and sticks for a midnight fire? Solved. Need a makeshift resistance band for a bit of improvised exercise? Grab a bungee cord and begin your work out.

Plus they can in vary in size. The 30 centimeter ‘shock cord toggle ties’ latch on to the edge of tarps.These miniature cords stretch a fit through the eyelet of scaffold sheets, holding them in place. Creative homeowners have gotten in on the act of making their lives easier with imaginative uses of larger bungee cords. They come in handy in kitchens. They are useful in garages and for quick fixes in the home or out on an adventure. Speaking of adventures, about time we explored the high octane past time which depends on large shock cords, bungee jumping.

 

 

WHAT IS BUNGEE JUMPING

Bungee jumping is an activity in which participants jump from an elevated base while attached to an elastic band. The bungee cord is typically locked onto the feet or waist of the jumper. Participants may leap from fixed objects such as cranes, skyscrapers, bridges, ski ramps, or flying objects like an hot-air-balloon.

The activity is simple really. Get strapped in and jump. Easier said than done, bungee jumping is an experience that requires plenty of gumption. The adrenaline rush of free falling and bouncing up and down while hundreds of meters above ground level is kick that attracts the bold and daring.

There are different  types of bungee jumping and many ways to jump. Participants may shallow dive, back dive or jump in a tandem amongst a number of options. Jumpers may try out the standard jump, the catapult, a bungee run, the bungee trampoline, or the Suspended Catch Air Device (SCAD) dive. It can be assumed that as the activity evolves, further styles will be added to push the excitement of jump enthusiasts. But for now, there is plenty for the beginner to explore.

 

 

5 TIPS FOR THE FIRST TIME BUNGEE JUMPER

Life getting a bit stale? Want to try out an exhilarating experience that you will be talking about for years? Bungee jumping may just be your cup of tea. It pays off to constantly challenge yourself, to try new things no matter how much they may initially terrify you. But we accept that some tests of will are more daunting than others, and what could be more intimidating than falling head first into the Earth. Here are a few tips to help prepare you for your first bungee jump.

1. Are you fit enough: Don’t choose an adrenaline rush over your long term safety. Be sure that you are healthy enough for a jump
2. Pretend. Pretend. Pretend: It is perfectly normal to be nervous right before a jump. Even if you had been anticipating the moment for weeks. Before your jump, it helps to look straight ahead keeping the intimidation of heights at bay until the last minute. Smile and distract yourself with friendly conversations until you make that final plunge.
3. Choose the right people:  Don’t leave your life in the hands of a company you stumbled upon online. Do you research and ask questions until you find a jump master you can trust. Be sure that your jump is monitored and planned by professional staff who take your experience as seriously as they do your safety. Also if possible, consider conquering your first jump with close friends or loved ones. The right company may transform a terrifying occasion into a fond memory. In no time you will feel ready for a second jump.  
4. Stay hungry: Not unlike swimming, it is recommended that you do not eat before a jump.
5. Save the selfies for after the jump: If an item will not help keep you alive during your jump, then you probably do not need to bring it with you. That go-pro can wait until your next jump. For the first time focus on truly enjoying the experience. Try screaming louder than you ever have in your life. Your first jump is the perfect time to break your decibel record.

 

 

3 OF THE MOST EXCITING BUNGEE JUMP SITES IN THE WORLD

Though this guide is written for beginners who are considering their first jump, we thought it valuable to give readers a goal to strive for. We understand you just may fall in love the rush of falling through the air. And at some point you are going to want to repeat the experience, push your limits. With that possibility in mind, here are three of the world’s most exciting bungee jump sites.

1. The Macua Tower (Macau, China): In case you needed another reason to visit Macau, China, the world’s tallest bungee jump may entice you to book a trip. Participants may look forward to the delight of flinging themselves from 233 meters above ground level.
2. The Bloukrans Bridge (Western Cape, South Africa): What can be more amazing than being a unique country, absorbing interesting customs and taking in astonishing views? Doing all of that while free falling. Amidst mountains and above a river, the Bloukrans Bridge is a tourist attraction which sits 216 meters above ground level. As the world’s highest single span arch bridge, the landmark boasts extraordinary scenery which heightens the experience of your jump.
3. Navajo Bridge (Marble Canyon, Arizona): You can hardly go wrong if you have found a reason to use the word canyon and Arizona in the same sentence. Home of the Grand Canyon, Arizona is also home of the Marble Canyon where jumpers may enjoy a view of the Colorado river. The Navajo Bridge also happens to be one of the highest in the United states, standing 142 meters above the ground. If you ever feel like taking in one of the natural wonders of the world while your hearts beats out of your chest, this jump may be one to add to the bucket list.

 

BUNGEE JUMPING SAFETY TIPS

1. Watch out for Whiplash: Speak to your jumpmaster about the safest jumping techniques. Free falling from elevated bridges, building and cliffs is one part of bungee jumping. The other is the rebound, begun by that jolt you are bound to endure as the cord reaches its maximum point of extension. Bungee jumping is not a risk-free activity. Dislocations, eye trauma, back injuries and rope burn are all possible consequences of a jump.
2. Don’t get wrapped up: You can suffer from serious injury if you are entangled in the cord during a jump.
3. Fitness check: If you have any health concerns at all, be sure to seek advice from your doctor.
4. Equipment: Make sure you double check the length of your cord, that it is properly connected to the jump platform and that you are wearing a dependable safety harness.

 

BUNGEE CORDS FOR SALE

Would you look at that! You made it to the end of the guide. We bet you feel ready to dare. You are probably excited to push your boundaries and perhaps even push  yourself off a bridge. We, at Ropes Direct, are glad to have helped. We know you are probably not going to go shopping for a jump bungee cord or harness. You are better off trusting your jumpmaster and company with your safety. But for all other shock or bungee cord needs we are eager to astonish you with our quality products.

Choose from our bungee items for sale. Our neon, black and white shock cords are available in 3mm , 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 7mm, 8mm, 9mm and 10mm sizes. The tough polyester cover makes our cord suitable for outdoor and marine use. But feel free to adapt the cords according to your needs. They may be cut to length, so just tell us how much you want and we will send your order over. The maximum continuous length is 100 meters.

And don’t miss out on our shock cord hooks, PVC coated metal spiral hooks for use with our polyester shock / bungee cord.. They are suitable for 4mm, 6mm & 8mm bungee cords.

Until the next time, happy jumping.

Tags: bungee, bunjie, shock, shock cord