Markj 0 #1 March 6, 2004 Hi Excuse the newbienuss of this post (if there is such a word) I live in the UK and have 34 jumps and have my A license. I was just wondering what I need to be able to do a base jump. I am dead keen!!! Is there X amount of jumps you need & a certain license that you need or a course that you need to go on etc etc.. Any info appreciated,, thanks. M.J Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CanuckInUSA 0 #2 March 6, 2004 There's already a couple of threads talking about whether it's better to have skydiving experience or whether it's better to be (as some would say) not tainted with skydiving before you take up likely the most dangerous thing you will ever do in your life and could very seriously hurt or kill yourself while doing it. Here's the pro-skydiving view. Here's the anti-skydiving view. Try not to worry about the things you have no control over Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Markj 0 #3 March 6, 2004 Wow, I think this could really open up a can of worms but I would defintely think that you would need a good few jumps before you could do a base jump. This is just my oppinion though.. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites bps 0 #4 March 6, 2004 Hi Mark -- Check out the "Getting into BASE" link at the top of this forum. It has very useful information and a ton of links where you can educate yourself on this sport. C-ya, Bryan Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Markj 0 #5 March 6, 2004 Cool, thanks. Will have a read through.. M.J Share this post Link to post Share on other sites TomAiello 25 #6 March 8, 2004 I strongly recommend you look up some UK BASE jumpers to chat with in person. Try looking at the UK BASE Board.-- Tom Aiello [email protected] SnakeRiverBASE.com Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Jasmin 0 #7 March 8, 2004 I'm going to be a little predictable here... Skydiving is a really valuable tool, it gives you a grounding in basics (canopy control, picking winds, dealing with openings etc) with a little more time and height. ie a potential for being a little more friendly/forgiving on a beginner. (Aussie perspective here!) That said, we've all seen/heard of great skydivers go and do stupid things off cliffs and objects....and we've all seen/heard of great BASE jumpers get on aircraft and do relatively dumb things also.... Having seen non-skydivers being taught BASE, skydivers becoming BASE jumpers and a complete whuffo being thrown off a bridge....I'd say go and get the jumps in an environment that's a little more forgiving, then find a tutor and go out and play!! But that's just my $0.02 worth!!xj "I wouldn't recommend picking a fight with the earth...but then I wouldn't recommend picking a fight with a car either, and that's having tried both." Share this post Link to post Share on other sites scottjaco 0 #8 March 9, 2004 That anti skydiving viewpoint cracks me up! I don't know why anybody would base jump without a few skydives. To me, thats suicidal! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites hookitt 0 #9 March 9, 2004 QuoteThat anti skydiving viewpoint cracks me up! I don't know why anybody would base jump without a few skydives. To me, thats suicidal! You answered a question you didn't ask. I'm referring to the statement in the other thread,QuoteOther than that, skydiving is every bit as dangerous as BASE Think about it. Explanation is not necessarry. I'm not picking on you or anything I'm just pointing it out. If that same thought was in my head, I'd like it pointed out. The first time you stand on an edge, it will become crystal clear that BASE is more dangerous. And now we return you to the regular broadcastMy grammar sometimes resembles that of magnetic refrigerator poetry... Ghetto Share this post Link to post Share on other sites scottjaco 0 #10 March 9, 2004 I'm probably going to learn to Base Jump this year. I'm going to take the BR first jump course. It looks like they have a pretty safe way of teaching the sport. The bridge looks like it has plenty of margin for error. Spanways seem pretty forgiving compared to Earth or Building since you can get away with an off heading opening. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites TomAiello 25 #11 March 9, 2004 QuoteI'm going to take the BR first jump course. It looks like they have a pretty safe way of teaching the sport. The bridge looks like it has plenty of margin for error. Spanways seem pretty forgiving compared to Earth or Building since you can get away with an off heading opening. Student jumps definitely ought to be done off a span. That said, I believe that _all_ the major FJC's in the U.S. are held off the same bridge. So, the choice of object is not a reason to choose BR over Vertigo, Morpheus, CR, or the Johnny Utah course--they are all held at the same place.-- Tom Aiello [email protected] SnakeRiverBASE.com Share this post Link to post Share on other sites skreamer 1 #12 March 9, 2004 QuoteIt looks like they have a pretty safe way of teaching the sport. The bridge looks like it has plenty of margin for error. When I did the course last year, the student jumping before me got disoriented on opening and flew to the wrong side of the river. He tried to land on the rocks but only succeeded in breaking both his feet on a rock and falling back into the river. One foot only needed plaster, the other needed surgery. He had almost 2 000 skydives and 10 BASE jumps before attending the FJC. Just because the bridge is safer than most other objects doesn't mean it is safe (ask the guy who overdelayed and got such a big enema it turned him green ). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites scottjaco 0 #13 March 9, 2004 Thanks for the info, I guess Basic Research comes to mind because I jump at Perris most of the time and BR is down the street. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites scottjaco 0 #14 March 9, 2004 Wow, why do you think he go disoriented from opening shock? This guy had 2000 jumps? seems odd. Are the opening shocks pretty severe? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites BASE813 0 #15 March 9, 2004 I also did my FJC a couple years ago at that span and saw 1 broken foot (VERY experienced jumper) and also a fractured spine on a guy who was jumping with me after I finished the FJC......... It maybe a span but its still a BASE jump with things to think about. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites TomAiello 25 #16 March 9, 2004 QuoteWow, why do you think he go disoriented from opening shock? This guy had 2000 jumps? seems odd. Are the opening shocks pretty severe? Opening shock on a freefall slider down deployment is much harder than on any skydive. Anyone can get disoriented. Having 2000 skydives is good preparation, but there are no guarantees. Especially with an off heading, things can get pretty confusing to a student in a hurry.-- Tom Aiello [email protected] SnakeRiverBASE.com Share this post Link to post Share on other sites BASE813 0 #17 March 9, 2004 QuoteWow, why do you think he go disoriented from opening shock? This guy had 2000 jumps? seems odd. Are the opening shocks pretty severe? he may have had 2000 jumps opening at 2000+ ft but opening at 200ft with a slammer slider off for the first few times may make your brain race a little....... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites skreamer 1 #18 March 9, 2004 Quotewhy do you think he go disoriented from opening shock? Don't know, he wasn't sure himself. The delay was definitely not more than 2 seconds. Opening was almost 90 left so maybe he instinctively just flew to the first shore he saw, I'm not sure and neither was he. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Faber 0 #19 March 9, 2004 QuoteWow, why do you think he go disoriented from opening shock? last saturday i made a 3,5sec delay from 400ft,slider down on my fox 265vtec.I CANT REMBER I LANDED THE CANOPY,and i got 2 bruised ribs from that one..(got slammed by the walkie). I can rember that i let go of the pc,and next thing im in the car and were on our way from the object.In the time i CANT rember this happened(from video).I scream as the canopy opens(aargh)i then make a fast 180turn nice flare,soon as im landed i fall to my knees.(now from groundcrew).I have trouble breathing,they take off the gear from me,raise me to get to the car. i get unconcius(fall)Peter C. then carry me to the car,and off we go. I can rember were drivinmg through a city not far away(max 2-3 mins) from the object),but i still miss a couple of mins,but you can see i fly and land the canopy nice.YES you can be disorintated,im just happy it were the only time i tryed that so far... I blame my bad choise of possision of the walkie of this(inside a pocket in my jacket,at the same place my chest strap goes over)acsident. QuoteAre the opening shocks pretty severe? they are breathless Stay safe Stefan Faber Share this post Link to post Share on other sites CanuckInUSA 0 #20 March 9, 2004 QuoteThanks for the info, I guess Basic Research comes to mind because I jump at Perris most of the time and BR is down the street. For you it makes sense to take your FJC with BR because you likely want to build a relationship with them for future training and trips. I have decided to go with Vertigo for this reason. Once I've paid my dues at the Perrine, I can see myself spending a fair amount of time in Moab (where Vertigo is located). Now I only wish I knew about Johnny Utah first. Ah it's all good. I'm confident that Jimmy or Marta will give me the appropriate training that I'll need. Try not to worry about the things you have no control over Share this post Link to post Share on other sites skreamer 1 #21 March 9, 2004 QuoteOnce I've paid my dues at the Perrine, I can see myself spending a fair amount of time in Moab Dunno if you can pay your dues there (IMHO), I got 12 in off the bridge but reckon I only started paying my dues when I got back from the FJC (and still will be for some time). As a very experienced jumper said to me : "You are now in the trenches, be very careful!" Share this post Link to post Share on other sites CanuckInUSA 0 #22 March 9, 2004 When I say pay my dues, I don't mean just on the FJC. I'm talking about repeat trips to the Perrine (I'm thinking of taking a week off of work this summer and go there instead of doing a summer boogie). Try not to worry about the things you have no control over Share this post Link to post Share on other sites scottjaco 0 #23 March 10, 2004 QuoteAre the opening shocks pretty severe? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- they are breathless So I would assume that a Base opening (slider down) feels like an extreamly hard opening on a skydiving rig? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites BASE813 0 #24 March 10, 2004 QuoteWhen I say pay my dues, I don't mean just on the FJC. I'm talking about repeat trips to the Perrine (I'm thinking of taking a week off of work this summer and go there instead of doing a summer boogie). I dont think skreamer meant that. I think what he meant (and I certainly agree) is that banging a load of jumps off that span does not prepare you for the "dark side of BASE" - certainly not for jumping in the UK any how. I have heard of at least one UKer that after the FJC at that span got back to the UK and after his first "raid" gave up. That span prepares you for exiting and low altitude canopy flight - but thats all. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites TomAiello 25 #25 March 10, 2004 Quote...I would assume that a Base opening (slider down) feels like an extremely hard opening on a skydiving rig? Since we've started a separate thread on opening shock, you might want to redirect this question into that thread.-- Tom Aiello [email protected] SnakeRiverBASE.com Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Prev 1 2 Next Page 1 of 2 0
bps 0 #4 March 6, 2004 Hi Mark -- Check out the "Getting into BASE" link at the top of this forum. It has very useful information and a ton of links where you can educate yourself on this sport. C-ya, Bryan Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Markj 0 #5 March 6, 2004 Cool, thanks. Will have a read through.. M.J Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TomAiello 25 #6 March 8, 2004 I strongly recommend you look up some UK BASE jumpers to chat with in person. Try looking at the UK BASE Board.-- Tom Aiello [email protected] SnakeRiverBASE.com Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jasmin 0 #7 March 8, 2004 I'm going to be a little predictable here... Skydiving is a really valuable tool, it gives you a grounding in basics (canopy control, picking winds, dealing with openings etc) with a little more time and height. ie a potential for being a little more friendly/forgiving on a beginner. (Aussie perspective here!) That said, we've all seen/heard of great skydivers go and do stupid things off cliffs and objects....and we've all seen/heard of great BASE jumpers get on aircraft and do relatively dumb things also.... Having seen non-skydivers being taught BASE, skydivers becoming BASE jumpers and a complete whuffo being thrown off a bridge....I'd say go and get the jumps in an environment that's a little more forgiving, then find a tutor and go out and play!! But that's just my $0.02 worth!!xj "I wouldn't recommend picking a fight with the earth...but then I wouldn't recommend picking a fight with a car either, and that's having tried both." Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
scottjaco 0 #8 March 9, 2004 That anti skydiving viewpoint cracks me up! I don't know why anybody would base jump without a few skydives. To me, thats suicidal! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hookitt 0 #9 March 9, 2004 QuoteThat anti skydiving viewpoint cracks me up! I don't know why anybody would base jump without a few skydives. To me, thats suicidal! You answered a question you didn't ask. I'm referring to the statement in the other thread,QuoteOther than that, skydiving is every bit as dangerous as BASE Think about it. Explanation is not necessarry. I'm not picking on you or anything I'm just pointing it out. If that same thought was in my head, I'd like it pointed out. The first time you stand on an edge, it will become crystal clear that BASE is more dangerous. And now we return you to the regular broadcastMy grammar sometimes resembles that of magnetic refrigerator poetry... Ghetto Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
scottjaco 0 #10 March 9, 2004 I'm probably going to learn to Base Jump this year. I'm going to take the BR first jump course. It looks like they have a pretty safe way of teaching the sport. The bridge looks like it has plenty of margin for error. Spanways seem pretty forgiving compared to Earth or Building since you can get away with an off heading opening. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TomAiello 25 #11 March 9, 2004 QuoteI'm going to take the BR first jump course. It looks like they have a pretty safe way of teaching the sport. The bridge looks like it has plenty of margin for error. Spanways seem pretty forgiving compared to Earth or Building since you can get away with an off heading opening. Student jumps definitely ought to be done off a span. That said, I believe that _all_ the major FJC's in the U.S. are held off the same bridge. So, the choice of object is not a reason to choose BR over Vertigo, Morpheus, CR, or the Johnny Utah course--they are all held at the same place.-- Tom Aiello [email protected] SnakeRiverBASE.com Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skreamer 1 #12 March 9, 2004 QuoteIt looks like they have a pretty safe way of teaching the sport. The bridge looks like it has plenty of margin for error. When I did the course last year, the student jumping before me got disoriented on opening and flew to the wrong side of the river. He tried to land on the rocks but only succeeded in breaking both his feet on a rock and falling back into the river. One foot only needed plaster, the other needed surgery. He had almost 2 000 skydives and 10 BASE jumps before attending the FJC. Just because the bridge is safer than most other objects doesn't mean it is safe (ask the guy who overdelayed and got such a big enema it turned him green ). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
scottjaco 0 #13 March 9, 2004 Thanks for the info, I guess Basic Research comes to mind because I jump at Perris most of the time and BR is down the street. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
scottjaco 0 #14 March 9, 2004 Wow, why do you think he go disoriented from opening shock? This guy had 2000 jumps? seems odd. Are the opening shocks pretty severe? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BASE813 0 #15 March 9, 2004 I also did my FJC a couple years ago at that span and saw 1 broken foot (VERY experienced jumper) and also a fractured spine on a guy who was jumping with me after I finished the FJC......... It maybe a span but its still a BASE jump with things to think about. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TomAiello 25 #16 March 9, 2004 QuoteWow, why do you think he go disoriented from opening shock? This guy had 2000 jumps? seems odd. Are the opening shocks pretty severe? Opening shock on a freefall slider down deployment is much harder than on any skydive. Anyone can get disoriented. Having 2000 skydives is good preparation, but there are no guarantees. Especially with an off heading, things can get pretty confusing to a student in a hurry.-- Tom Aiello [email protected] SnakeRiverBASE.com Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BASE813 0 #17 March 9, 2004 QuoteWow, why do you think he go disoriented from opening shock? This guy had 2000 jumps? seems odd. Are the opening shocks pretty severe? he may have had 2000 jumps opening at 2000+ ft but opening at 200ft with a slammer slider off for the first few times may make your brain race a little....... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skreamer 1 #18 March 9, 2004 Quotewhy do you think he go disoriented from opening shock? Don't know, he wasn't sure himself. The delay was definitely not more than 2 seconds. Opening was almost 90 left so maybe he instinctively just flew to the first shore he saw, I'm not sure and neither was he. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Faber 0 #19 March 9, 2004 QuoteWow, why do you think he go disoriented from opening shock? last saturday i made a 3,5sec delay from 400ft,slider down on my fox 265vtec.I CANT REMBER I LANDED THE CANOPY,and i got 2 bruised ribs from that one..(got slammed by the walkie). I can rember that i let go of the pc,and next thing im in the car and were on our way from the object.In the time i CANT rember this happened(from video).I scream as the canopy opens(aargh)i then make a fast 180turn nice flare,soon as im landed i fall to my knees.(now from groundcrew).I have trouble breathing,they take off the gear from me,raise me to get to the car. i get unconcius(fall)Peter C. then carry me to the car,and off we go. I can rember were drivinmg through a city not far away(max 2-3 mins) from the object),but i still miss a couple of mins,but you can see i fly and land the canopy nice.YES you can be disorintated,im just happy it were the only time i tryed that so far... I blame my bad choise of possision of the walkie of this(inside a pocket in my jacket,at the same place my chest strap goes over)acsident. QuoteAre the opening shocks pretty severe? they are breathless Stay safe Stefan Faber Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CanuckInUSA 0 #20 March 9, 2004 QuoteThanks for the info, I guess Basic Research comes to mind because I jump at Perris most of the time and BR is down the street. For you it makes sense to take your FJC with BR because you likely want to build a relationship with them for future training and trips. I have decided to go with Vertigo for this reason. Once I've paid my dues at the Perrine, I can see myself spending a fair amount of time in Moab (where Vertigo is located). Now I only wish I knew about Johnny Utah first. Ah it's all good. I'm confident that Jimmy or Marta will give me the appropriate training that I'll need. Try not to worry about the things you have no control over Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skreamer 1 #21 March 9, 2004 QuoteOnce I've paid my dues at the Perrine, I can see myself spending a fair amount of time in Moab Dunno if you can pay your dues there (IMHO), I got 12 in off the bridge but reckon I only started paying my dues when I got back from the FJC (and still will be for some time). As a very experienced jumper said to me : "You are now in the trenches, be very careful!" Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CanuckInUSA 0 #22 March 9, 2004 When I say pay my dues, I don't mean just on the FJC. I'm talking about repeat trips to the Perrine (I'm thinking of taking a week off of work this summer and go there instead of doing a summer boogie). Try not to worry about the things you have no control over Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
scottjaco 0 #23 March 10, 2004 QuoteAre the opening shocks pretty severe? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- they are breathless So I would assume that a Base opening (slider down) feels like an extreamly hard opening on a skydiving rig? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BASE813 0 #24 March 10, 2004 QuoteWhen I say pay my dues, I don't mean just on the FJC. I'm talking about repeat trips to the Perrine (I'm thinking of taking a week off of work this summer and go there instead of doing a summer boogie). I dont think skreamer meant that. I think what he meant (and I certainly agree) is that banging a load of jumps off that span does not prepare you for the "dark side of BASE" - certainly not for jumping in the UK any how. I have heard of at least one UKer that after the FJC at that span got back to the UK and after his first "raid" gave up. That span prepares you for exiting and low altitude canopy flight - but thats all. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TomAiello 25 #25 March 10, 2004 Quote...I would assume that a Base opening (slider down) feels like an extremely hard opening on a skydiving rig? Since we've started a separate thread on opening shock, you might want to redirect this question into that thread.-- Tom Aiello [email protected] SnakeRiverBASE.com Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
