Since the 1960s, Cornwall has had a reputation for cutting edge extreme sports. First it was surfing, popularised by some Australian lifeguards who rocked up in Newquay and spent the summer showing off their skills to the delight of the locals. But as more locations around the county, and the country, become popular surf destinations, has had to find a new way to protect its reputation. Once again, it’s Newquay that has the answer. This time it’s not an aquatic, but an aerial adventure - and you can be one of the daredevils to try it. We’re talking about bungee jumping, the gravity defying sport of throwing yourself from a dizzying height into the air and falling like a drop of water towards the earth with only a glorified rubberband to save you.

Modern bungee jumping also comes from Down Under - this time from New Zealand, where the world’s first commercial bungee experience opened to the public in 1988 on the Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge on the South Island. Its instant popularity surprised a lot of people, and since then, has taken off in numerous countries around the world, including the UK. But while the primal bridge is 140 feet, or 40 metres, above the river, Newquay’s jump is head and shoulders above, at 160 feet, or 50 metres. If you’re brave enough to sign up for this gravity defying stunt, you’ll start on dry land rather than on a bridge. You’ll step into a cage suspended from a crane which will lift you up into the air, giving you views of the beautiful Cornish coastline, before it all becomes a blur as you freefall back down. Why would you put yourself through this? Well, the adrenaline rush that accompanies the experience is so strong and so addictive that this activity has earned its place as the ultimate in extreme sports.

Where to do bungee jumping in Cornwall?

If you want to turn your trip into an adventure that you’ll remember for the rest of your life, you need to head for Porth Beach. This is a curve of golden sands with the edge of Newquay on one side, the rocky outcrop of Porth Island on the other, and the wild North coast beyond. You’ll get fantastic 360º views from the 160 foot jump platform - if you’re not too preoccupied by the thought of jumping that is!

Kinds of jumps available

• Individual Jump: Your opportunity to show what you’re made of, an individual jump will prove you’ve got nerves of steel. As you ascend to the jump height of 160 feet above the ground, you’ll have the jumpmaster for company - but once the crane stops, you’re on your own. Look down if you dare, or keep your eyes fixed on the horizon if you prefer, while you muster the courage to step out of the platform. If you manage it you’ll experience freefall for about 4 seconds - which will feel more like 4 hours! - before you’re bounced back up by the bungee cord secured to your waist and ankles. To make up the short distance to the ground, the crane simply lowers you down and you can catch your breath while getting used to your new status as a bonafide daredevil.

• Tandem Jump: Are you looking for a bonding experience like no other? Do you want to mark an important milestone with your significant other with something really special? Or perhaps you want to get revenge on your best frenemy? Whether your intentions are good or bad, a tandem jump is bound to make an impression on the lucky/unlucky person you choose to invite to jump with you. The jumpmaster will fasten you and your partner together - face to face - and then you’ll take the plunge as a pair. With the extra weight of two people the thrill is doubled, not least because you’ll drop faster and bounce back up with twice the force of an individual jump! It’s enough to put a huge smile on your face, and hopefully on your partner’s too.

• FAB Jump: The mythical Front and Back jump experience is here. As if one jump wasn’t enough, this is a package of two: the first is a standard, individual jump, but the second is something even more hair-raising. As the name suggests, you’ll jump backwards, that’s right, you won’t be able to see where you’re going as you lean off the platform into the abyss. The clear blue skies will merge with the deep blue sea in a blur of confusion as you accelerate toward the ground, and it might take you several minutes to get your bearings once you’ve returned to Earth. But one thing’s for sure, if you want an adrenaline rush like you’ve never felt before, you’ll get it here.

Requirements to do this activity

You can join the ranks of elite thrill seekers without any special training or credentials - so long as you’re willing to do it, the team will be happy to make it happen. In order to show that you consent to taking part, and that you’ve understood what the activity involves, you need to sign an informed consent form. You have to be 14 years old to do this, and a parent or guardian will have to cosign the document if you’re between 14 and 16.

Apart from age, the jump team has to take your weight into consideration. We can’t get around the laws of physics which dictate that the heavier you are, the faster you’ll fall and the harder the cord will have to work to stop you from getting a mouthful of soil. After plugging all the numbers into the equations, you’ll find that the maximum weight that can facilitate a jump from 160 feet with the equipment involved is 18.9 stone, or 120 kilograms. If it’s a tandem jump, there’s a combined weight limit of 34.2 stone, or 217 kilograms.

Is it a safe experience?

The weight and age limits listed above are all part of the comprehensive safety plan that the team has in place. They’ll take care of the rest. That includes the equipment, which is of the highest quality, undergoes regular maintenance and has a redundancy system - basically, in the case of one piece of equipment not functioning correctly, there are backups to ensure that the jump remains safe. And of course the activity masters themselves are a big part of making sure that you jump safely. They are trained and experienced, ready to respond to any questions, and avoid any problems. They’ll also keep you in good spirits as you’re preparing to complete your jump.

The team is ready and we’re ready, are you ready to take on the ultimate test? If the answer is yes, make a booking now before you have time to change your mind!