BASE jumping, the focus of this category, is the extreme sport of jumping from fixed objects, using a parachute to descend to the ground.
BASE is an acronym for the four categories of fixed objects from which one can jump: buildings, antennas (radio masts), spans (bridges), and earth (cliffs).
Participants in BASE jumping jump from a fixed object and, after an optional freefall, deploy the parachute to slow their descent and land.
A popular form of BASE jumping is wingsuit BASE jumping, which combines the thrill of wingsuit flying with the daring nature of BASE jumping. A wingsuit is a special jumpsuit with fabric membranes between the arms and the legs to create an airfoil that allows the jumper to glide through the air. The wingsuit generates lift, enabling the jumper to glide horizontally and control their descent, rather than free-falling.
BASE jumping is significantly more dangerous than skydiving due to several factors. BASE jumps are performed from much lower altitudes, leaving less time to deploy the parachute, and BASE jumpers carry only one parachute, unlike skydivers, who have a reserve. Also, jumping close to buildings, cliffs, and other structures increases the risk of collisions. Wind gusts and weather conditions can impact the safety of a BASE jump, as well.
Precursors to the sport of BASE jumping date back to the early 17th century when Fausto Veranzio tested a parachute by jumping from St. Mark's Campanile in Venice. However, modern BASE jumping began in the 1960s when Michael Pelkey and Brian Schubert jumped from El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. The term "BASE jumping" was coined by filmmaker Carl Boenish, who documented BASE jumps from El Capitan in 1978.
BASE jumping requires specialized equipment to ensure safety and precision. The essential gear includes a parachute system with smaller and faster canopies designed for quick and controlled descents, a well-fitted harness to secure the jumper to the parachute system, a helmet, and an altimeter to track vertical position during the jump.
Low BASE jumps, sometimes referred to as slider down jumps, are performed without a slider reefing device on the parachute, allowing for quicker openings. Techniques include a static line attached to the object and the parachute, deploying the parachute immediately upon jumping. Alternatively, the parachute is packed in a bag held by an assistant, who pulls it out as the jumper falls. The pilot chute assist technique involves an assistant who holds the pilot chute, ensuring immediate deployment.
High BASE jumps offer more freefall time, requiring different techniques. One of these is tracking, in which the jumper extends his body horizontally to increase forward speed and improve parachute deployment. Another is wingsuit flying, discussed above, where the jumper wears a wingsuit to slow the rate of descent, allowing for precision aerial maneuvers.
Tandem BASE jumping involves a skilled pilot (jumper) jumping with a passenger attached to their front, similar to tandem skydiving. This allows people with limited experience to safely experience the thrill of BASE jumping under the guidance of an expert.
BASE jumping competitions have gained popularity in recent years, with events like the World BASE Race and ProBASE World Cup. Participants are judged on criteria such as style, technique, and execution.
The legality of BASE jumping varies from one place to another. The practice is prohibited in some jurisdictions due to safety concerns and potential liability issues. However, some locations have designated areas where BASE jumping is allowed with proper permits. Unauthorized jumps can result in fines, criminal charges, and even imprisonment.
While BASE jumping offers an unparalleled adrenaline rush, it comes with significant risks. Proper training, specialized equipment, and adherence to safety protocols can mitigate these dangers to some degree. Despite the inherent risks, BASE jumping continues to attract thrill-seekers worldwide.
Topics related to the activity known as BASE jumping are the focus of this portion of our web guide.
Recommended Resources
Located in Temecula, California, Apex BASE has been involved in the BASE jumping community for over two decades, designing, engineering, and manufacturing BASE jumping equipment. The company offers a range of products, including canopies, containers, pilot chutes, and various accessories, all designed to ensure safety and performance for BASE jumpers. An online shopping area is included, along with BASE courses, informational articles, documentation, and contacts.
https://apexbase.com/
BASE jumping is an extreme sport with inherent risks, and fatalities do occur. The BASE Fatality List is an unofficial and possibly non-comprehensive record of BASE jumping fatalities dating back to 1981. Statistics are revealed on a graph showing fatalities by year, month, and week and other criterion. Also included is an online discussion forum, an online form that can be used to report incidents, and an analytics page that can be used to generate charts.
https://bfl.baseaddict.com/
The I.B. Perrine Bridge above the Snake River Canyon in Twin Falls, Idaho, is a popular location for BASE jumping and is one of the few bridges in the United States where the extreme sport is allowed year-round without a permit. David Helton, the instructor, has been skydiving since 2009 and is a certified skydiving instructor and tandem BASE instructor. Photographs, videos, a blog, and client reviews are posted on the site, and appointments may be booked online. Contacts are posted.
https://basejumpthebridge.com/
BASE Logix is a partnership between two experienced BASE jumpers who intend to bring a logical and rational approach to the sport of BASE jumping. They offer courses in the South of France and Italy, as well as progression and guiding trips to Switzerland and Greece, which focus on safety and solid progression, designed to turn experienced skydivers into competent and safe beginner BASE jumpers. Course information and schedules, accommodations, and contacts are included.
https://baselogic.org/
BASE jumping is an exciting activity that involves jumping from fixed objects with a parachute. The term "BASE" is an abbreviation for the four categories of objects from which participants jump: buildings, aerials, spans, and earth. Based on BASE jumping, the site describes the extreme sport, including its unique features, legal and safety considerations, competitive BASE jumping, a fatality list, iconic BASE jumps, iconic figures, and the gear used in the sport.
https://base-jumping.com/
Miles Daisher is a renowned BASE jump stuntman and skydiving stunt coordinator. He has completed in excess of 10,000 skydives and more than 6,000 BASE jumps. As a member of the Red Bull Air Force, he actively teaches BASE jump courses and is known for pushing the limits of the sport by creating new aspects like skyaking and rope-swing BASE jumping. He is introduced here, along with his BASE jump courses, projects, an email address, and an online contact form.
https://www.milesdaisher.com/
The business offers a variety of courses for those interested in learning base jumping, from beginners to advanced jumpers. They focus on safety and decision-making, providing training that includes jumping from helicopters, improving slider-down skills, and terminal jumping. Details of their courses and services are provided on the company's website, including schedules and other details, equipment information, an introduction to the instructor, and informational articles.
https://www.o2basejump.com/
The only Tandem BASE jumping outfitter in Norway, the business has different exit points to choose from that offers a unique tandem BASE jump with views of fjords, mountains, and waterfalls, weather permitting. Its locations, schedules, and pricing are featured on the site, including photographs, videos, and descriptive text. The tandem instructor is introduced, including his parachuting career, experience, equipment, and sponsors. General information about BASE jumping is included.
https://www.tandembasenorway.com/
