Yes, a bungee cord can break. But, no, it shouldn’t scare you out of jumping; there’s a 1 in 500,000 chance of dying from bungee jumping.
Let’s talk about all this below.
Here are a few reasons why bungee cords can potentially break.
Bungee jumping cords have limited lifespans.
If the bungee company uses the rope way after its useful life, that can increase the risk of the cord breaking.
Apart from aging, prolonged exposure to the elements may cut short the expected life of the cords.
Plus, improper storage can cause ropes to develop molds which may also contribute to a shorter lifespan.
So bungee companies need to take extra precautions to ensure that they:
Another reason that may cause cords to break is poor manufacturing.
If the bungee operator buys cords from a less than reputable supplier, it may lead to breakage.
That's why bungee companies should make it a point to purchase cords only from the best suppliers who can ensure that the ropes have been tested for quality.
The thickness of the bungee cord depends on how heavy you are.
If, for some reason, you use a rope that’s not designed for a person of your build, the rope may fail to handle the weight.
That said, as mentioned before, the risks of breaking are minuscule. This is because the success of bungee operators’ businesses is based on safety ratings.
Therefore, it's virtually impossible for them to slip up and choose inferior manufacturers or skimp on their quality checks.
If they get a bad rap for accidents, they go out of business almost immediately.
In addition, they have to maintain safety standards to keep their operating licenses.
On top of that, all jumpers are always weighed before taking the leap, which means; there’ll rarely ever be an occasion of weight mismatch.
They do say two heads are better than one.
So here are some tips to add an extra layer of security on your side to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Bungee cords can indeed break if not used properly.
It’s also true that bungee jumping companies take every precaution to prevent such accidents and protect their reputation.
Ultimately the safety and security of your jump is a team effort. So, make sure to ask as much as you can and help avoid any such mishaps.
Remember, the risk of cords breaking is minimal. Just choose a longstanding operator and take some extra precautions. Go ahead and enjoy this momentous adrenaline thrill!
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