Bungee jumping, mountaineering, paragliding, rock climbing, surfing—these sports that challenge human limits are now increasingly favored by young people and have even become a lifestyle for some. But while they offer thrills, high-risk extreme sports also pose threats to life. Only by fully understanding extreme sports themselves can you truly appreciate their unique appeal. In this issue, we invited two outdoor sports experts to discuss the topic.
Guest: Xu Chao, Deputy Secretary-General of the Shanghai Mountaineering Association
Zhang Zhengfei, Head of the Feistuo Outdoor Club
Case Review: A Nightmare Experience
On April 3, 24-year-old Xiao Jun (a pseudonym) went bungee jumping in Yongtai. After some coaching from an instructor, she strapped a rope around her waist and stepped onto the bungee platform. She jumped headfirst, descending rapidly before bouncing back at the bottom. Then, something terrifying happened—the blue rope suddenly wrapped tightly around her neck, pulling her back down as she dangled. The intense gravitational force nearly caused her to suffocate, with blood pouring from her mouth and nose. Fortunately, she was rescued in the end, suffering only external injuries and no life-threatening harm. But that terrifying moment left everyone present and online viewers shaken.
Bungee Jumping May Cause Psychological Harm
Reporter: Many people who want to try bungee jumping are drawn to the feeling of “free-falling.” Is bungee jumping really that fun?
Xu Chao: Broadly speaking, bungee jumping is a type of outdoor extreme sport. The jumper stands at a height of about 40 meters (equivalent to a 10-story building), with a long elastic cord tied around their ankles. They then jump with arms spread and legs together, head first. The cord is long enough to give the jumper a few seconds of “free-fall” sensation. When the person falls to a certain distance from the ground, the cord stretches and tightens, stopping the fall. At the lowest point, the cord recoils, pulling the person back up before they fall again. This cycle repeats until the cord’s elasticity is exhausted—that’s the whole process of bungee jumping.
I was one of the earlier professionals in this field in China and have tried it myself. I see bungee jumping as a kind of “thrill-seeking” activity, usually done for personal excitement. I don’t think it’s as fun as people say. Physically, the most uncomfortable part is the rapid descent. Bungee jumping is not only a challenge to the body but also a major test for the mind. If negative emotions like fear aren’t properly vented after bungee jumping, it can cause psychological harm, and may even lead to issues like irregular menstrual cycles, hormonal imbalances, or obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Reporter: With what you’ve said, doesn’t bungee jumping just scare more people away?
Xu Chao: The point I’m trying to make is for those who want to try bungee jumping to be clear about what they’re getting into. Extreme sports inherently carry risks. If you want to try bungee jumping, ask yourself if you can handle it. Don’t send yourself the wrong signal thinking that bungee jumping will make you stronger. Often, people choose bungee jumping because of peer teasing, competition, or dares—it’s often an impulsive decision, and that’s really unnecessary.
Reporter: If you’re interested in trying bungee jumping, how can you better protect yourself?
Xu Chao: After understanding the sport and deciding you want to participate, the first step is to choose a legitimate bungee site. There are currently about a dozen certified bungee jumping locations in China.
Zhang Zheng: Checking the credentials of the bungee site is essential. If the rope looks excessively worn, do not jump. Ropes have expiration dates and must be replaced when they expire—some bungee operators may use outdated ropes. Before the jump, there’s usually a training session where you’ll learn proper equipment wear and movement techniques. It’s best to be prepared.
Bungee jumping demands a high level of physical fitness. People with heart or brain conditions should not participate. Those with severe myopia should also be cautious, as the head-down free-fall at 9.8 meters per second can cause cerebral congestion and retinal detachment. Before jumping, warm up your body to prevent sprains or strains. Dress simply and snugly. After jumping, control your body to avoid getting your neck or arms caught in the bungee cords. If using the leg-binding method, ensure you have no history of fractures in your legs or feet.
Outdoor Sports Are Closer Than You Think
Reporter: Aside from bungee jumping, what other extreme sports are suitable for the public?
Xu Chao: Activities like mountaineering, rock climbing, rafting, orienteering, and creek descending are all exploratory outdoor leisure sports. They fall under the category of extreme or sub-extreme sports, offering great challenges and thrills as you push your limits in nature. These are also popular activities among many young people today.
The Shanghai Mountaineering Association has launched events such as hiking conferences, urban orienteering races, and rock climbing championships. For instance, hiking treks only require a basic level of fitness to join. Of course, all sports carry risks, so we remind the public to join legitimate organizations for outdoor activities. There are nearly 60 registered member units under the Shanghai Mountaineering Association, and citizens can choose based on verifying the qualifications of outdoor clubs and guides.
The most important principle in outdoor sports is to know your limits. Don’t impulsively say, “I’m going to climb a snow mountain today,” without any common sense or preparation. Progress step by step, learn essential knowledge, value your own safety, and ideally get support from family.
Reporter: What advice do you have for beginners interested in outdoor sports?
Zhang Zheng: First, accurately assess your physical condition. You can look up reputable outdoor clubs online, check reviews of the club and guides, and ask questions. In short, going solo on your first outdoor adventure isn’t wise. Our club currently holds around 10 outdoor activities a month. For example, a weekend hike along the Huizhou-Hangzhou Ancient Path is a beginner-friendly camping and trekking route. Even those with minimal athletic experience can join, and outdoor gear can be rented. Daily hiking time ranges from 4 to 6 hours. The Tianmushan East-West Traverse takes three days, with 8 to 9 hours of hiking each day, which is a bit more intense.
During outdoor activities, it’s also important to have team awareness. As part of the team, you must absolutely follow the guide’s instructions and not act on your own. The guide’s expertise and experience are what ensure the trip goes smoothly, and only by adhering to team discipline can participants have a safe and rewarding experience.