Basejumper.com - archive

I spoke to Joan, Robin's mom, today.
He is doing well and in fairly good spirits.
His C-5 fracture is in the front,
so no sugery but will wear a halo for months.
They opted not to do surgery on his fractured scapula,
but will let it heal naturally during his convalesce period.
His right elbow is pretty bad, as he had a previous injury.
They did a surgery on the elbow to repair it.
His real big problem is his left leg.
Compound fracture (multiple) above the ankle is very bad.
They cannot operate for a few days while swelling goes down,
so the doctors really have to watch out for infection.

I have a history with Robin, not all good,
but he is human, and a fellow BASE jumper.
He needs the prayer and hope for recovery from us all.

Leanne and I went by to see him yesterday and I took this statement from him this morning:

--------begin statement-------------

Kudos and heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped prepare me for transport. The professionals at the hospital said you guys were awesome! Share the knowledge!

Injuries:

Broken C5
Broken left shoulderblade
Severly broken left tib/fib
Badly gashed right elbow with lower right arm nerve damage.

For those of you who think I'm a devil, I'm happy to report that I'm being fitted with my halo today.

Now for the technical details of the jump

This began as a rigging error and ended as gross pilot error. The plan was to do a 2-3 second short delay to open high because this was a fast-moving parachute. I had a 36" PC on it. Another experienced jumper said I should use a 38" PC or bigger and I went with a 42" ZP PC that I had on hand. This created a 4 second opening because of the larger PC - resulting in a scenario exactly opposite from what I wanted and took more time to open instead of less. So I was deep in the canyon with a 40-60 degree off-heading to the right. I got the left toggle popped cleanly but missed the right - grabbing it like an old t-handle toggle on an accuracy canopy. I thought the brake was clear but it wasn't and I brainlocked and flew the rest of the dive with the right brake still set. I never attempted to clear it again as I was too busy looking at the ground. The canopy kept drifting right and I kept working it left and eventually stalled it onto the talus. This was the same canopy that I had a beautiful swoop with last year.

This event was a rigging error followed by pilot error.

Thank you very much for your thoughts and prayers.

Robin Heid
BASE 44
------------------end statement---------------

Gardner's and Leanne's Notes: Robin really took this like a man and made no complaints beyond the first few expletives anyone would utter under such duress. He realizes it is all his responsibility and, certainly, of all the injuries he sustained, his ego is probably injured the most. I know he was awfully concerned about the effect this had on the event, and I assured him that - had the winds not blown us out - we would have continued jumping ASAP. He's gonna be paying for this one bigtime. I'm sure he appreciates everyone's thoughts and prayers

Sorry I'm in a hotel right now on a public terminal and don't have the hospital contact info on me and there's some dude lurking the terminal like he wants to use it. I can tell you that he is at St. Mary-Corwin in Pueblo, CO. I'll append this with the phone numbers and address info tomorrow. Right now I gotta turn this terminal over to the lurker next to me.

BSBD,
Gardner

St. Mary-Corwin
(719) 560-4000
ICU #2003

He isn't taking calls, but the nice nurses will give him your message.

speedy recovery..............

thoughts to all recovering from injuries at this time...................

Robin, I'm sure you'll do fine with this. Robin and I also have a history, and I owe him my life in some regards which cannot be divulged but he knows and remembers the circumstances which were also physically and ego-disabling. He might in fact be sitting in the same hospital bed at this time!
With regards to E jumps, he's truly one of the pioneers and has opened tons of exits long before most current jumpers were doing hop n pops from beat up cessna's. Now, politically speaking, he can be a hornet but who gives a shit.
Heal fast
386

Best of wishes on a speedy recovery Robin. Hopefully you'll be able to write again soon so that we don't lose all our BASE articles in Skydiving.

Get well soon.

Thomas

Sorry to hear about your accident. I just recovered from a pretty bad one myself. Hang on tight and work your ass off when all the casts come off.

If you don't mind, what kind of canopy were you jumping and why do you think a 42" was not appropiate for a 2-3 sec?

Best of wishes for a swift recovery!

Heal fast Robin. That was a gnarly one, I hope everything gets put back together soon and well.
Adam

From what I saw and the reports that were passed around at Royal Gorge, he was jumping a 'clapped out' TRIATHALON 135. Not a very smart choice for any BASE jump IMHO, especially from a pioneer who claims to know everything about BASE.
It looked as if it took 400+ feet to open, then when it did open it never flew correctly. Looked as if it was in brakes the whole way then it stalled and spun dropping him into the talus. Since the winds were starting to pick up and the canopy was not fully functional and he was over a steep embankment, I think he might have also got some funky winds coming up the talus to help to contribute to the stall. An approach over the water, I think, might have helped and been safer.

I'm in the same boat as most jumpers who have met Robin, I don't particularily like him or his attitude but I hate to see people get injured. So heal up Robin... the sport wouldn't be the same without all your love and compassion

Jason
570

Best wishes and fast healing to Robin.


I wanted to add that, in my opinion, choice of canopy was one of the major factors in this accident.

For those of you reading this at home, please make BASE jumps only on BASE gear. A smallish, ZP skydiving canopy is not appropriate for a BASE jump. You may see some folks trying this, but remember that (a) the level of risk is exponentially higher, and (b) such jumps should only be attempted by people who are highly experienced both with the canopy and in BASE jumping.

Heal well, Robin.

As said before Use the right kit for the right job,Anyway it sounds like you took it like a man,and as you already know what went wrong,theres only one way HEAL FAST and get back in the air soon

Hi Robin,

Gee, brother, what was that all about?

Oh, never mind, you've been on the edge of the edge for as long as I've known you. Are you going to rehab at Moms or back in Perris?

If Perris, you'll be in the very same abode where I spent a year in plaster. That's why all those ramps are there when you moved in. When you took them up to build that beautiful wooden deck I remember Al Frisby muttering, "eh . . . that's a mistake."

And here's how to avoid retelling the story over and over. On the back of my wheelchair I hung a sign that read:

Don't Ask
It's a Long Story
And I Come Out
Looking Bad
In the End . . .

Anyway bro, heal up quick, Julia said to say she's thinking of you, and I'm sure you're already "the character" in room 2003 at St. Mary-Corwin's.

NickD
BASE 194

Yeah, I had a front row seat at the landing area, and trying to sink a Trathalon 135 into this particular landing area, off of this particular object was the problem, along with a sail slider and whatever P/C. Regardless, heal fast Robin and buy some damn B.A.S.E. gear.

Hank

Gear setup was a small Triathlon with a sail slider and mini-risers in a Vertex 2 container.

Canopy did a very fast stall-turn into the rocks, after an approach in deep brakes overshooting the landing area.

I was standing about 50 feet away and it was not a pretty sight. I hope Robin will recover completely and wish him well.

bsbd!

Yuri.

I think a lot of us had been witholding comment on the gear setup in order to avoid rubbing salt into the wound.

I'm sure Robin has suffered a pretty severe ego-toma from all of this already. He should have known better, and I'm sure he knows that in retrospect. Again, I hope he heals quickly.

Newbies... PLEASE don't use skydiving gear on BASE jumps. Bad things happen when you do.

I'm not a BASE Jumper, but I've know Robin for years and years. I was at the Bridge this past weekend.

Was the canopy that Robin used in a BASE rig? If not, then why didn't anyone say something? If it was, then I'm guessing he was trying to hide what he was doing.

I'm not pointing fingers at anyone. Robin did what he did, and I'm shocked that he would do that, knowing how important this event was to Marta, Jimmy, and Troy.

Above, Outrager wrote:


The Vertex 2 is a pin closed BASE container made by Apex (formerly Basic Research).

A "standard" exit point gear check would not have revealed the canopy, and would probably not have shown the risers (although it's recommended to check 3 rings before exit, which would have).

Who is Apex? (or are BR are changing their name?)

I'm going to split this into a new thread to avoid repeating myself endlessly.

Apex is a new company formed by the merger and re-organization of Basic Research and Vertigo. Partners in Apex are Todd Shoebotham, Marta Empinotti Pouchert, and Jimmy Pouchert. The merger was announced at the GoFast! Games.

As far as I know, all former BR and Vertigo products will continue to be offered for the time being, with new products phased in as joint developments.

When I was there on the bridge, very near the launch point, I didn't see all the jumpers get gear checks. Do you think Robin wasn't checked because of his experience level?

I really hope you're not trying to cast blame on event staff.

Yes there were gear checks, no they were not performed 100% of the time. I think I had checks on 3 out of my 4 jumps.

The understanding from the beginning was that we were all experienced, mature jumpers who would exercise good judgment. They were not there to babysit us nor should they have been expected to.

There comes a point in every endeavor where you reach a level of experience and professionalism that good judgment is expected. Robin, as BASE 44, has been in the sport (and an outspoken advocate of safety) for years. No one should have to verify that he (or any of the other jumpers there... all of whom had more than 100 BASE jumps) was using proper equipment.

It's just expected at that level.

NO WAY! NEVER! I have nothing but respect for all the people that worked so hard to make this event happen. I also have respect for all the jumpers that were there. I'm sorry if my question was taken that way. Like I said, I don't BASE, but I attended because I have so many friends involved in the event and wanted to watch and learn. My questions only come from wanting to learn.


I know what requirements Marta and Jimmy were looking for in inviting those jumpers that were there. I also know Robin and have seen him in action.

Quite honestly, you can see from a distance whether or not the harness is correctly installed upon the body.

Each time I stood at the exit, the exit managers were scouting each jumper prior to exit. The first couple times it was an up close visual front to back inspection. On later jumps it was clear that we were being looked after, just as you probably check out every one on an airplane when you're sitting in it.

His accident occured the first day. Each jumper was made to stand in place while they looked at the harness, then we had to turn around for further inspection. I saw no exceptions.

My risers have mini rings on them. So do most rigs out there. If the rings were visible, I'd give the inspector 15 Go-Fast drinks if he would have noticed the rig had type 17 risers.

BASE jumpers are the gearheads of parachutists. We all assemble and pack our own equipment, except Yuri... though I was witness to him packing saturday night...

I have few doubts about correctly assembled rigs at that event. If I wanted to sneak an unacceptible canopy over the edge, as Robin did, It would not be difficult.

The error was not rigging, it was all pilot... or shall I say... it was all the user of the equipment. It is clear from the users report that very little thought was put into what was doomed before even climbing over the rail.

When the tool for the job is so obviously mismatched to the job itself, It's no mystery this incident turned out as it did.

While I completely disagree with the actions, I don't wish injury upon anyone... Heal well.

Thanks for clearing that up Tim. By gear check I meant the formal kind where you check straps, 3 rings, making sure the bridle is wrapped around your legstrap ....

That was not done 100% of the time, but it was on the first day and as you note, there was ALWAYS someone at the exit point looking things over even if they didn't touch the rig.

And flyangel2, no worries, I just couldn't tell where you were going and I can honestly say that the Games were handled in an extremely professional manner by Troy, Jimmy & Marta.

Safety was the mantra and I think overall, it went very very well.

Personally, I ask for a gear check before every jump. Not getting one is foolish, in my opinion. It's also my own fault if I don't.

edit: side bar: The following reply is all speculative, and opinionated. In no way does it reflect anyone's beliefs except my own. I have personally spoke with noone involved with this, and am only hazarding opinions. That said



I have a different opinion. [steps back, takes a breath, and thinks about how to phrase this nicely]

Robin does know his stuff, and IS a pioneer. This was simply an accident. Accidents happen. END OF STORY.
Who remembers the video (Fistfull of F1-11) of the guy, Marvelous Marvin the magician, who jumps a....EXTREME 74 off the bridge. People up top are commenting.....chop it...chop it dude. Not really considering a skydiving setup, and a chop may be fatal from (what's USPA's advice, under 1000 feet?)
A sorcerer can be chopped from 300 feet, but not a skydiving setup. I think that may have been the reason for the WAD deployment at bridge day on the extreme.
BUT, the EXTREME 74 swoop DID work, and everyone seemed to be impressed. Hell, I was impressed when I watched the video.
The thing is.....the swoop worked. Had the extreme twisted up and spun in, we would be making the same conjectures and comments about marvelous marvin.
Robin knew his stuff, made his choices, and now has a tough road ahead.
Before anyone comments on his gear set-up, think about what BASE was like in the early 80's. It was not.......BASE manufacturer sells my customized BASE gear(that has been TESTED already), trains me with a FJC, and hucks me off a legal bridge in daytime.
BASE was......an idea kicked around at the bonfire at the dropzone. BASE was certain people with a drive....a certain drive, looking for something more than just skydiving.

Robin knew his gear, and made his choice. And an accident happened. That is all it is. He was, and still is a pioneer in the sport. I thank him for that, and hope he can jump again some day.
Part of me thinks Robin is laying in bed now thinking about when he can jump again.

Think of this. There may be a point in a person's BASE career, where standard BASE in not enough anymore. Something needs to be pushed. Whether it be a lower exit altitude, one flip more than last time off a bridge, a double somersault from under 200 feet, a little bit longer wingsuit flight, or be it swooping a canopy on a BASE jump, the envelope continues to be pushed.

People may say....

Bull. He did KNOW better, and just made his own personal choice. What? People think he didn't understand what canopy he had on his back? Or how that canopy opened or flew?
Robin knew, and understood. And made the choice. Noone except him can understand the thought process in his mind at the time.


Enough ranting. Be well brother.

Thomas

edit to add side bar

Understand Thomas. And to a certain degree I agree with you. Pushing personal limits is what BASE is all about.

The difference here is that this was an organized public event. One in which the object was EXTREMELY challenging and one in which we already had a tragedy last year.

I'd argue that it wasn't the place, but it most definitely was not the time to be trying something along those lines. You're entitled to disagree, but that's just my personal feeling.

The "chop it" video is actually part of Lemmings Extremes... and most folks I think agree that that sort of thing would be inappropriate at a public event such as BD as well. I would at least.

Color me a fuddy duddy, but there is a time & place for everything. Taking a Tri 135 with a sail slider out at Royal Gorge during the Games wasn't it.

Peace to all and AGAIN wishes for a speedy recovery to Robin.

Pardon me for settling in here with you Son :-)

Well, Robin, you know what I say:
"Some day the whole world will walk like us". Just look around you there's someone new joining us everyday :-)

I'll be happy to gimp with you, again.

After the 2nd or 3rd fracture it just becomes a real pain in the ass; especially having to tell the dam story over and over again.

Surfer Boy would've gotten the irony for sure, and I'm experience this fragment of cosmic convergence through his eyes.

I do wonder, what would old dear RH be saying if it was somebody else who displayed a similar case of mind-bogglingly poor judgment and execution at a public BASE event? Would he be less prone to rip into them if they were badly injured (or dead)? Nope, of course not.

Oh, wait, he's been reborn as a nice guy nowadays. . . right. . . I'm just dating myself remembering all the horrible, cruel, manipulative, insensitive things he has done over many years. I should join in the group-hug and get with BASE 2004.

Anyway, yeah, heal up and all that crap. You've still got a date with destiny so we'd hate to see you get off so easy. Luv and kisses from your old pal, can't wait to see you soon. . .

Peace,

D-d0g

Ask Jason if he would let you take a Tri 135 with a sail slider off the bridge next Saturday...

Get well Robin. Sorry to hear about that.

I agree with you about a time and a place for everything. Public demonstrations are the time to play it a little safer, and put on that happy face. And maybe even jump BASE specific gear.

And yes, ESPECIALLY at this object only one year later.


Thomas

Why would a larger pilot chute make for a slower opening?


I've never seen an accuracy canopy up close. What is a t-handle? Can you describe it or maybe a picture?


Flew with the right brake set!?! I presume he countered the turn the canopy should have had by using left brake to keep it flying straight. But what about landing? Did he try a right riser, left toggle flare?

Not trying to criticize, just curious.

Heavier? Especially if it's ZP with a lot of construction and a hackey handle. Don't know the details.

It was obviously just a stunt gone wrong. Discussions about using BASE-specific gear don't apply, says I. It's not like he used a Tri because he didn't know better. Maybe a different slider and PC could have helped. Whatever. He was trying to BASE a skydiving canopy to get a swoop and put on a show. It's a risky stunt that he's done before. It didn't work this time.

While last year's incident was, IMO, FAR worse than this, it's sort of the same principle. Had it gone right, there'd be more heroic heralding and a lot less bashing. Two years in a row, high risk demos have proven themselves unnecessary and tragic. Maybe the BASE jumping is enough for this event. The public at large, to whom this event really caters, doesn't know any better.

Don't quite agree. If it had gone right then others would have tried it. "Oh it's ok to use a loaded tri for BASE, after all it's a 7 cell and someone already successfully used it..."

I think many of us, both in skydiviging and/r BASE, reach a point where safety is overlooked because things have gone well too many times. We see it everyday. We must keep reminding ourselves that what we do is dangerous and to take all the necessary precautions all the time not just the few jumps after somebody gets busted up or dies.

Complacency kills. Last time I was at the potato bridge, I experienced a sensation I've heard described to me before. You're taking pictures and after everyone exits, you feel like it's your turn and even motion to climb over. Then you realize that you don't have a rig on. You get so used to it working every time, that you don't quite grasp the consequences for such a mistake.

He landed in a steep boulder patch just above the landing area. There was no flare, the canopy just kind of collapsed there onto the rocks. Again, get well soon Robin.
Adam

There were no general admission to the landing area, and way too far down for the crowd to see all the details of what was going on in the landing area. So why try a risky stunt for the few that were going to see it?


I stood on that bridge and watched and listened to the general public for almost two days. To them, just watching some one jump off the bridge was excitement enough for them.

This is a very high profile event, and trying some thing new should not be done.

Now I know I'll get flamed, and I have already admitted I don't BASE, but I know Robin, and he was selfish in his actions. What he did cause other BASE jumpers not to be able to jump that day because of the time frame it takes to get an injured jumper out of the landing area. Then the wind came up and no one could jump.

I apologize if my posting here has bothered anyone, since I don't BASE, but being at the event was a wonderful experience for me. Listening and watching some of the best BASE jumpers in the world is an experience I'll never forget.

This is an unfortunate incident (just like what happened in the hangar in Rantoul two years ago). Had he made it, he would have been a hero. But since he didn't, he's a goat to many?

When someone talks to Robin be sure to tell him that the folks at the WFFC are pulling for him. I just got done talking to Bernice, and reading this thread to her because ( as usual ) she is on the road, and doesn't have access to a computer. We want Robin to know that we are pulling for him, and send whatever karma and prayers we can send in his direction! beth

Yep, I remember too
It must be Karma Robin What goes around comes around buddy

To who?

exactly

I wish the best to anyone injured, get well soon and recover quickly, I feel for people injured, but for gods sake...........


I feel a complete arse getting injured the way I did.............. but from what I have read I have to admit I ask ............. "wtf?"

I doubt that. I'd bet that had he made it he still would have gotten a slap on the wrist and a stern talking to from Jimmy or Marta.

I am really surprised that no one has brought up the fact that a 135sqft can hardly fly with an inflated 42" PC. I had a collaspe on a Raven 3 due to a 50" PC and slightly aggresive control. It is way too much drag. Me thinks ya got steered wrong on PC size by a well meaning jumper as well.
Take care,
Get well,
space

Have to agree with Zennie here, big time.

Let's face it, the new wave philosophy in BASE is to provide positive examples of why our sport should be legal in more places. It looks especially bad when someone, let alone a veteran of many years, tries a stunt of this nature. It only provides legal ammo for those who are opposed to legalizing BASE sites. Perhaps the most frustrating thing about Robin's accident, is that he is a veteran of BASE. If he chose to do this at a quiet site with himself and a few friends, I can't say that I would support this type of stunt, but I would not cast scrutiny upon it.

I am new to BASE, but I know from reading this forum that this stunt was selfish and poorly timed.

. . .get well soon Robin.

J.P.

Good call.

I appreciate and respect the fact that he has a low BASE number and started 'back in the day', but how many jumps does he have in total?

To me a veteran is someone who has not only jumped for a long time, but also jumped regularly in that time.

Will

I have always been someone not to judge someones experience by jump numbers.

I agree that jumping regularly and keeping skills in order is required, but asking "jumps in total" to me is not a guage of experience.

I know of one guy with only 150 jumps who has been in the sport for around 8 years, (althought I question his sheep relationships!) but I put him as more experienced than someone with 200 jumps in 2 years with most of them from the legal span........... or as you suggest someone with 100 jumps back in the day and not more since apart from a few jumps here and there..............

Its very hard to guage experience in BASE - there are so many aspects that you can be skillful in one and not in others......

I get your point Will, I know some UK "veterans" who were probably in their day "forefathers" but now when one of them looks at my tailgate and says "what the fuck" they aint someone who has progressed.........

My point, jump numbers alone is no guage of experience......... knowledge and experience in jumping various objects is more of a guage, and this comes with time..........

Hey man, i dont know what I am trying to say.......... I cant even walk, so who am i to say anything............

For Merriam-Webster this is what a”Veteran means;
Main Entry: vet·er·an
Pronunciation: 've-t&-r&n, 've-tr&n
Function: noun
Etymology: Latin veteranus, from veteranus, adjective, old, of long experience, from veter-, vetus old --
1 a : an old soldier of long service b : a former member of the armed forces
2 : a person of long experience in some occupation or skill (as politics or the arts)
take care,
space

Sure, but this only comes if you are out there jumping regularly (and yes, not limiting yourself to one object). I believe currency is important. By your reasoning someone who jumps rarely but jumps hard-core objects is experienced. Personaly the guys I look up to and turn to for advice are the ones who jump whatever they can get. They do the easier jumps regularly, but they don't shy away from more challenging jumps.

I watched the guys who had loads of 4 to 5 second slider up experience (from UK's most jumped object) in Switzerland. They were kicking ass there because they had done so many of the 'easy' jumps in the UK. I think the more 'easy' jumps I do now the more confidence I have when I do the more challenging jumps.

I agree that jump numbers are not everything, but they are important. And I do also agree with you that the types of jump made is also important.

Maybe if you weren't so allergic to sliders and static lines you might feel different about a lot of objects.

Will

I agree.

This is where the fine balance comes into it, some regular jumping is required to keep up skills and knowledge and experience, but I think the jumping of various technical objects is going to progress skills faster than banging off a few more jumps from 1 easy object........ I agree that jumping rarely is not going to increase experience in any shape or form..........


without a doubt, a more rounded and more open approach to jumps is surely the way forward........ but sadly many people get stuck into doing things they are comfortable with....... this means no disrespect to people doing such things - but in the reference of gaining experience I think can make people stale.



again it goes back to having a range rather than numbers............


I think we can agree, that bascially numbers of a limited range of jumps does not mean as much toward experience and knowlege as a more rounded and larger range of jumps and objects...........

again, BASE experience is hard to guage,





well when I return next year to jumping, 1) I will be going ahead to experience more slider up jumps, 2) I maybe SL'ing (with the help of friends) some of the jumps I used to freefall...........

amazing how your focus changes sometimes hey!!!


be cool dude............

Oh and to annoy others "be safe!" -

PS) this is getting way off topic.......... feel free to split TA!

Ax or chain-saw?

becours im a dane i take it backwards
from Mac´s post
i do agree that a jumper jumping the same object all the time aint genneral experienced,BUT he truly will be experienced in that object and the ways it can be jumped...

Now back to Screamer
Who also will be the most experienced jumpers you can find...

it depends,becourse you can(as i somehow has)deside to do most of 1 disipline and nearly not knowing anything about the other,but you cant tell that thouse people whether they only do slider ups or down cant be experienced..I do agree that WE(us that do that)cant be looked at as genneral experienced,but some people out there do knows alot about one of thouse things and they are experienced in that way...

Also as we talk experience,i can only apel that people(like me)who dont have allaround knowledge,eiter becourse they dont bother or if they just dont know were to learn from shouldnt Mentoring any(what i say is that you should be genneral experienced to be a mentor..)

sliders??? i thourght this were BASE and not skydiving(ok flame away)

good point.

Cheers,

J.P.

Nicknitro 71, I would love to see you be the one to make every jumper pop thier packjob at the exit point and point out EXACTLY what kind of canopy they are jumping, and then repack it to your satisfaction. If you have ever been to a bridge day,(or any other gathering/boogie) you know how frustrating B.A.S.E. jumpers can be when questioned about what thier doin and what they got goin on inside the container. Bridge Day is 6 hours. GoFast Games are 3 full days. Please don't confuse the two. NOT trying to sound elitist at all, just saying that B.A.S.E. events are still young and we are all learning. Massive LOVE to the NEW.R.G. Please put on the best show possible, we all benefit from good judgement.

Hanky!!!!

Russell,

I really just acted as the messenger in the case of this thread; Robin wanted me to take a statement from him and post it to the board and I did that. I'm not going to get involved in a debate over whether or not his choices, actions or memories are sound, proper or accurate. I do believe there is enough information presented here by persons with the requisite experience to glean the correct answers to your questions.

That said, I do hope Robin heals quickly. He's got a long, hard row to hoe.

Gardner

P.S. congrats on pBASE #1. Awesome! Next year we'll let you get on the hanging bar first, then we'll push you out another 10 feet further before you begin your exit sequence.

Sorry to hear about Robin's injury.
I may not have agreed with all his political stands, but I respected his courage.
Never saw his cruel side.

Now Robin, be a good puppy and HEAL!

Is Robin still in the hospital? Or is he with his mom or out in Calif. with his wife?

What are the doctor's saying about his foot/ankle?

Thanks for the updates.

Hello,

I haven't talked to him in over a week, but there is information on his room# at this thread:

http://www.blincmagazine.com/...2319&postcount=7

take care,
Gardner

EDIT: I guess speaking my mind will offend some of you, so I've removed some of this post. I've experienced some things that have shaped my comments about organized base events, especially when working with certain groups in the past. There is a great deal of knowledge, planning, and execution that is necessary to pull off such an event. Hopefully, we can all learn from the mistakes of the past.

I wish Robin a fast recovery and nothing but the best.

PS. How many jumps were made last year, and this year, at the GF Games?

PPS. Gear checks happen LONG before arriving at the event. It is critical that each jumper submit details of their canopy and harness, and that the organizer contact any jumper with equipment that is inadequate before the event begins.

post deleted.

No offense... really. I just think maybe we're all jumping the gun.

Let's step back and take a deep breath.

Personally, I don't think there's any competition between the two events. Let's sleep on it and maybe take it to pm/email for now.

Gardner

p.s. not sure on those numbers. I'll research and try to find out. But if it's your intent to use it in a comparative manner... once again - apples/oranges

I agree.

Again, these are totally different events with different classes (difficulty-wise) of objects and different classes (experience-wise) of jumpers.

The GoFast event was ONLY open to experienced BASE jumpers. With that experience came a certain assumption of knowledge and personal responsibility.

Bridge Day is a mix of both experienced jumpers and first-timers. So more rigorous gear-checking in that environment makes more sense.

This really is apples & oranges.

Nope, I'm working to get Bridge Day extended to at least 2-3 days and could use the information on jump numbers to show the Bridge Day Commission. Any info would be appreciated.