Henry Van Asch
Co-Founder / Director
AJ Hackett Bungy
Queenstown, Otago NZ
“Some people have constraints on themselves, or society or others put constraints on people's minds or thinking, but really we can do whatever we want to do.”
Videos
By Roadtrip NationHenry Van Asch
Milestones
My road in life has been direct.
After high school, he got a job as a truck driver.
Tried out university, studied philosophy and phenomenology of religion; realized he didn't like it, left after one year, went back to driving trucks.
Started speed skiing and mountain bike racing; "they kind of combined to be something I was interested in: air, force and gravity."
Moved to Europe where he met A.J. Hackett; together they co-developed the modern bungy.
Gained recognition after Hackett bungy jumped off of the Eiffel Tower.
Says that bungy jumping is a personal challenge; it comes down to how you physically and mentally deal with perceived danger.
Believes bungy jumping creates a point of intense focus that doesn't happen very often: everything opens up after you decide to jump.
Says like in life, if you think about the risk of bungy jumping rationally, you'll know it's safe, but you still have to ready yourself to take that risk emotionally.
Keep following my journey
Career
Co-Founder / Director
I co-created modern bungy jumping which has been hailed as the birth of adventure tourism in New Zealand.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Action Sports
Entrepreneurship
Being Physically Active
Interviewed By
Christchurch - Auckland
Beginning the final week of their roadtrip, the team interviews Vicki Buck, former mayor of Christchurch and founder of a sustainable energy company. Heading to Queenstown, the team interviews helicopter pilot Louisa "Choppy" Patterson. The team's final interview is with bungee legend Henry Van Asch, after which the team decides to take a huge risk and bungee jump, themselves. As they head back to Auckland to fly back to the United States, the team leaves New Zealand with a new perspective and a new outlook on their futures.
