Not to discount the dangers of gorge jumping, there are a few things people should know before they jump. These include checking the depth of the water before they jump, refraining from alcohol so as not to slip unintentionally into the water, and staying clear from the dams that could pull you over.
On second thought, on the second Saturday back at Ithaca College hundreds of students headed to the gorges to hang out in the sun, swim in the water and throw themselves off of the cliffs. What is it that makes people jump? I think it’s the time in our lives where anything goes. This is the time when no one wants to miss out on anything, when nothing is at stake and when we are all just trying to figure out who we are and what we want to be. Now I’m not saying that throwing yourself into a gorge is a sure fire way of finding yourself, but if nothing else it is a thrilling experience mentally, physically and emotionally. If college doesn’t give you a dose of that, than what is it good for?
I went to the gorges that day wanting to get in the sun, get out of my room and be around people. I’m afraid of heights, not exactly a risk taker but I wasn’t having a particularly great week so my experience went against my rational side.
I spent the first hour or so just hanging out, swimming and chatting with friends. But still there was this burning feeling inside of me that made me feel like I was missing out. The gorge ranger had just stopped by letting us know all the risks and even that gorge jumping and swimming is illegal. I thought about the risks and even said to my friend, “ I don’t really feel like risking my life today, I think I’ll pass on that.” However that was simply the logical me speaking. When I let myself go and saw the thrill in everyone’s eyes as they jumped and then resurfaced in the water, I knew I couldn’t miss out.
I brought myself to the 40 foot gorge just to look. I started shaking a little at the height, and thought, “there’s no way I can do this.” When friends reassured me it was okay, I didn’t buy it. But a minute later I decided, what the hell am I doing?
There’s something about just jumping, just letting yourself hang in the air for a few moments (only if there is a safe depth of water underneath you of course) that brings you to a different place. So I stepped on that cliff and just jumped with no warning. I was supposed to stay in a pencil but the spontaneous jump threw my body off and my legs flew right up with the air resistance. I hit the water and I hit it hard. My thighs were red and sore but I didn’t even notice. I felt elated, and free and unstoppable.
I realized I had to start doing things for myself and that all the convincing in the world doesn’t do you any good unless you can step on that cliff and make it happen yourself.
Jumping off a gorge may not be as meaningful for others, but it forced me to be courageous, spontaneous and independent. In this time in a college student’s life, that’s exactly what you should be.
