- This week a group of Cape Town surfers attempted to beat the record for most people to ride a single wave. They claim they’ve beaten the standing record of 100, but the video is still being reviewed [Via Outside Blog]:
- The trailer for a new documentary on a father-son trio who went on a two year paddling from Manitoba to Brazil back in 1982 [Via the Adventure Blog]:
An enthusiastic group that opted to “Strip for Schizophrenia” came from all over North America to the third annual Naked Bungy Jump for Schizophrenia at WildPlay Nanaimo on February 21 and 22. One hundred and fifty nine jumpers, supported by a number of spectators, raised $5,020 for the BC Schizophrenia Society’s research and support programs.
Many participants are repeat jumpers, making the annual trek from places as widespread as Wisconsin, California, Alaska, Ontario and Newfoundland. While the largest number came from Vancouver Island, almost the same number of naked jumpers came from Washington State as from the Lower Mainland.
And the event’s reputation continues to grow. In 2010 the event will be held during the Olympics, February 27 and 28, giving sports enthusiasts an opportunity to watch or participate in the only event of its kind in North America. All funds raised will help BCSS deliver programs and services on Vancouver Island ranging from youth programs and raising awareness of mental illness to support services for those coping with mental illness and their families. BC Schizophrenia Society programs are offered free of charge to thousands of families across British Columbia. Information is available at www.bcss.org.
Last weekend I had the chance to go bungee jumping for the first time, and so I thought I’d profile the company I jumped with, Whistler Bungee. I’m not an overly daring person, so I have to admit I was a weee bit scared, but it was something I’ve been meaning to do for a while now.
The whole experience was first class. The staff are very helpful, friendly, and not afraid to take the piss out of you if you show any signs of weakness. “Oh don’t worry, if something goes wrong, just make sure you swim to the left. If you swim to the right, the current will take you away”. Earlier in the day my friend and I were doing a few runs at Whistler, and got to talking with someone on the Gondola who had jumped with Whistler Bungee before. He said the staff went so far as to do a little play, where one employee grabbed him just before he was about to jump, and started yelling at another employee saying he harnessed the jumper wrong and he would have fallen, and that he was fired. The ‘fired’ employee then sulked down the bridge, only stop, turn around, and shout “Gotcha!…seriously you’re OK, jump”.
That said, the company has a great reputation for safety, and a clean track record. Overall, the experience of jumping was great. The 160ft free fall was amazing, and afterward you are hoisted back up, which I don’t think a lot of bungee places do. You have your choice to harness by the chest or feet, and how you want to jump. You can watch the videos below to see my jump, as well as my friends. (My friend is the one who does a slick looking back flip. I’m the one who screams like a little girl and flails around like a madman).
Whistler Bungee is located about 15 minutes south of Whistler Village. Whichever person in your group has the biggest car should drive because the 3km gravel road to the bridge is in terrible shape. It costs $120 for your first jump, and $60 for any future jumps. Oh, and you get a t-shirt out of the deal. There is also a photographer who takes a bunch of pics you can buy afterward. Another cool thing about the company for all you sustainability folks, is that the entire operation is run off a small windmill and solar panels. The ‘operation’ consists of 2 light bulbs, laptops, and a payment machine, but hey that’s still pretty cool. I’ll definitely be heading back to jump again at some point, and if you’ve ever thought about jumping just go do it. Even if you’re a bit nervous you’ll be glad you did!
“he traveler was active; he went strenuously in search of people, of adventure, of experience. The tourist is passive; he expects interesting things to happen to him. He goes "sight-seeing. ~ Daniel J. Boorstin
