A. J. Hackett: Pioneer of Bungy Jumping

Allan John "A. J." Hackett, born in May 1958, is a renowned New Zealand entrepreneur credited with popularizing the extreme sport of bungee jumping. His innovative efforts turned what was once a tribal ritual into a global phenomenon.

Early Life

A. J. Hackett was born in Pukekohe and grew up on Auckland's North Shore. He attended Westlake Boys High School from 1972 to 1974, where he played rugby union. Leaving school at sixteen, Hackett began an apprenticeship as a carpenter-joiner. During this period, he developed a keen interest in snowboarding and skiing.

Inspiration and Early Bungy Jumps

Hackett's inspiration for bungy jumping stemmed from the Vanuatu ritual known as land diving and the experimental jumps by the Oxford University Dangerous Sports Club during the 1970s. Together with fellow adventurer Chris Sigglekow, Hackett sought to make bungy jumping a safe activity.

In November 1986, Hackett, alongside Sigglekow, executed his first amateur bungy jump from the Upper Harbour Bridge (also known as Greenhithe Bridge) in Auckland. Hackett described it as "one of the most riveting experiences of my life." Following this, Hackett continued to make jumps from various bridges, including the Auckland Harbour Bridge and other structures across the North Island.

Global Impact

Hackett's daring exploits were not limited to New Zealand. In 1987, he famously performed a bungy jump from the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris. This particular jump garnered global attention and helped cement bungy jumping as an internationally recognized extreme sport.

Entrepreneurial Ventures

A. J. Hackett's adventures laid the groundwork for numerous commercial bungy jumping enterprises worldwide. Through his company, A. J. Hackett Bungy, he established bungy jumping sites in several countries, including France, Australia, and China, among others.

Legacy