freeatlast

**** I have copied this across form the burning objects thread because i felt it might get lost at the bottom of 70 odd replies .... ****

Here's just my 0.02c on the current situation ...

Firstly it's almost impossible to maintain rules in an unregulated sport.

There is a certain degree of self regulation which used to be more effective because of the very limited choices that existed to a potential newbie looking at starting base (it was relatively easy to control their access to information / tuition and equipment).

Nowadays information (objects / technical info etc) is easier to obtain and instruction and equipment is easier to obtain.

So the "old" system of self regulation is increasingly under pressure from those who would ignore / abuse the system or those with perhaps a commercial or other interest.

The options left seem to be either:-

DIRECT ACTION - which includes the suspension of access to equipment of prevention of access to an object (perhaps due to mobility issues such as broken limbs) ....

Or INDIRECT ACTION which is the more difficult option but involves groups of all those people who maybe affected by all the negative effects of these un-educated / headstrong jumpers (often who are learning without guidance) ... Grouping together and taking a collective responsibility to try and educate those that are following along this path.

Perhaps prospective new jumpers on a commercial course could have to produce a reference from a local jumper prepared to take responsibility for the new jumper - this would also only work if those current jumpers within an area also took an active responsibility and interest in those wishing to learn ... It would be no longer possible for someone to say "well thanks for all my tuition but i do not feel able to be responsible for another person" but would instead put the onus on the current jumpers to support the locals who wish to teach and train.

Options include

1. To try and govern by force - which is difficult both morally and effectively

2. To try and govern by influence to show by example and leadership the path that is recommended so all involved in the sport have a standard to try and achieve.

3. To accept the status quo and drift through this situation with no ability to determine the outcome - often with a great deal of ineffectual bitching and self congratulation

4 To try and wash your hands of the situation - although eventually the sum of everyone else's actions will eventually effect you

5 Move to NZ - it's a great country .... ;-)

One thing i think everyone will agree with is that the situation will not just simply go away and perhaps it is time for the whole community to try and find a simple set of arrangements that will safe-guard the future if the sport for the next generations, because as much as we owe those that blazed a path before us, perhaps it is our responsibility to ensure a future for those who follow ....

One thing that is certain .... those who are forced into a postion where force seems the only option are generally not the type of people who wish to inflict harm randomly on innocents but are often simply normal, rational individuals who are passionate about our sport who have often simply run out of options and would happily consider any viable alternative that can be presented ....

Perhaps a wiser person than me can suggest a reasonable and effective alternative to the simple method of controlling access to sites and equipment ....

Now i'm off to try and re-pack before my head hurts too much ....

Here's just my 0.02c on the current situation ...

Firstly it's almost impossible to maintain rules in an unregulated sport.

There is a certain degree of self regulation which used to be more effective because of the very limited choices that existed to a potential newbie looking at starting base (it was relatively easy to control their access to information / tuition and equipment).

Nowadays information (objects / technical info etc) is easier to obtain and instruction and equipment is easier to obtain.

So the "old" system of self regulation is increasingly under pressure from those who would ignore / abuse the system or those with perhaps a commercial or other interest.

The options left seem to be either:-

DIRECT ACTION - which includes the suspension of access to equipment of prevention of access to an object (perhaps due to mobility issues such as broken limbs) ....

Or INDIRECT ACTION which is the more difficult option but involves groups of all those people who maybe affected by all the negative effects of these un-educated / headstrong jumpers (often who are learning without guidance) ... Grouping together and taking a collective responsibility to try and educate those that are following along this path.

Perhaps prospective new jumpers on a commercial course could have to produce a reference from a local jumper prepared to take responsibility for the new jumper - this would also only work if those current jumpers within an area also took an active responsibility and interest in those wishing to learn ... It would be no longer possible for someone to say "well thanks for all my tuition but i do not feel able to be responsible for another person" but would instead put the onus on the current jumpers to support the locals who wish to teach and train.

Options include

1. To try and govern by force - which is difficult both morally and effectively

2. To try and govern by influence to show by example and leadership the path that is recommended so all involved in the sport have a standard to try and achieve.

3. To accept the status quo and drift through this situation with no ability to determine the outcome - often with a great deal of ineffectual bitching and self congratulation

4 To try and wash your hands of the situation - although eventually the sum of everyone else's actions will eventually effect you

5 Move to NZ - it's a great country .... ;-)

One thing i think everyone will agree with is that the situation will not just simply go away and perhaps it is time for the whole community to try and find a simple set of arrangements that will safe-guard the future if the sport for the next generations, because as much as we owe those that blazed a path before us, perhaps it is our responsibility to ensure a future for those who follow ....

One thing that is certain .... those who aare forced into a postion where force seems the only option are generally not the type of people who wish to inflict harm randomly on innocents but are often simply normal, rational individuals who are passionate about our sport who have often simply run out of options and would happily consider any viable alternative that can be presented ....

Perhaps a wiser person than me can suggest a reasonable and effective alternative to the simple method of controlling access to sites and equipment ....

Now i'm off to try and re-pack before my head hurts too much ....

So I guess you'll be wanting more T-shirts then ....

Fantastic job ....

A real work of art ...

Original and funny ...

But no meatballs ????

Hi there

I would suggest that you try either a nice small lens size in a strong flexible frame using a material such as titanium.

Brands available in the uk include

Silhouette

Lindberg (Air / Rim / Strip) titanium frames

Flexon and Nike (who use flexon material as well) ....

Many designer brands also use titanium in their ranges ...

If you do not go for these then you will need at the very least a frame with a spring hinge ....

Alternatively there is a version of the "old nhs" round frame that comes with a curl side (very handy for staying on your face) ... But not very trendy looking.

Several manufacturers make sport frames which can be glazed

Oakley - but these can take a while and cost a reasonable amount

Adidas - make a glazeable insert that fits their sunglasses - good and relatively quick

Rayban do an opthalmic range (easily glazeable) ...

Norviles make a sport insert as do several other lesser known companies - check with any reputable optician and they should be able to point you in the right direction ...

Otherwise PM me with your location and i'll try to give you someone who can sort you out locally ....

Regards


James ...

... Ah that explains it .....

[reply

I just learned that the German BASE Association has 'official' BASE instructors. Can somebody from the G.B.A. elaborate on what that means? I'm also curious how having an organizational body and legal jumps from high profile objects has affected BASE jumping in Germany. Is it still true you have to wear a belly mounted reserve on those jumps? Has it affected the underground jumping and traditional influx of BASE jumping at all?