Summer school makes Troy Kuziel want to jump off of a bridge.

Over the last few months, Kuziel, a senior art major, has been part of a small group of brave Eastern students who go bridge jumping every week.

Kuziel said he took his first plunge when he was in Charleston last summer.

“It was nerve-racking at first,” Kuziel said. “The bridge is probably 30 or 40 feet above the water, so it’s pretty scary to do the first jump.”

However, Kuziel said while his first jump was the most intimidating, it was also the most fulfilling.

“I was definitely scared, but eventually I just closed my eyes and leaped,” he said. “I was afraid of hitting the bottom of the river, but once I realized how deep it was, it was a lot easier to jump again.”

The bridge, located on East County Road, is about three miles outside of Charleston’s uptown square and hangs over the Embarras River.

Kuziel said the dark green hue of the water often discourages newcomers from taking the plunge, but most usually come around.

“The river definitely looks dirty,” he said. “But once I realized it was the same water that flows into Lake Charleston, it didn’t really bother me.”

Kuziel said while many people come to simply swim in the water and cool off in the summer heat, his group of friends always comes for the jump.

“I’ve always been into extreme sports—skateboarding, wakeboarding, whatever—and since there’s not a lot to really do in Charleston, bridge jumping is the best alternative,” he said.

While Kuziel said the river’s cool water definitely feels good in the summer, he always looks forward to the adrenaline rush from jumping.

“Cooling off is just an added benefit,” he said. “The best part is the few seconds in between jumping and hitting the water below.”

“Every time I jump it’s exhilarating. It’s not scary anymore, but it’s still thrilling.”

Kuziel said he and his friends have become increasingly brave in their jumps, and can even do back flips and dives off as they descend from 40 feet above.

Brianna Walker, a senior elementary education major who shares Kuziel’s love for bridge jumping, said she usually goes once a week.

“It’s a great way to cool off in the summer,” Walker said. “Me and my friends are always looking for time to go, especially in the last few weeks since it’s been so hot.”

Walker said bridge jumping is a great alternative activity because it does not cost money.

“I’m a college student, so it’s pretty normal to be broke and bored in the summer,” Walker said. “Jumping off a bridge may not seem like the best idea, but once you realize it’s pretty safe, it’s a ton of fun.”

John Downen can be reached at 581-7942 or [email protected]