Bungee jumping, along with sky diving, is seen as one of the most exhilarating adventure sports. It evokes the idea of the adrenaline junky, but bungee jumping can be a thrilling experience that makes anyone feel alive.
We spoke with Howard Thorpe, editor of the website Able2UK, a web page dedicated to news regarding disabled topics which has interviewed a wide variety of celebrities and reports on news and current events. Howard did his third bungee jump in South Africa and we are going to have a chat with him to find out a bit about his personal experience and what it was like plunging hundreds of feet with only a bungee cord to save him. There was nothing holding him back. Howard has Cerebral Palsy but nothing gets in his way of fun and adrenaline!
Yumping UK: Where did you do your jump and why?
Howard Thorpe: I did it in South Africa.
Y: And why did you choose such a distant and exotic destination for your jump?
H: One of my best friends was getting married in South Africa and we went on the stag do and, as I love bungee jumping, I wanted to do the highest one in the world. It's the highest built jump I believe. I did it off a bridge and underneath there is a river.
Y :Were there any alligators in the waters below?
H: I didn't see, honestly (laughing).
Y: Why did you decide to do the jump?
H: I've already done two bungee jumps before in the UK and I liked them so much I wanted to do this one.
Y: Why do you love bungee jumping so much?
H: That's a very good question. I love going on roller coasters and I love the thrill and the adrenaline that goes along with it.
Y: What exactly does it feel like when you first jump into the abyss?
H: I would say the first seconds of the jump you believe you've just gone forward and dived, but I would describe it as the first drop of a roller coaster times a thousand or a million.
Y : How long does the feeling last?
H: There are two answers… It lasts for about 15 seconds, but it's quite difficult to tell you because you haven't got time to think about it - but it seems longer than it is.
Y: After the jump, how does your body feel? Can you feel the effects of the recent jump in your body?
H: Completely fine! People do say that it’s the same feeling as making love. It's a really great feeling, you have to give it a go. It's like a high….
Y: Where do you get the nerve from to actually take the leap? Do you hesitate?
H: If you hesitate, that is the worst thing you can do. You cannot hesitate. You have to go with it straight away.
Y: How were the staff? Were they encouraging?
H: The staff were amazing. I found people in South Africa to be amazing. Everyone is very patient and very laid back and very understanding.
Y: Will you do it again?
H: I may do one later this year….
Here's the video of Howard's jump!
If you wish to follow Howard and his brilliant news feed, you can follow him on Twitter at @able2uk and don´t forget to peruse Able2UK!
