You will have already heard of bungee jumping, but did you know there are some locations where you can double up with a friend or loved one and jump into the void together? Tandem bungee jumping is now available all around the work, but what exactly is it and how does it work?
What is a tandem bungee jumping? A tandem bungee jump works the same way as a solo jump, but the operators will attach you as a pair. You can share the bungee jump experience with a loved one, or there are some operators will let you jump in tandem with an instructor.
It’s a perfect way to enjoy bungee jumping is you’re scared to do it by yourself or want to share the massive rush you will get from jumping in freefall from a tall building, bridge, or crane.
Many of the operators actually say it’s a great way to get closer to a loved one! It’s something that you can share together and remember for the rest of your lives.
How tandem bungee jumping works
A tandem jump works exactly the same as a solo bungee jump aside from there being two of you on the one cord. It does not mean that you will be jumping separately on different cords.
This is a very simplistic overview of how it works:
- The bungee operators will weigh you both twice to calculate how much cord will need to be let out during the jump.
- They will then ask you to face and hold each other standing up.
- The bungee harnesses will be attached to your legs and ankles, and then connected together.
- You will then be taken up to the jump point harnessed together.
- Final safety checks will take place.
- Then the two of you jump!
You can see a video of a tandem jump in action below.
Is tandem bungee jumping safer than going solo?
One of the reasons you want to go in tandem could be down to fear and wanting someone to share the experience with you. Bungee jumping is scary for first timers, but the reality is that statistically it’s quite safe.
You can see a list of the fatalities recorded over the last few years in this blog post on recorded bungee deaths.
As far as tandem jumps go, I was only able to find two recorded fatalities that occurred when jumping as a pair.
- July 2015: British holiday maker killed in a tandem bungee jump accident in Spain (see news report).
- June 2015: Woman died in France during a tandem bungee jump with her partner (see news report).
Is it safer? No, it’s really no different as the mechanics are completely the same. The only thing you need to make sure to do is to keep hold of your partner and avoid any clashes of heads.
Handy Hint: We wrote a guide for first-time bungee jumpers which contains tips on how to prepare yourself and make the first jump.
How much does tandem bungee jumping cost?
How much you pay for a tandem bungee jump will depend on what country it is in, the location (pay more for a great view!) and how high the jump is.
I recently published a guide to global bungee jumping prices. Most operators won’t charge you exactly double for the tandem jump but will often give you a discount for two jumpers going at once.
Typical tandem prices are:
- India: tandem costs £40 / $50 as a pair
- New Zealand: tandem costs £233 / $300 as a pair
- UK: tandem costs £98 / $125 as a pair
- USA: tandem costs £155 / $200 as a pair
Can anyone jump on a tandem bungee?
The restrictions on bungee jumping will vary drastically from country to country. For example, in the UK you cannot jump if you are under 14 years old.
To find out if you are old enough to bungee in tandem read this guide to age limits depending on the country or location.
Each bungee operator will have to adhere to the legislation in their own country. As a general rule of thumb, companies tend to follow similar safety guidelines stating who they won’t let jump.
For example, you cannot take part if you have:
- Back, neck, or spinal injury problems.
- Any recent fractures, dislocations, or bone breaks.
- High blood pressure.
- Neurological disorders.
- Heart problems and conditions.
- Asthma, epilepsy, or osteoporosis.
- If you are pregnant (here’s why it’s dangerous).
The best tandem bungee jumping locations
Some of the best tandem bungee jumps could be very close to you. Here’s a quick selection of some of the best I’ve come across in recent years.
- UK: 160-foot London – North Greenwich Arena (The Dome)
- UK: 300-foot Manchester – The highest tandem in the UK
- New Zealand: 141-foot Kawarau Bridge
- New Zealand: 131-foot Auckland Harbour Bridge
- India: 270-foot Rishikesh Bungee Experience
- Italy: 574-foot Valgadena Bridge – The highest in Europe that allows tandems
Conclusion
If you want to add some much-needed excitement and adventure to your life, a tandem bungee jump will offer you an unrivalled adrenalin rush. And who better to share the experience with than a good friend, partner, or loved one?
As you fall through the air you will experience 3 Gs of force, take in stunning views, and have a rush like no other as you and your partner plummet towards the earth.
Then just as you think you’re going to hit the floor you feel that initial pull and then the ride back up and the bounces as the bungee cord springs into action.
If you want to try bungee jumping and don’t think you can do it yourself, then consider going tandem. Or perhaps you just want a shared memory for a lifetime.
For either reason, I can’t recommend tandem bungee jumping enough. Get out there and have a go!
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I frequently blog about extreme sports, with bungee jumping being one of my biggest passions. Here are some related articles you might also want to read whilst you’re here.
