Headfirst off a Bridge

I jumped headfirst off a bridge. 160m above a river. Freefell for about 3 seconds.

I should probably mention the elastic tied around my ankles, because April 29 was bungee day!

All six of us decided to do Asia's highest bungee jump, 160m above a river. So accordingly at 6am we were on a bus heading out of Kathmandu. 2 hours later, we arrived at the resort that runs the bungee, and relaxed with some mango juice while listening to the instructions. The most important things to remember: leave your brain behind, and walk like a penguin, fly like a bird.

I was in the second group to go, so I headed to the viewing area to watch Caitlin, Julia and the rest of that group. Both had huge smiles on their faces when they had hiked back up the hill. One woman was clearly not sure, she was fully flailing when she bounced up again!

The jump is done from a suspension bridge, by far the most secure one I've been on in Nepal. It did have steel cables attached to both sides of each end though. The whole group went out onto the bridge, and one by one were given the harness and strapped in. The elastic is attached at both ankles and waist; ankles for weight-bearing, waist as a back-up. Hence walk like a penguin. And then it's time to jump!

There's a little platform jutting off the side of the bridge, from which you jump. So when it was my turn I stepped out onto it, and immediatly felt the weight of the cable. It's a lot heavier than it looks! Then a countdown from 3 and it was really time to launch myself off. This is where leaving your brain behind is a good idea. I didn't want to think too hard about what I was about to do.

I leapt off, and immediatly began freefalling headfirst. My immediate though was 'shit, why did I decide to do that', but then the view and adrenaline kicked in, and the rest of the fall was amazing. Seeing the cliff faces on either side fly by, and the river coming closer. And all so fast! It was over too quickly though; 3 seconds falling and about 20-30 bouncing around before you're lowered down to the ground. It was completely worth it, but I wouldn't do a shorter one, and I think once may be enough. Paragliding was a ton more fun; lasted longer. I did enjoy the feeling of freefalling though. Maybe skydiving next?