Just close, but not too close. They don’t actually want you to die. It would be bad for the economy. No, really.

Mental Floss has published an article detailing the various ways New Zealanders go through near-death experiences–for fun. And it’s how they make their money!

These recreational “assisted near-suicide” activities are all the rage for locals and tourists alike. New Zealand is where bungee jumping got it’s popularity boost and the metaphorical Mecca for sky-diving enthusiasts (who knew?) around the globe. Apparently, those Kiwis really like their adrenaline boosts.

Take, for example, the wonderful industry of Parabungee. Watch as, in the video below, two of these brave souls jump into a parasail. Then the man with the pack cuts his partners attachment cord. The partner bungee jumps from the parasailer as they are gliding downwards.  Once the partner has reached the end of his jump, he cuts the bungee cord and does a base jump the rest of the way back to earth. Insanity, I kid you not.

But there are more ways to get near death in New Zealand, like Canyoning where people try to go down the canyon instead of simply through it (as with the apparently now old-fashioned sport of canyoneering). To read about these and more thrill-boosters and to check out more crazy clips, read the full article here.

Image: Mental Floss

Tags: New Zealand, thrills, adrenaline, outdoor activities, parasailing, parabungee, canyoning, near-death experiences, Mental Floss

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