Bungee jumping, according to the Free Dictionary, is “a sport in which the jumper falls from a high place with a rubber cord attached both to his or her feet and to the jump site.” Bungee jumping lets you experience an adrenaline surge as you see and feel the world rush by. Depending on where you live, you can jump from bridges, buildings and towers. Parks in Texas predominantly feature bungee towers.

Zero Gravity in Dallas offers a wide variety of adventure rides, including bungee jumping from a seven-story tower. The Gravity Adventure Park on South Padre Island also offers bungee jumping, including the “world’s tallest reverse bungee” and “Texas’ tallest bungee jump” at 150 feet. A third company, Luxergy, offers a variety of reservation-only experiences near Austin, Corpus Christi, El Paso, Fort Worth and Houston. It should be noted that Luxergy provides limited information online concerning where jumps occur and the type of safety equipment each site contains. Contact the company for additional details.

Beyond the basic seven-story bungee jump, Zero Gravity also offers the Skycoaster, Texas Blastoff, Nothin’ But Net and Skyscraper. Providing twists on the original, these rides provide additional thrills, as is the case with Texas Blastoff, a slingshot that shoots people 150 feet into the air. Those seeking ultimate thrills may enjoy Nothin’ But Net -- a 130-foot drop into a series of safety nets, no cord included. Gravity Park offers similar rides with the Rocket --a reverse bungee cord similar to the Texas Blastoff -- and the Skycoaster. Gravity Park also offers a smaller bungee jump designed for beginners; weight restrictions do apply.

Prices differ based on company. For example, Zero Gravity charged $29 per person for any of its bungee jumping experiences in 2010. Gravity Park’s Rocket costs $50 for two riders, while its Bungee Grande costs $40 for an individual. The Skycoaster begins at $30, and the Bungee Chico -- the world’s smallest bungee jump at just 35 feet -- costs $16. Both parks offer spring and summer hours. Zero Gravity also offers weekend hours throughout the winter. Luxergy arranges jumps based on demand.

Requirements may differ slightly by location. However, many requirements are fairly consistent because the ultimate goal is to ensure a safe experience. Zero Gravity, for example, requires participants to be at least 10 years old. Those under 16 must have a signature from a parent or guardian. For standard rides, you must weigh between 80 and 240 pounds and cannot be pregnant. You can’t have circulatory issues, broken bones or back conditions. Specific rides may have specific requirements. For example, the Bungee Chico at Gravity Park is a smaller ride designed for individuals between 40 and 160 pounds.

Be honest about all medical conditions and don't jump if you're not in good health. If in doubt, ask your physician if bungee jumping is acceptable given your health. Participants should always be comfortable with the safety equipment and instruction provided by a specific company. If you can’t get answers to your questions or receive inadequate information, you may wish to select an alternate company. Don't jump under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Those who are nervous about jumping can investigate ground airbags and water jumps with local companies.