The plunge is about 78 feet from the top of the arched bridge to the incredibly cold waters below. Informacin detallada del sitio web y la empresa: orientafricadive.com, +441291570953 Explore, Travel and dive the world with the African and Oriental Travel Company - African and Oriental Diving Company Also, can I use sandals for my feet, because climbing ashore will hurt my feet because of the sharp stones. Literally and figuratively. One of the divers will wait for you at the bottom close to the water's edge. After getting the go ahead by the dive club, we headed up to the bridge. Stari Most (English: Old Bridge) is a reconstruction of a 16th-century Ottoman bridge in the city of Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina that crosses the river Neretva and connects two parts of the city. According to history books, the first person jumped off Mostar bridge already in 1664. Please make sure that the water level is high enough before planning your bridge jump. There are bullet-ridden and bombed out buildings right next to modern and updated buildings. Is there a 'best time of year' to do it? Stari Most (lit. Divers await their turn to jump from the bridge. Last year, he broke his finger at the competition and hurt his wrist, but he did not even think about giving up and still won the first place in such a condition. How long did it take to train and then get approved for the jump? Also, as discussed above, the jump itself isnt that dangerous. It's where people meet and gossip, snatch a first kiss or dive into the waters of the river below. Any thoughts on that? One of the dive instructors will also be there to steady you and help you. Swim to the shore, where diving club members are already waiting for you, ready to help you out of the cold water. Water temperature hardly ever reaches 10 degrees, so it will be a cold dip for sure. While bridge jumping from Stari Most has become increasingly popular among adrenaline-thirsty tourists, I wouldnt do it or even recommend it. But if you want to do the jump yourself, well, heres everything I learned from my experience. The Old Bridge (Stari Most) is an imposing sight in the city. It may not surprise you to hear that he was also Australian. Interestingly the old bridge area is fascinating as the bridge with its Ottoman buildings, which houses cafes, restaurants, and souvenir shops. Mostarian jumps are the most important tourist event and brand for Mostar and all of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and during the times of traditional jumps from the Old Bridge the city of Mostar is the most visited. One thing is for sure; everyone must pay a visit to Mostar and walk across the UNESCO-inscribed Mostar Bridge and experience it for themselves. Mostaritradition dictates that young men from Mostar must jump from the Stari Most into the cold waters of the Neretva river as a rite of passage into adulthood. They are there to jump in and bring you back to shore if, for any reason, you do hurt yourself. In 2004 the bridge reopened, and from that time, it has remained one of the most famous and unique attractions in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Still up to it and ready to leap? They will also enter your name into the official record books alongside the hundreds of others who have completed the jump. Hi travellers! To be honest, I was pretty stoked to see the crowds build and gather. We need you around! At least four deadly accidents are reported since 2012, along with countless serious injuries. Many locals can tell you openly that its definitely not safe to jump off Mostar Bridge. There were actually 3 of us. Here is the best travel insurance for the Balkans. It was so worth it. Back up in the clubhouse, they will fill out a certificate that you can take home. Thanks for sharing this experience. They will ask you to jump a few times until you get the technique correct. Privacy Policy. Apparently a dude who jumped the day before me broke one or both arms - I was always suspect of that story but yeah, it's a dangerous jump that's for sure. Dozens gather every year to take the plunge. Bruises, dislocated joints, broken bones and compressed spines are common injuries for jumpers with poor technique. The water is always cold which can trigger heart issues. There are plans to include famous jumps from the Old Bridge in Mostar to the UNESCO World Heritage List soon, which everyone is eagerly waiting for. But lets dig deeper into the history and tragic legends of Stari Most! Red Bull regularly run a high diving competition from the Mostar bridge. He recalls his beginnings, when he was five or six and began to jump from, two or three meters high cliffs, and this height increased over the years. What they usually do is jump for the tourists, but every now and then a foreigner comes along who is stupid enough to want to jump themselves. The small Bosnian city of Mostar attracts thousands of adventure travelers annually thanks to its natural beauty and the world-famous Stari Most (Old Bridge) which provides extreme sports enthusiasts with a perfect platform for BASE jumping. Sheraldo Becker. Her form through the air was not good. fantastic pictures and place is amazing to visit there. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Bosnia and Herzegovina Tourism . On November 9, 1993, during bitter civil war in the city, the bridge was shelled by a Bosnian Croat tank from Mt. With his plunge in the southern Bosnian city of Mostar, Amir and his friends from the local diving club are honoring a tradition that goes back . If you have them flapping around at all, they will catch the water and decelerate quicker than the rest of your body, that means dislocation or breakage. Know Before You Go The Ultimate Guide to Mostars Old Bridge: Bridge Jumping, Legends, and Ghosts of War. Is this safe? In retrospect, that seems stupid. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. By the 1550s Ottoman . Then I hit the water. Then it's time to jump off the . For the last 450 years, Mostar, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, has been home to the Old Bridge Jump, where people jump off the citys Stari Most bridge, hurling through the air for a few seconds before hitting the freezing water below. An Adventurous World (2014-23). Bosnia and Herzegovina was a surprise, little I knew about the country and I got in love with it, specially with Mostar. Before arriving in Mostar, I had alreadylearnt about the reputation ofthe Stari Most as a jumping location. Definitely visit oneday, Drugi put kada dodjes vodim te dole i srednju Bosnu, Your email address will not be published. Nice weather for the occasion. Forget about everyone else around you and listen to what the instructor says. The Old Bridge of Mostar is among the most important Islamic architectural structures in the Balkans. The water is shallow so you must do practice jumps first. The Old Bridge of Mostar has been an essential part of Mostars history right from the beginning. I must admit that every year I enjoy jumping more and more, I think I am ready enough to win the first place again. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Mostar is small city in Bosnia, not far from Dubrovnik and Kotor. July 28, 2017 at 2:22 pm. These guys are experienced jumpers and divers and will jump a few times each day once they get enough interest (and donations) from passers-by. The Old Bridge stood for 427 years, until it was destroyed on 9 November 1993 by Croatian Defence Council during the Croat-Bosniak War. As we mentioned, dont try to jump off the bridge without permission. Legs need to come together before I hit the water if I ever plan on having kids. Its a fair deal, as eager tourists are willing to pay for the show and pictures, and the diver still risks his life for the thrill. All rights reserved. T he bridge in the middle of Mostar is the spiritual and social heart of the city. Risk of injuries is high, and even higher when the water level of Neretva River is at its lowest during the summer. What happens now is, one at a time, you cross over the wall of the bridge and stand looking out over the water. I had the stupid idea of doing jt about 3 hours ago at about 2 in the morning after a few drinks, Im alive but oh my am I fucking sore dude. Over the course of the next threedays, I didn't meet any other travellers that were planning on jumping. Good luck to you mate. amazing blog. It was lightly drizzling. Somehow, at the last second, I managed to pull my arms and legs in, grab my balls, and make myself pencil-thin as I speared the water. The water is frigid and will help keep you at least a little warm. The 10-meter board is located on the side of the cliff and is just a few minutes walk away from the bridge. ? soooooo not worth potential injury. That was about 5 years ago. Expect craggy peaks, turquoise rivers, dark tunnels, and ancient viaducts. A good party will definitely help cure the sting from that icy water. Earlier in the year, we decided to visit Mostar and experience the place for ourselves. September 5, 2017 at 1:19 am. Local tradition says that a 16-year-old boy must jump from the bridge as a right of passage, but more importantly, it is said that the boy's life will be a complete failure if he doesn't jump. Also, be aware that its very deep below the bridge, so theres very little chance of you going so low that you hit bottom. 2 of 3 Picts Thankfully I did not have either of those things occur, but it must have been close. Here a list of things to do in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Mostar and notably the Mostar Bridge, or Stari Most as its known locally, is one of Bosnia and Herzegovinas major tourist attractions. I was preparing myself for jumps all year round. It was completed in 1566 after nines years of building and the . This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Better yet, as you come back above the surface, you are greeted by dozens of spectators clapping and cheering you for your effort. Good question! She compressed/fractured 3 vertebrate. Primarily because neither Hamish nor Andyare athletes. Bad river conditions? If youve heard about the ghosts of Mostar, please share the stories in the comments below! I've seen some reports that there is a certification course for tourists to jump in Mostar. They say that only the most skilled and best trained should jump, and that certainly wasnt me. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. mostar bridge jump injuriesbarche battenti bandiera straniera MANHALNET COMPANY My wife and I visited Mostar as part of a day trip from Dubrovnik. My groin/hamstring was bloody tender. A village gathering around the river Honddu is one thing though, Mostar Bridge Jumping Festival is quite another. I should point out, that the jump in question is around 24m in height. The other reason I knew all about the bridge jump is that I had spoken to another traveller only a month earlier while hiking the Meteorain Greece. The original bridge stood for 427 years before it was destroyed in 1993 during the Croat-Bosniak War. You will then pay 30 Euros here and go about your merry day. Cookie Notice I could not walk without pain for several days after and must have strained every ligament in my groin. The story goes that young men jumped off the bridge to impress passing dignitaries in hopes of earning a little money and proving their manhood. In my honest opinion, hell yeah, its worth it! Thanks! The trains run all the way to Capljina near the Croatian coast, from where you can take a bus to Dubrovnik, Split, or Makarska. In June 1992, the Serbs destroyed all other bridges in Mostar but Stari Most, leaving it as the only gateway across Neretva. Your email address will not be published. Every diver has been recorded in a ledger for posterity. After all, jumping of Mostar Bridge is a 450-year old tradition. sarajevo bosnia and hercegovina dubrovnik Feet looking excellent! A Friend and I would like to use the following picture for our own Art. Old Bridge) is a rebuilt 16th-century Ottoman bridge in the city of Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina that crosses the river Neretva and connects the two parts of the city. What To Pack For Turkey 31 athletes from the Western Balkans, participating in the jumping races held on the historical Mostar Bridge, immersed themselves in the waters of the Neretva River. Therefore, it was Igors job to make sure that, at the very least, I didnt kill myself or break my arms. Quite cheap, lovely weather, great food and a lot of history. As soon as he said this, I knewI would either have to jump the following day or never show my face again in Mostar. who plays elias in queen of the south; tickets for the concession golf tournament; family doctors accepting new patients near me; greater moncton home builders It costs 20 Euros to sign up for the bridge jumping into the water and an additional 10 Euros for your practice jumps from a smaller 10-meter platform. speckle park bull sales 2021 847-461-9794; mostar bridge jump injuries. Bravely jumping off the bridge, they draw large crowds who want to see them perform their death-defying leaps into the Neretva river below. 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I felt pumped up, elated, and I wanted to do it again. So if youre interested in seeing how the professionals dive from the bridge, then be sure to tune in! Pretty good. Let me know in the comments below! It long stood as a symbol of how the diverse Mostar population co-existed peacefully. This bridge, just like the Old Town, is under the protection of UNESCO, and is often cited as one of the most beautiful bridges in the world. Zac Aus. Special memories of being there! Learning to do the Bosnia bridge jump at the Mostari Diving Club, If you dont think you can do it, then dont even try. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Amazing. It is the shining light in Mostar, a city where the Neretva River snakes its way through the picturesque Mostar valley. Back then the iconic stone bridge was collapsed, but it didnt hold them back. mostar bridge jump injuries By on July 1, 2021 Iffland and her fellow competitors had to jump off the Stari Most, or Mostar Bridge, from a platform 21m above the Neretva River. My legs were thrown up over my head once I hit the water. Youll then need to do a few practice jumps. Then make sure you Pin it! Each year, according to the tradition that started in 1968, daring, well-trained young people perform jumping from the . What To Pack For Greece This was something I had to do; I had a feeling that this was an after-dinner story I could dine out on for years to come. Andrea Romano is a writer and editor in New York City. Though saying that, people have died in the past, and the day before I jumped a guy had to be rushed to hospital with two suspected broken arms; there was a serious element of danger here, and after hearing that particular story I was bricking it. The Stari Most really is one of the sites you must absolutely visit when traveling through the Balkans. When they deem enough has been collected, they please the crowd by performing an elaborate jump from the bridge, plunging down the 24 meters to the surface of the water its quite a thrilling sight! Before the wooden supports of Old Bridge were removed, Mimar Hajruddin had already started digging his own grave. The elegant bridge spanned the River Neretva and was designed by the Ottoman (Turkish) architect Mimar Hayruddin. Yes, do. I bet hundreds of agonized souls have jumped off the bridge to their death and even greater number of civilians are raped and murdered during the wars. The Old Bridge is certainly a haunting sight after dark when day-tripping tourists are swept away, and only occasional locals traverse the stone arch. Standing on the edge of Mostar bridge, looking at the fast-flowing river 24 metres below, I couldnt help thinking I had made a serious mistake. Reply Thinking of heading to Mostar? According to the preliminary results of the 2013 Census of Population, Mostar is inhabited by 113,169 . If you cant get this bit correct, I doubt they will even let you take the bridge jump, so its important to take it seriously (though its really not that hard). Being a symbol for the town and for the whole of Bosnia, as soon as the war was over there were meticulous plans to rebuild it exactly the same as it was before the war, right down to the smallest detail. Whether it is competition time or not, you will often see young men in swim shorts walking around the vicinity of the bridge, trying to collect money. Sure, theres always a chance you could hurt yourself with a slightly dodgy landing, but the whole team is there on hand to jump in and help you. I knew I only had one shot at this thing. Wow, fair play to you if you do it Arnoud. Of course, tourists are briefed for jumping off safely and accustoming their bodies to the cold. Mostar Bridge Jump: Read This Before Jumping Off Mostar Bridge! Bosnia and Herzegovina. We thought, wow how lucky was that that we turned up and straight away there was somebody on the bridge ready to jump. Mostar bridge jump - A man getting ready to jump off the Mosta Stari Most. The town is surrounded by mountains. What does that mean? Hum. So technically, the current bridge is not old, but its still a replica of the old bridge. You dont need a plan to visit Mostar Bridge: just go there and everything will get to you. Driving from Dubrovnik takes around 2,5 hours, while the bus takes around 3,5 hours. Go out for beers afterwards Youve just survived one of the scariest things of your life! We travel the Balkans seeking out food, accommodation and the best things to do in the Balkans so youll save time travel planning & travel like a local. Over the years, many injuries and a few deaths have been reported, especially during years when the water was shallow or when the jumpers did not have assistants below to help them to shore. Its also a great place to take a photo of the divers in action. Famous for the old bridge of Mostar "Stari Most", which spans the river Neretva, and for the daring bridge jumper, countless visitors flock to visit this charming town. Safe to Sightsee Without a Tour & Hotel Recommendations, Border Crossing to Montenegro by Bus Any Problems, Very good central hotel Sarajevo and Mostarar, See All Bosnia and Herzegovina Conversations, Has anyone travelled by train Mostar - Sarajevo, Car rental companies allowed into Bosnia - help clarify. Sadly, the original Stari Grad Mostar bridge was destroyed in the Bosnian War in 1993. It is about now that I start questioning my life choices. Honestly, this was such a rush. I've seen that there have four fatalities in modern times. #mc_embed_signup{background:#fff; clear:left; font:14px Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; } The history of the battles that raged in the area is also of interest. This technique allows you to remain perfectly straight the whole way down and to counteract any rotation on the way down. mostar bridge jump injuries. I'm Macca & I run the multiple award-winning blog An Adventurous World. Each to their own. Your email address will not be published. Not only had he performed the jump, but had done so 3 times. If you do land a little off-balance, then having the wetsuit will reduce any pain you feel on impact. If they say it's okay to jump, then do it! Mostar was developed further during the Austro-Hungarian period in the 19th and 20th centuries.
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