Safety precautions are put in place with every extreme sport to reduce the risk of injuries; bungee jumping is no exception. Therefore, it should be no surprise to you that there are weight restrictions for bungee jumping. So, what are they?
The weight restrictions for bungee jumping are: Minimum weight requirements are 80 to 95 pounds and the maximum weight limits are 265 pounds. However, some companies may be able to accommodate someone lighter or heavier upon request. The weight restrictions are set based on the equipment, such as the harness and the bungee cord.
Restrictions can be an annoyance, especially if this is something you were looking forward to doing! Below, I will explain the weight limits and why they are set in place. Let’s get to it!
Why is there a Weight Limit for Bungee Jumping?
Weight restrictions in bungee jumping exist for important reasons. Without getting too technical, you should know that weight restrictions are crucial to ensuring that the bungee cord can support the jumper’s weight and slow down momentum.
Uncontrolled movements will happen if the bungee cord cannot regulate the loss of momentum, which could result in catastrophic injury to the jumper.
Additionally, weight limits are essential due to the pulley that raises the jumper. For example, a pulley system may lift a 150-pound human with just 35 pounds of power. The needed force rises with every pound of the jumper’s weight.
There is a maximum weight for each component of bungee jump equipment. To ensure accidents are prevented, it is crucial to consider the maximum weight of the mechanical parts. This is how the safe maximum and minimum weight is determined
Note: Don’t forget to read our guide “Where Did Bungee Jumping Originate?” to learn all you need to know about the history of bungee jumping!
Does Your Weight Affect the Comfort of Bungee Jumping?
There is no denying that bungee jumping causes muscular discomfort, especially in the neck and the back. Thankfully, most of these symptoms go away on their own.
The amount of discomfort one experiences highly depends on their weight. You are hanging by a harness, so the more weight the harness needs to hold, the tighter it will feel. In simple terms, if you weigh more then you are more likely to feel more pressure from the harness.
Is There a Weight Minimum for Bungee Jumping?
To bungee jump, most locations have a minimum weight requirement between 80 and 95 pounds. If they are less than this, they risk significant dangers due to the harness not fitting right. Also, their weight may not catch enough of a bounce, which increases the overall risk of injury.
However, there are bungee jumps with weight limits below 80 pounds, the equipment they use is safe for light weight children as they use properly sized harnesses. For example, in Canada, the Whistler Bungee in BC has a weight limit of 65 lbs.
Is There a Maximum Weight When Bungee Jumping?
Most bungee jump locations have a weight limit around 250 to 265 pounds. However, there are places in which the maximum limit is 300. Always be honest about your weight, as the weight limits are put into place for your safety. But remember, you will likely be weighed at your bungee jumping location anyways.
Is There an Age Minimum for Bungee Jumping?
The age requirement for bungee jumping highly depends on the country that you are adventuring in. For example, some countries may have no age limits, while the UK requires the jumper to be at least 14 years old.
Is There an Age Maximum for Bungee Jumping?
In the US, there is no set age requirement for bungee jumping. Operators, however, require written authorization and parental consent if you are under 18. Many operators will not let jumpers under the age of 14 proceed.
Below is a table where you can see the age and weigh for bungee jumping in different locations:
| Location | Age Limit | Weight Limit |
| Arizona (USA) | All ages (Consent under 18) | 80 to 240 lbs |
| California (USA) | All ages (Consent under 18) | 90 to 250 lbs |
| Florida (USA) | All ages (Consent under 18) | 85 to 240 lbs |
| Texas (USA) | 13 and up | 90 to 265 lbs |
| Canada | All Ages (Consent under 16) | 65 to 300 lbs |
| Australia | 10 and up | 85 to 220 lbs |
| China | 13 and up | 85 to 265 lbs |
| Spain | 14 and up | 85 to 240 lbs |
| Zimbabwe | 14 and up | 85 to 250 lbs |
| Croatia | 10 and up | 100 to 265 lbs |
| New Zealand | 10 and up | 75 to 265 lbs |
| South Africa | 14 and up | 85 lbs minimum |
| Switzerland | All ages | 100 lbs minimum |
Check out our full article: How Old Do You Have to Be to Bungee Jump?
Is There a Height Minimum for Bungee Jumping?
We talked about weight limits, but what about height limitations? Is there a height or height restriction for bungee jumping?
Out of all the places I’ve personally been to, there has yet to be one that talks about height requirements. The only restrictions are related to weight and medical conditions.
You should be able to jump anywhere in the world, no matter how short or tall you are. However, it comes down to the harness and if it’s able to fit you properly.
If you have any concerns about your height, call the venue where you want to jump and ensure that they can accommodate you before you book.
Is There a Height Maximum for Bungee Jumping?
There is no height maximum for bungee jumping. Again, if the harness fits you correctly, you will be good to go.
Should You Be Fit to Go Bungee Jumping?
Bungee jumping is not for everyone, even though anyone can enjoy it. Being healthy and in physical shape is a plus when it comes to bungee jumping. If you are not you are more at risk of an injury, but this is with any action sport.
When your body is used to rapid movements and you are flexible it will react to bungee jumping better than if you are not. Imagine doing any physical activity if you are not in decent shape, you may be sore or get injured easier, that’s how sports work.
Who Should Not Go Bungee Jumping?
There are several people who should not attempt bungee jumping:
- Anyone pregnant
- If you have uncontrolled high blood pressure
- People with heart disease and arrhythmias
- If you have had any recent surgeries in the last 90 days
- Those of you who have eaten in the last two hours
- Anyone with neck or back problems
Now, that’s not to say that anyone on the above list can’t jump. Talk with your doctor if you have high blood pressure but still want to go bungee jumping.
As long as you have medical clearance (which some places require you to provide for liability purposes), you can go!
Do You Fall Faster if You Weigh More When Bungee Jumping?
One of the important considerations in determining the rope length used during a leap is the jumper’s weight. For example, less rope length must be used because larger jumpers may drop faster and further than smaller jumpers. It’s most important when you have water under the bungee as you sometimes dip into it ever so slightly. The weight needs to be calculated properly.
Sometimes bungee jumping venues will arrange people in ascending or descending order according to their weight. This is so that they can lengthen or shorten the rope as they go.
If fact, not all bungee jumping businesses follow this procedure; some determine the appropriate length of rope with each jumper based on their physical weight as they go. The method in which they choose depends on the business.
Will Bungee Jumping Companies Weigh Me?
Most of the time a bungee jumping company will weigh you if you look anywhere near the weight limits. Do not be upset if they do and you know you are no where near the weight limit, this is just a requirement by the company. Just like drinking laws, you may look old enough to buy beer but you often still get asked for ID.
Similarly to bungee jumping weights, you may look 200-250 lbs, but the company does not want to be liable if for some off chance you are above the limit.
Typically, a computer monitor displays your weight, or it’s on the scale, so they don’t have to shout it for the world to hear. Just remember, the weight restrictions are based on the gear manufacturers recommendations and not on personal judgment.
Final Thoughts
As previously stated, nearly all sports have some restrictions, especially extreme sports, including bungee jumping. The regulations are implemented for everyone’s safety to ensure a fun and pleasant experience.
Weight can be a very sensitive issue. So, please remember that the weight restrictions are purely based on what the gear can handle and nothing else. These restrictions help prevent unnecessary injury and deaths. This is why most companies will weigh you before you take that plunge!
And if you don’t qualify right now? That’s okay! Use this as motivation to change what you can! This is a perfect incentive.
Jamie is the founder of Action Sporter. He is the chief zipline writer and the lead editor. He has 5 years of zipline experience being a tour guide in Newfoundland. Most of the time you can find Jamie adventure traveling, hiking, skiing, skateboarding, or anything action related!
