Bungee jumping is about as simple as an extreme sport gets. You're fitted with a harness or ankle straps attached to a long elastic cord, you step off a bridge, tower or crane, and you fall until the cord stretches, catches you and bounces you back up. After a few rebounds you're lowered to the ground or pulled back up, usually laughing, shaking or both.

The fall lasts only a few seconds, but the buildup is half the experience. Commercial operators run jumps from bridges over rivers and gorges, from purpose-built towers, and from cranes at fairs and adventure parks. Many offer photos or video of your jump, so ask what's included when you book.

The Date Activity

A bungee jump makes a date you'll both be talking about for years, but only if you both truly want to do it. Ask first and take no for an answer; nobody should be talked into jumping. If only one of you is keen, the other can watch from a safe spot, take the photos and be waiting at the bottom. Some operators offer tandem jumps, where two people jump together, if your combined weight is within their limits.

Make a day of it. Jump sites are often near rivers, canyons and parks, so plan a hike, a picnic or a long, slow dinner afterward to come down from the adrenaline. To keep the heights theme going at a gentler pace, add a gondola ride or a stop at a scenic lookout.

On Your Own / With Friends

Friends make a ready-made cheering section, and daring each other to the edge is a classic way to mark a birthday or a big milestone. Book as a group, but expect to jump one at a time, with some waiting in between. Not everyone has to jump; spectators are usually welcome.

Going alone is common. The crew walks you through every step, and plenty of people jump solo just to prove to themselves they can.

Good to Know

Jump only with an established, professional operator with trained staff, and ask about their safety record, how often they inspect and replace cords, and which safety standards they follow. Listen carefully to the crew's briefing and do exactly what they say. Expect to sign a waiver and be weighed, since cords are matched to your weight, and there are minimum ages and weight limits. People who are pregnant or have heart conditions, high blood pressure, epilepsy, recent injuries, or back, neck or eye problems are usually advised not to jump. Wear secure clothes and closed shoes, empty your pockets, and skip alcohol beforehand. Jumps can be called off in high wind or storms, so have a backup plan.