Bungee Jumping Conditions: Weight Limits, Age and Health Requirements

Weight Limits for Bungee Jumping

The bungee cord is calibrated individually for each jumper: your weight determines the cord type and its tension. That's why every site has a weight range, checked twice before you jump.

Most European sites accept jumpers between 40 and 130 kg. The highest platforms (Verzasca, Europabrücke) are more restrictive: at 192 m or 220 m, the forces on the cord increase significantly.

For a tandem jump, the combined weight should generally not exceed 180 to 260 kg, with a maximum difference of 30 kg between both jumpers.

Minimum and Maximum Age for Bungee Jumping

There is no upper age limit. At AJ Hackett in New Zealand, jumpers over 90 have completed a jump. In Europe, a medical certificate less than 3 months old is the only additional requirement for seniors, typically required from age 55-65 depending on the operator.

Some French sites offer tandem parent-child jumps from age 5, with the child attached to the adult's harness.

Medical Contra-indications for Bungee Jumping

Six conditions are formal contra-indications, cited by all European operators.

1. Pregnancy

Categorical refusal at every site. The sudden deceleration poses a risk to placental stability.

2. Cardiovascular conditions

Angina, arrhythmia, uncontrolled hypertension or history of heart attack. The adrenaline surge puts heavy strain on the cardiovascular system.

3. Epilepsy

Intense stress can trigger a seizure. Neurological clearance is essential.

4. Spinal or cervical injuries

Herniated disc, neck injury or spinal problems. The cord rebound exerts significant forces on the spine.

5. Glaucoma and eye conditions

Intraocular pressure can exceed 100 mmHg during a jump¹. Glaucoma, severe myopia and a history of retinal detachment are specific contra-indications, rarely mentioned by operators but documented in medical literature.

6. Recent surgery

Any surgical procedure requires full recovery before jumping.

Three other conditions warrant prior medical advice: unstable diabetes, Meniere's disease and stress-triggered asthma.

If none of these apply to you, you're good to go.

Does Fear of Heights Prevent You from Bungee Jumping?

No. Acrophobia affects 2 to 6% of the population, and most first-time jumpers feel apprehension on the platform. It is not a contra-indication.

The distinction matters: acrophobia is a psychological response, not a medical condition. The only problematic vertigo is caused by inner ear pathology (Meniere's disease), listed in the contra-indications above.

AJ Hackett, the world's leading bungee operator, confirms it: their crews are specifically trained to support fearful jumpers. The approach is straightforward: deep breathing and mental reframing. Fear and excitement produce the same physical symptoms.

Weather Conditions and Bungee Jumping Season

Above 40 km/h sustained wind, operations are suspended at most sites. Rain alone does not usually cancel jumps, but thunderstorms with lightning trigger an immediate stop.

In Europe, bridge-based sites operate from April to October. Bungee jumping at the Gorges du Verdon, for example, only opens from mid-July to mid-August. Crane sites (Germany) and Spanish operators run year-round: bungee jumping in Lloret de Mar is available 12 months a year.

Bungee Jumping and Disability: What Access Is Available?

Bungee jumping is accessible to people with physical disabilities. Paraplegic jumpers have completed jumps in a wheelchair, with the chair secured to the cord using reinforced straps. Arrangements are made on a case-by-case basis: contact the operator beforehand to check what options are available at your chosen site.