Your adrenaline rush is unique to your body and can be triggered differently. For some, it can mean bungee jumping, while others can involve being on a high building floor. And believe it or not, there are people in the world (like you) who seek the adrenaline rush even though others try to avoid it! But what if you’re not a big fan of bungee jumping?
Bungee jumping isn’t for everyone, but if you want to get your adrenaline fix, there are other activities that can help you do that, such as skydiving, reverse bungee jumping, and cliff jumping. A few others include everything from ziplining to riding certain rides at amusement parks. It’s all the same adrenaline!
Let’s look into ten other activities that can provide the same heart-stopping action as bungee jumping! That way, if you aren’t a fan of bungee jumping, you still get what you’re looking for.
1. Skydiving
People participating in this extreme sport release tremendous amounts of adrenaline by flying through the air and landing safely with a parachute.
Skydiving can be done safely from aircraft such as helicopters, planes, and hot air balloons, and it requires a certain level of training to become an expert.
Depending on the type of jump and the altitude, the parachute can be opened immediately after the free fall. The weight generated by the body or bodies (for tandem flights) during the free fall will allow the canopy to open, and the air pressure will maintain the shape of the parachute for a controlled and smooth descent.
Read some of our skydiving articles for more information:
- How Long Does It Take to Skydive from 14000 Feet?
- Is There a Weight Limit for Skydiving?
- Do You Need a License to Skydive? (Skydiving License Guide)
- How Do Skydivers Know When to Open Their Parachute?
- How Long Does It Take to Skydive from 10000 Feet?
2. Reverse Bungee Jumping
This particular activity takes place on a triangular land area that measures about 115 feet by 279 feet. For around $30, passengers can experience the thrill of flying through the air.
Some of these contraptions have a steel capsule with three seats, while others are completely open, with only two seats. It just depends on the site you go to.
A reverse bungee jump involves a two- or three-seater platform suspended between two bungee cords. Once they’re buckled in, the passengers are secured using a 5-point safety harness. The ride attendants then unclip the cords and send the passengers flying.
The capsule can bounce up and down several times between two towers at around 120 miles per hour. During the experience, the passengers experience a 90-second free fall.
3. Cliff Jumping
Although cliff diving is an extreme sport, it’s not as complicated as it sounds. It requires no equipment, and participants don’t need unique gear.
All you have to do is jump off of a cliff into a body of water, and that’s it! The true adrenaline rush comes from the danger of this activity.
You want to ensure you’re no higher than 60 feet up and that the water is deep enough so that you don’t get injured. You can also check for designated cliff diving areas to be safe!
I would start off by jumping off lower heights, such as docks. This way you begin to learn how the whole process works. Consider diving at a swimming pool diving board too!
4. Ziplining
A zipline comprises a pulley and a steel cable spaced between fixed points. Ziplining lets a person zip across the cable while being propelled by gravity, the cable sag actually allows the person to speed up at the start and naturally slow down toward the end.
Ziplines across the world come in different lengths and heights, longer and higher ziplines make for a much more thrilling experience.
Aside from being fun, ziplines are also famous in resorts and adventure camps. These are professionally run and can be found in various locations such as forests, deserts, over waterfalls, and rivers.
Read our related post “19 Activities Like Ziplining to Do With Your Friends” here.
5. Giant Swings
A Giant Swing is a fun and exciting activity that requires commitment, and sometimes it allows participants to swing at a height that’s comfortable for them. However, that really depends on where you go.
For the ride, participants are attached to a ladder or some type of beam, and they hang from various cables and ropes. The rope is then lowered through a pulley to hang over whatever area they plan to swing through.
Some of these swings are attached to bungee cords, while others are giant swings featured in adventure parks, such as the swinging pirate ship.
It can be great for groups that are looking for an activity that’s both challenging and fun. The Giant Swing is an ideal addition for those who want an adrenaline rush but aren’t as courageous as those who want to jump out of a plane.
6. Highlining
Highlining is a type of sport that involves performing various stunts and tricks that are usually done at high heights. So, it’s likely not for you if you’re scared of heights.
This is an adrenaline-filled activity that can be performed as many times as you want! However, you will be using a harness and a lifeline to keep you safe.
Some people perform dances, ride bikes, jump, or do gymnastics on the highline. Others get their dose of adrenaline by simply walking it.
7. Drop Towers (Amusement Parks)
The drop towers’ rides give riders a unique perspective. Unlike roller coasters, which typically have passengers inside cars that travel along a track, the rides allow people to sit on elevated seats with their legs hanging, giving them an unencumbered view of the world around them.
There are several different kinds; for example, the experience of the Valley Fair drop tower in Minnesota is fast-paced, with the observation tower rising 275 feet into the air.
The drop, on the other hand, is about 250 feet long. A similar structure known as the Power Tower can be found at Cedar Point in Sandusky, and its drop is shorter at 240 feet.
8. Rock Climbing
Rock climbing is another fun and extreme sport, ready for people to experience! However, there are many different types of rock climbing.
This activity involves both inside and outside activities. If you’re looking for a fake rock wall, you’ll find these inside sports stores and centers, whereas outside rock climbing can be done anywhere with a rock face.
Rock climbing can be hazardous, and the participants must have the necessary skills and knowledge to complete routes safely. Due to the varying types of rock formations found worldwide, it has been categorized into different sub-disciplines.
Some other types of rock climbing include:
- Traditional Climbing: Unlike sport climbing, which focuses more on the physical aspect of the climb, traditional climbing involves a mental and holistic approach. Unlike sport climbing, routes in traditional climbing don’t have fixed anchors. Instead, the climber has to secure protection in cracks in the rock.
- Big wall climbing: These routes usually take several days to complete and can hang thousands of feet above the ground. California’s Yosemite Valley is known for its massive granite walls, ideal for this type of climbing.
- Top-Roping: Top-roping is a type of rock climbing suitable for people new to the sport. It can also be an excellent way for experienced climbers to practice their skills. One of the main tasks of a rock-climbing team is to prepare the rope for the climb, and then, once the rope is tied, they will lower you down the route using a friction device known as an ATC or Gri-Gri.
- Lead/Sport Climbing: This type of climbing is versatile and offers various routes and difficulties. While lead and sport climbers mainly focus on the techniques and moves they use to get to the destination, those who participate in lead and sport climbing expect and plan for fall.
- Bouldering: Besides being relatively safe, bouldering is also less expensive than other types of climbing. This type of climbing requires minimal equipment, such as a chalk bag and a pair of climbing shoes. If you’re planning on doing this indoors, you’ll only need to bring a pair of climbing shoes and athletic clothes. Unlike sport climbing, which requires ropes, bouldering is a type that doesn’t involve ropes. The sport’s scaled-down version mainly focused on technique and moves.
9. Extreme Ropes Courses
Rope courses require a lot of physical activity and energy. Most of the time is spent with participants moving around on their feet. Before going on a rope course, it’s essential to make sure that you warm up and stretch your muscles.
The various types of rope courses designed for individuals and groups allow participants to develop their communication skills and leadership abilities. The different kinds of rope courses are called challenge courses, low ropes, and more.
It’s best to ask the guides at the rope courses which would be best for you as there are beginner level courses, all the way to expert level.
These rope courses exist all over the world. You can find them at the top of malls such as Destiny USA in Syracuse, New York, and on the treetops of jungles and deserts in different countries!
10. Paragliding
Free-flying paragliders are aircraft that have no primary structure. They are lightweight and can be flown by individuals who are usually sitting in a harness.
The main body of their plane is composed of a fabric wing and a suspension pod. The pilot is generally in a cocoon-like structure suspended below the wing. The various factors that regulate the air’s flow maintain the wings’ shape.
Paragliders don’t use engines, and flights can last several hours and cover hundreds of miles in total. Pilots gain height by exploiting lift sources, which can take them to altitudes of several thousand meters.
Interested in paragliding? Don’t worry, you can read our paragliding guides here:
- What Is Tandem Paragliding? (What to Know Before Going)
- How Much Does Paragliding Cost? (The Ultimate Guide)
- What to Wear Paragliding (The Ultimate Guide)
- 13 Activities Like Paragliding for Thrill Seekers
Final Thoughts
Getting used to the same adrenaline rush can be highly frustrating, especially when you’re an adrenaline junkie like me! If you are looking for a fun activity with your friends you may want to check out our related post where we have listed 99 Adventurous Things to Do With Your Friends.
So, whether bungee jumping just isn’t doing it for you anymore, or maybe you don’t like the idea of bungee jumping, one of the activities above is sure to give you the same adrenaline rush as bungee jumping would!
The beauty of extreme sports is you have endless opportunities to get that heart pumping and push you to your limits. Just make sure you’re doing so safely.
Enjoyed this list? Read our 25 Activities Like Skydiving for Adrenaline Junkies for more related ideas!
When Heather is not participating in extreme sports you can find her working the events across the country, or writing about these amazing adrenaline rushes. She loves to go skydiving, snowboarding, parasailing, hang gliding, dirt boarding, off-roading and hiking.