JOY

Totally Excellent Story!!! [email protected]

Hey Phil, if this is you, the piglet I was referring to is when you and Smitty were the first two B's off the TCC. I just saw the A photo off the old Ch. 8 tower, great platform,and I remember Smitty jumped that stratoflyer until he got the cruislite. Call me if your in Houston. Rick H [email protected] [email protected]

It wasn't a paracomander. I think it was a piglet canopy off of the 1st B in BASE and Mayfield was the one who jumped it behind Smitty. Rick H [email protected]

56 BASE Jumping 25 years, never missed a year. Last jump 3 days ago with 460. Cliffleaper BASE 38 [email protected]

I was. Cliffleaper [email protected]

Hello all, The "Green Card" is available for anyone who qualifies (or has qualified in the past) for a number. I think having it laminated is a good idea, especially if you keep it in your wallet. Keep having fun! Joy [email protected]

Hey guys, this is Old Timer Rick Harrison. Great discussion and I totally agree that evolution of BASE and everything in life is inevitable. The newer skills, wing suits, techniques and gear are great. But remember, to be a good leader in any endeavor, politics, spots and BASE, you need to have an understanding of where we've been and how we started in order to know where we should go. This is the only way to prevent repeating mistakes of the past. People like Mick and Tom's sites are as important to this evolution as us old guys since sharing information world wide is critical to positive evolution. Anyway, I do believe being a whole BASE jumper involves more than just having the balls to jump off the edge although that is a big part that separates us from any other in the world. There is a "Spirit" of BASE we all need to hang on to. Rick Harrison BASE 38. [email protected]

Heart felt condolences to his family... [email protected]

Hey guys, this is Rick Harrison and after 35 years of skydiving and 25 years of BASE jumping, I have learned there will never be an absolute answer to this dilemma. Back in the early 80's, we actually enjoyed publicity so long as it was good, like the Bridge Day event. We also saw the problems of legal uncontrolled sites as early as New River 82 when Smitty and I had to talk a drunk student skydiver with only 5 static line jumps out of jumping at Bridge Day despite his drunker girlfriend egging him on to jump. The next year he sought us out and thanked us. I for one believe like Nick that legal sites and the super gear we now have, has contributed to unqualified jumpers in the sport. As I've said for 20 years the gear is getting so foolproof that fools are getting into the sport. But the freedom part of BASE is the individual decision regarding a persons Celebration of the Human Spirit. Unless you have a jumper who is so wrong or so wasted they may likely kill themselves, I don't think it's our place to actually stop a jump. Carl always realized this sport would grow and knew all too well that a few irresponsible jumpers could screw things up. It's always been true, just more so now. FACT is, the sport will never be quite the same as the "old days" when the first 50 BASE jumpers probably had over ten years and a thousand skydives at the beginning. Since we can't go back we need more good FJC's to teach the hard lessons of the past. I must say since Joy and I started issuing the BASE numbers, I have been VERY impressed with many of the letters we get where people started with a great FJC like Marta and Jimmy and Tom's and others. I'm also impressed how many of these new jumpers actually start slow and keep a smart steady pace before pushing the harder ones. Their FJC's seem to teach them to be more aware of their limits and we need a lot more of that. As far as the Saber 170 jumper, he was crazy for doing a short delay at ITW with that canopy, but we aren't police. It often depends on if they are experienced enough to know their gear and their skills. If you feel they are not skilled or do not know the risk, I feel you have a humanitarian duty to warn them but probably not to tackle them. That is just the compromise we need to live with in BASE. It will get more difficult as more super newbies see our sport as a carnival ride, but we have to do our best to educate them that death can come quickly in this sport. I'm sure Carl would feel the same and I think it is only in the most dangerous situations that we should interfere with the ultimate act of freedom to decide for yourself once you have been warned. Great Discussion Guys. Rick Harrison BASE 38 Night BASE 13 [email protected]

Boyd and McCarthy were on the Johnny Carson show a few days after it happened. It was very funny and positive for the sport shown as fun not totally crazy. Mike did most of the talking and Johhny loved it and showed the video. I think it was Boyd's canopy that wrapped around the top of a light pole so he was hung up and the cops got him. I think it was Mike that got away but could be the other way around. Talk about some jealous American BASE jumpers back then who all felt that King Kong's building at least deserved a freefall. Rick Harrison [email protected] [email protected]

It is rare in any sport that a person makes a commitment quite so intense as jumping off a cliff. Your are dead the second you exit and you must take action to save your life. Very few events post this challenge and I feel it is the Ultimate Celebration of Human Life Force rather than just existing. No question at the point of no return, the rush is pretty great. BASE defines a perrson. I've been a jumping lawyer for 30 years and I still consider my self a BASE jumper as who I anm, a lawyer is what I do, not who I am. Rick Harrison [email protected] [email protected]

RE: jumping off a moving train. Phil Smith, BASE #1 was the first in 1983. Then Kevin Vennel, Randy Harrison, Andy Smith, and myself, Rick Harrison all within a few weeks. Bridge was 300' high and the train was moving about 45 mph. A little scary since there is a lot more movement in the tracks and train cars than you think. Rick Harrison BASE 38 [email protected]

In late 1982 or 83, Carl Boenish filmed a large hang glider off of Half Dome carrying the pilot and 2 jumpers. They disconnected out over the valley only one hung up for 5 seconds and still tracked down to the first one to get a 2 way before opening. Great footage. Pilot was a great old 10 man star competitor with Jerry Bird's Allstars. Rick Harrison [email protected]

Iiro's is right on. Congratulations Lika, it is very good quality and nice variety of editing pace from slow to crisp. Some great exits. Iiro, when you coming to see us. I still have the firebird. Joy says Hi. Rick Harrison [email protected]

I felt I should make this a new post because I want to be sure everyone knows how much I appreciate being a member of the BASE family. It has been part of my day for over half of my life, and you all made my #50 incredibly memorable. It is an awesome feeling (one that I am sure many of you know about), knowing you can go practically anywhere in the world and be welcomed by such fine, quality people. I am, and will remain, honored. I started to answer everyone individually, but it became way too overwhelming, so to all of my friends, old, and new, well, gosh... THANX!!! Joy [email protected]

Hey BASE Jumpers, this is Rick Harrison and I wanted to let you all know that next week, August 8, is my wife Joy's Birthday. It's a big one for her, I can't tell you how big or she'd kill me, but I wish a lot of you folks would tell her Happy Birthday. She is so dedicated to keeping the numbers in order and getting all the right information so we can put keep track of it in the original BASE Book. It is very important to her and it makes her feel she has an imprtant role to do for us crazy BASE jumpers. She spends at least 20 hours a week keeping the numbers and sending e-mails. No one would spend so much effort doing this as well as she does. I'm really proud of her. Hell, in the old days, she was also the best ground crew Phil Smith and I ever had. Back in 1982 and 83, she knew downtown Houston only by where the tallest 4 buildings were. Anyway, as most of you know, we keep up the original BASE numbers out of a respect for tradition and for Carl Boenish and the spirit of a liviing brotherhood that was fostered by most of the early BASE jumpers. Joy and I knew Carl and I knew he would want the original BASE numbers to go on worldwide as the back of the card says. We like doing it but Joy does 90% of the work. Please everyone who appreciates the work Joy does, she would love a bunch of birthday wishes. She's big on that. If you're on the Zone August 8, and if you want, send her a mesaage to [email protected]. she'd just love it. Thanks guys. Rick Harrison BASE 38 N. BASE 13. [email protected] [email protected]

Hi Nick. Andy actually started BASE jumping in about 85 with Phil Smith, myself and occasionally Kevin Vennel. He came to Spaceland from Pelican Island DZ in Maryland. Andy was funny at first and lively. It wasn't until about 87 when Phil let him do the printing and most of the work making BASELINE that he got the power trip. Smitty let him go too far and he bacame a little Napoleon. I think he meant well at first, but later at Bridge Day 93 he actually helped point out 3 jumpers with warrants to the NPS Rangers. Don't ask Bill Legg, Jess Neuger or John Hoover, dec. about Andy. They won't have kind words after being arrested our of the jump line. Before that, he was clever at first. Smitty, Andy and I were climbing to 1100' on a tower and Andy got nervous and climbed down from 500'. As he approached his car in a subdivision, Phil and I could see and hear his car wouldn' start. Cops had pulled the coil wire when an old lady called after he parked by her house. Well Andy bullshitted the cops for about 5 minutes and they let him go. We couldn't believe it. He came around and Picked us up after we jumped. This was about 85 or 86. Rick Harrison BASE 38 [email protected]

Nick, I recognize that score sheet! Joy [email protected]

Sorry guys, this is Rick not Joy. I apologize for the "typing" in my train jump story last night. I was having a bit too much fun. If you can read between my ramblings, the train jumps were a blast. Rick BASE 38 [email protected]

The First five train jumps were great fun and an adventure. Phil Smith (BASE1)and Kevin Vennl scoped it out for a couple months ans went to see the train, find oput schedules, etc.. We found that freight's don';t stick to schedules, We waited sometmins before a tarain would come. First, Carl Boesnish and a helicwoptor pilot came to film Phil Smith and Kevin Venbnnell. We would sneak on the train in Del Rio, ride the train about 35 miles, get up on top, get the gear rady and when you began to cess the bridge at 45 mph, yuu hd veryu little time to jump or sit down. After Phil and Kevin went on 24;rounds that opened a bit slow, my broghher Randyu and Andy Smity went next. Aslo They had slow opeinings with the sidewase 45 mph moviement made the rounds squib a bit. A few weeks later Me and Smitty decided to use 2 of Carl's old 16' diameter parachute with inverted centers for quicker openings. We did this jump in 1983 and they were alredy using the CFR fprpowerlesss Flight then like the did in Yesemite, but is really doesnt apply at Canyon Pecos River. Anyway they dismissed the chagre at that time. Even the old local sherrif who was a nice guy had to come out since the RR automatically reports people pm tje bridge. ANyway, Smitty actullyu planned the jump and Kevin and Andy helped . Me and Smitty got to do it later for the TV program, usinlg miniture, 1`6 foot inverted cdenter ruonds,. Fast openings and land soft in the water. These were 2 old Carl Boenish rounds. Jump went great, picked up by the NPS rangers which hit us witih Best part about sneaking on a ariding a train to jume is the fun and excitement. You can't delay. When it's time to exit, you must go in a very short 3 second window or sit down. Anyway, SMitty, Kevin Vennil, Andy Smith, Randy Harrisoj and Rick Harrison are thje 5 first HOBO BASE. did give uw our gear [email protected]

"Ground Crew" is just another way of saying "spectators" anyway....Hmmm...I better think about this for a minute! Love ya anyway! [email protected]

I was 31 on Jan. 1, 1982, 1000' Bldg. Houston Cliffleaper [email protected]

dear family, friends and loved ones of Scott: my thoughts and prayers are with you in these times to any person who has information that could help find Scott: please contact Scott's family or Tom Aiello as soon as possible with that information it is time to start considering other people here and do what you can to help end this search Joy and Rick Harrison [email protected]

On January 24 the first episode of a micro series of 40 to 60 second spots will aire on CBS. It's a short plot/reality thing about a guy who has to do some deth defying stunts, (BASE jumps) to save his wife. Iiro is the star of the show called "Courier". Nine short episodes planned that can be loaded on IPOD's Cell Phones, etc. Should be fun. I'll try to post the link below. Rick Harrison Click here: CBS to Roll Out Micro Series The Courier [email protected]

Hey guys and Japp. This is Rick H not Joy even though Mr. Aiello's son's website insists on calling me Joy even though I post from my Cliffleaper e mail. Sorry Tom, it's my fault since I probably screwed up the first time I registered. Anyway, CONGRATS to Japp Suter, you summed up the relevance of the numbers pretty well. Mr. Liosi on the other hand, sorry Ray, seems to imply that us "Givers of the Numbers" somehow are the perpetuators of this ridiculous myth that a BASE number or even an earlier BASE number means your a better jumper. We all know that's crazy and I promise, Carl Boenish, Phil Smith and a all of my early BASE jump frinds never even hinted at that meaning. From this post, it seems that good old Ray is the only one seeming to perpetuate the myth that the numbers have anything to do with superiority. Sorry Ray since I don't mean to imply some personal insecurity problem??? Sorry buddy, I'm just f--king w/ ya. I like the fact that some of your posts are great examples of throwing hand grenades into the crowd to enjoy the reaction. BASE started to catch on with some experienced jumpers partly to get away from the politics hitting the DZ's in the 70's and we would never imply a quality pecking order. Date was the only logical way to issue the numbers in 1981 with only a handful worldwide. As famous as Carl Boenish already was, even when BASE began, he would ALWAYs listen in awe to anyone's first BASE jump story and he always gave the same crazy grin and monotone OOOOO! Anyone who had the guts to throw themselves off of all 4 objects in those days got the full measure of respect since it was the danger and fear that first set BASE apart from every other sport, even skydiving, not how many gainers you could do. We were a close knit communtiy spiritually even if 2 people didn't like each other personally. It's still a great fraternity, but it's not quite the same today wtih thousands of folks doing BASE jumps worldwide. BUT, Mr. Japp S is right. People that were either dumb or crazy enough to throw themselves off of a building back in the first year of the sport of BASE certainly were the kind of people who seemed to get a huge kick out of looking the reaper in the eye and saying, "I dare you! Skydiving had lost that rush or just wasn't enough. From that standpoint, it is relevant if you experienced all 4 different objects 24 years ago, you had to have a certain psycology that maybe isn't quite as necessary today with so many proven methods and gear. Only thing I want to add to Japp's message about how much crazier and closer to death we were in those days. We had shity gear for BASE, we had no history of what worked best for BASE, but what nearly all of the first 100 or at least the first 50 BASE jumpers had was an average of over 10 prior years and 1000 jumps skydiving. That was a lot of experience and air time in those days. Hell, Carl had approaching 2000 jumps before his first BASE jump. My twin bro Randy and I had 1200 to 1500 about the time of our first Building New Years night 1982. With the gear we had then, we were all lucky we had a lot of skydiving since it gave us a base to figure things out and to invent ways to improve our chances. I think that's why most of us survived, we could react to a screw up using instinct without taking time to think about it. Anyway, we really love keeping the numbers and I am still very proud to be the last elected Director of the old USBA after Carl died. Joy promises to keep doing most of the work to issue numbers so long as there is still enough jumpers who feel they want to have a direct connection to the original BASE numbers that began with our old buddy Phil S who got #1 in 1981. Also, it ain't just American. We get as many letterws from outside the US, as inside and plenty of non english speaking folks. It was always Carl's meaning that this was a worldwide honor to jump all 4 objects and like the back of the card says: "The USBA was founded in 1981 and dedicated to the safety and positive public image of BASE jumpers and BASE jumping throughout the world." So yes, I'm proud to be a BASE jumper and I like to be able to tell people that I started BASE during the first year BASE 1 was issueed. Even though I started BASE 24 years ago and still jump a few towers and cliffs, I'm by far not as skilled in aerials as most of todays active BASE jumpers. My brother and I were just crazy relative workers who craved more of a rush and happened to be born a couple decades before most of you. Keep it up and Joy and I love these posts since the very controversy shows the numbers still have a lot of worldwide significance. Here's to all my BASE brothers and sisters, number or not, we're all the same at that magic second on the edge aren't we? Joy says just keep those cards and letters coming in. I love the stories. Rick Harrison Since we're into numbers, BASE 38 Night BASE 13 Train BASE 5 (Also called HOBO BASE by Phil Smith) Night Half Dome 2 TWOP jump #1. (ASK AIELLO what a TWOP jump is.) D-3736 NSCR 634 Finally, Freak Brother #97. [email protected]