“It’s the most amazing sport I’ve ever tried!” That’s what fans say. Bungee jumping started with the people of Vanuatu in the Pacific. They threw themselves down from towers with their ankles tied with vines. A group of students from Oxford University saw a film of the Vanuatus’ actions and copied this ancient practice. Since then, bungee jumping has become popular around the world.
However, for the people of Vanuatu, land diving is not a game. This ritual has an important meaning in the life of the people. Men and boys as young as seven dive from towers as a sign of courage and strength. They believe that if a diver’s hair touches the ground, the action will fertilize the ground and will help produce a good crop of yams. So, every year, in early April, islanders begin building at least one tall wooden tower in each village.
Villagers carefully remove all the rocks near the tower. Then they cut vines to the right size so that the person’s head will be close enough to barely touch the ground, but not too close! The boys are the first to jump, and they jump from platforms at a height of 19-20 feet (6 meters). Men jump from higher platforms. As each man prepares himself to jump, his friends tie vines to his ankles. Then he raises his hands and gives a speech. The people below stop their singing, dancing, and whistling. Each performer crosses his arms over his chest and leans forward until he falls over the edge of the tower. Sometimes the vines break, but the slope and the loosened, soft soil usually help prevent severe accidents.