When I was around the age of 12 or 13 and becoming aware of the ever-increasing group of activities known as 'extreme sports' the bungy jump was the one I found to be most petrifying. I honestly believed that I would never ever do one because I would A) Never go near one just out of circumstance and B) Never go near one simply because of the fear they evoked in my soul.
The thing that scares me the most is the lack of support. In most extreme sports you are harnessed around the torso area and some how to me that seems safer than just ankle straps. I suppose it gives a feeling of unprecedented freedom but in my opinion that is too much.
So imagine my surprise when I find that one is literally 5 minutes down the road from where I live ... I knew it was put there as a new challenge. For the last few weeks Raphael and I have been egging each other on and toying with the idea but have not actually got around to doing it. The end of our little trip seemed like the perfect time to finally take the plunge (literally).
Shuffling along the outstretched platform with the unexpectedly heavy rope trying to drag me off as I edged closer to the jump point i was wandering how I was standing here about to do something I had decided a long time ago I would never involve myself in.
" Smile for the camera and 3... 2... 1..." I leant out, about to jump, but suddenly I jerked back. My crucial mistake was looking down, it phased me. "do you want me to countdown again?" the supervisor asked, "no" I weakly replied and then arms outstretched I just... let go...
So there you have it, something clicked in my brain and i remembered all the new things I have tried this year and enjoyed. The experience confirmed my belief that trying new things is truly invigorating no matter what your opinion is prior to the actual event.
The good news - I have conquered one of my most fearsome challenges
The bad news - There is a bungy 3 times larger on our upcoming south Island tour which I will no doubt be pressured into doing.
Watch this space folks!!!
1 comment:
Matthew, See our comment on previous blog.
Grandad.
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