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BASE Jumping

Jun 27, 2006 Jodi Gallegos

Humans are enthralled by the idea of flight. Is it the sensation of flying or falling that sends BASE jumpers hurtling over the edges of perfectly stable objects?

BASE jumping in history

History is littered with tales of ingenious (and not-so-brilliant) attempts at flight. Although BASE jumping evolved from skydiving there are historic textual references to similar activities. In the 12th century, Chinese acrobats used parachute-like objects during gymnastics routines to slow their falls. Throughout the early 1900's examples of BASE jumping were limited to isolated incidents like Frederick Law's 1912 jump from the Statue of Liberty. The movie-going world was introduced to BASE jumping during the opening sequence of The Spy Who Loved Me in 1976. Until then BASE jumping was viewed as a stunt done for movies or publicity. Carl Boenish, cinematographer and "Father of Modern BASE Jumping" filmed the first jumps from El Capitan. His films showed the world that with the proper equipment and technique BASE jumping was a repeatable, recreational activity.

But what exactly is BASE jumping?

Using a parachute, a person jumps from one of four fixed objects.

  • Building

  • Antenna

  • Span (a bridge, arch or dome)

  • Earth (i.e. - cliffs)

    Although similar to skydiving, BASE jumping requires different techniques and equipment. With lower altitude jumps, the safety margin that is built in with skydiving is reduced. There is no time in BASE jumping to deploy a reserve parachute if the first fails. A skydiver can stay airborne for three minutes once the parachute has been deployed; a BASE jumper has only seconds.

    "I never had any intentions of BASE jumping..." Troy Hartman knew about BASE jumping but says, "it flat out scared me." Troy, a skysurfer and winner of the 1997 X Games, tried it after filming a Mountain Dew commercial that included BASE jumpers. His first jump involved a long trek through unfamiliar terrain. He and his guide were exhausted and at risk of having to spend the night on the freezing mountain when they finally came to the cliff while there was just enough daylight to jump. "I wasn't even scared at this point. I was just so happy to have my 'escape'. I went with very little hesitation and it was an amazing experience."

    Is BASE jumping illegal?

    BASE jumping itself is not illegal. The potential liabilities lead many land owners to ban it on their property. The BLM has some jumpable objects and some towns hold special "Bridge Days". BASE jumping in US National Parks however, is not a sanctioned activity. The restrictions have not stopped the jumpers though. The challenge of planning and executing an illegal jump adds another thrill for some. "I used to really like the covert nature of doing illegal BASE jumps," says Troy. "But it gets old. It takes a lot of energy." If apprehended, jumpers are often charged with trespassing, vandalism and breaking and entering.

    Olympic BASE jumping? Not yet! There are competitions that judge on aerial acrobatics and accurate landings. The Petronas Towers in Malaysia even hosts a formal competition. Maybe, as more formalized events are held and objective methods of judging skill are developed BASE jumping will gain more favorable recognition as a true sport.

    The copyright of the article BASE Jumping in Extreme Sports is owned by Jodi Gallegos. Permission to republish BASE Jumping in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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    Comments

    Jun 29, 2006 9:13 AM
    Jill Florio :
    Great article. I've thought about base jumping but just don't enjoy the falling part. gliding I like the idea of. But just falling, flailing around - not so much. I used to run Ropes Courses for Outward Bound...loved the ziplines. Hated the drop swings!
    Jul 1, 2006 5:36 PM
    Kelby Carr :
    I am way too chicken for this, but it sure does sound cool! Do people get killed base jumping? It just sounds like there is so much less margin for error, so to speak.
    Jul 2, 2006 8:17 AM
    Jodi Gallegos :
    Unfortunately (but as with most any activity) people can be fatally injured. It only takes seconds from jump to landing so there isn't much time to respond to problems. There isn't enough time for a reserve chute to deploy so they aren't even used. Critical injuries happen because of impact with an object (on the way down) or the earth.

    Fatalities aren't restricted to those who are new to the sport either. They can happen to the most seasoned jumper. Carl Boenish (the Father of Modern BASE jumping) died on a jump in Norway.

    So yes, BASE jumping has definite risks but with careful planning and preparation they can be minimized.
    Jul 2, 2006 1:02 PM
    Jennifer W. Miner :
    Hmmm, I read this article the same day a friend emailed me this year's Darwin Award winners' list. Coincidence? :)
    Seriously, though: Jodi, have you ever done a BASE jump?
    Jen http://luxuryresorttravel.suite101.com
    Jul 3, 2006 12:23 PM
    Jill Florio :
    I was climbing in Yosemite a few days after a seasoned female base jumper died off El Cap. People were pretty bumed about it. But if you are going to go, that's a pretty worthy way - doing what you love, outdoors. I'd rather that than a lowly car wreck.
    Jul 5, 2006 7:48 AM
    Jodi Gallegos :
    El Cap is still a big draw for BASE jumpers (and is an illegal jump site). I can imagine how surprising it is to be just beginning or finishing a hike and look up to see someone jump.

    In my area there aren't really many places to jump (aside from national parks) so there isn't much opportunity for or interest in BASE jumping. I remember watching stories about it on TV and thinking I was destined to try it. When I was too young to sign up there was a skydiving school and it closed just before I made the age. The universe conspired against me and my BASE jumping aspirations. (Not to mention the fact that my teenage self lost focus!)
    6 Comments


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