eBusiness Weekly
Chipo Sabeta
Until I stood right on the edge of the Victoria Falls Bridge, staring 111 metres down into the Zambezi River, did I realise that this was just sheer madness.
I have done some scary activities before, but the kind of fear I felt on that bungee platform at that critical moment is unmatched.
Last month, I took a leap of faith off the 111 metres Victoria Falls Bridge, dangerously dangling into the crocodile-infested mighty Zambezi River, with only a string separating life and death.
I still can’t believe I paid $160 for it, do medicals and sign an indemnity form.
But in a way, it was worth every cent . . . it’s a memory for a life-time. And it will stay a memory, because it’s unlikely that I’ll do this again!
Shearwater does a good job of the whole bungee jumping experience. Their professionals start by carefully explaining the entire process because the decision to bungee jump is definitely not a flip-of-the-coin thing.
The staff is extremely polite and helpful and does a thorough job of ensuring that one gets the best experience.
Having made the decision I felt butterflies dancing in my stomach, but a steely determination (or maybe just foolishness) kept me trod-ding towards the edge of the platform.
But perhaps more than anything else I just wanted to do something extraordinary in memory of my late parents (Casper and Aqueline Sabeta).
My turn had finally come — how time flies when you are super nervous — and I could feel my blood rushing just under my skin.
At that critical moment, a thought flew into my head. I remembered that Australian girl, Erin Langworthy, who fell into the Zambezi River after her cord snapped, just a few years ago . . . yikes!
She survived though, I finally determined.
I stood on the platform. Needing a bit of assurance, the instructor said it would be the last thing to happen again.
The instructor told me that I was going to do a unique backward jump, with a full view of the bridge (underneath).
I asked myself many questions. Why was I doing it throwing myself into a gorge? Was it really worth it? Was this going to be my first and last? Was retreating an option?
I was caught up in the spur of the moment and found myself spreading my arms ready to take the dive.
A spectacular backdrop of the epic Victoria Falls set the scene. To its credit, the Victoria Falls Bungee Jump is undoubtedly the most scenic bungee jump in the world.
Moving to the edge of the bridge, arms out and they shouted 5-4-3-2-1- Bungeeeeeeeeeeeeeee. I leapt off the bridge and plunged towards the rapids of the mighty Zambezi River, feeling every bit of adrenaline.
Everything happened so fast, but at the same time it felt like time had stopped. I prayed.
My ears closed. I screamed but there was no one to hear me. I felt helpless. The adrenaline rush was unexplainable.
I could see underneath the Victoria Falls Bridge. The biggest thrill came from the free-fall and instant rebound as I almost “kicked” the mighty Zambezi River waters.
The first swing dropped me close to the water and it swung back and forth, as I took in the view of the waterfalls while feeling the mist all over my body.
I felt on top of the world.
Afterwards, you fly upwards again as the cord recoils.
After the rebound, you’re left hanging in mid-air for a minute or two with nothing but the bungee cord keeping you attached to the bridge.
I came out of that jump excited and a mess, tears streaming on my face. My wig “misbehaved” and fell off but I managed to cling on to it. I couldn’t let go my Peruvian hair worth $300 (ladies can understand).
The experience made me feel very confident. I hadn’t told my family, because I knew they would oppose my decision. But in the end it actually turned out well. I was ultimately willing to take responsibility for my actions no matter the outcome.
It’s a difficult experience to put into words. There are just aren’t enough adjectives to describe the combustion of confusion, joy, fear, excitement and adrenaline-rush I felt before and after the jump. It certainly ranks as one of my most memorable experiences.
After the jump, I felt an amazing sense of accomplishment and the belief that I could do anything that I set my mind to. My experience has motivated me to take on other goals in life that I thought were unachievable.
I will never forget. And a certificate after the jump capped my day. It was now time to focus on the 2018 Econet Vic Falls Marathons, which was happening the following day. Kwese were the sponsors of my 21km race.
Because I love memories, I had to part with an extra $55 for a personalised DVDs and photographs taken for every step during bungee jump and they were made immediately available for viewing.
