Re: [kingmonkey] Approaching BASE'ers 4 first time
I think the thing to remember with experienced BASE jumpers at a DZ is that they see BASE and skydiving as very different things. But, a couple of things that I would recommend:
- Don't go up to them and say that you want to try BASE, that you heard about a really tall antenna, so it shouldn't be any worse than a low, fixed-object skydive.
- GET A RIG!!! Tons of people at the DZ that know that I BASE jump come up to me and ask me to get them into BASE. Nobody is going to get you into BASE, and you are asking for someone (if you are asking how to ask BASE jumpers to take you out, you probably aren't buddies with them already) to take you out and have them take responsibility for everything that you are going to do, and everything that you will do in the near future. Simply, everyone wants to "try" BASE, but when you have a rig, it shows that you are serious, and that you put the thought into BASE enough that you shelled out some hard-earned cash, that you could have easily spent somewhere else to get a rig...
- The one thing that I am certain about is that when I think about my first jump, I smile. Start talking to them like they are a normal person, instead of the superman that they are, and you will become, and ask them how they got into BASE, what was their first jump was like, ask what kind of gear they like, etc... People respond much better when they get to talk about themselves, instead of having to hear about how you can't think about anything but BASE, but don't have a BASE rig because you are broke, but are also spending $250 a weekend on jump tickets...
- Offer to groundcrew. You'll find out how much you want to jump when you have to leave your house at 1am to get 3 seconds of freefall from the local A, 85 miles each way, and then go to work and not act tired. It isn't all fun and games... But most importantly, when you are stuck in a car for an hour and a half each way, with jumpers getting excited about the jump, and all they can think about is BASE, it is a good time to talk to them and ask your questions then.
- Read and read and read about BASE... Not just what a tailgate is, why it works, or what kind of setup and delay you would take from 200, 400, 700, 1000, and 2000 feet, and anywhere in between. And why there isn't a good answer for any of the above since every object is different, landing areas, wires, streets, etc... Do you know how many people have already died in BASE, how many people get hurt, and what are some of the primary causes? Its all here on the internet, you can learn it and quench the thirst that you claim to have. Satisfy it by reading and reading. I bet you can't make it to the end of every post on here, and dz.com isn't the best internet resource for BASE knowledge.
The more you know, the more respect and "realness" you will present to this experienced jumper, and I'm sure he will take that into account. I think there is a fundamental flaw, and its only semantics, but you can't ask what are experienced jumpers looking for in their new students. They aren't. 200 jumps is just a suggestion, and you will find that it isn't that people are trying to keep you out with less. If you start with 300, you won't regret waiting another 100. I wanted to BASE since I got on the first plane, but had over 450 before I did my first fixed object. I didn't regret waiting...
There are tons of articles to read on here about what canopy size to get. Maybe you should already know it. What if this experience jumper asks you what kind of canopy you are going to get, and you just start studdering? BASE isn't a derivative of skydiving- it is it's own craziness, with very different gear and techniques. And it is just a tad bit dangerous. You owe it to yourself and everyone that loves you to prepare for it as completely as possible before you take that first leap...
Ok, I'm out. I just got put on nights at work, there is nothing to do here, I've already packed my rig... Damn, I love BASE...
,but i could bring both my rigs(that means after sept.)if the 2 canopyes will let you feel more safe