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I am 230lbs and I am going to do some BASE jumping. What do you suggest I start out with? I don't like to get used gear, sticker shock is ok with me, and I don't need anything too awful fancy, but once I get better at it, I want to do some low jumps and short landings.
To start with I am going with some friends to Bridge Day.
Also we were talking about some hop and pops out of the cessna, and balloon exits.
Thanks in advance!

at the top of the main page (in the base forum) are some very good articles
one of them is "my first base rig" by tom aiello

Presumably you plan on waiting at least another 140 jumps, plan on getting canopy coaching, plan on getting a mentor and plan on taking a BASE first jump course, yes? And you've read Nick's list a few times? And you've checked out BASE Wiki to gain as much knowledge as possible?

You crack me up

Did someone say crack?

Dear BASE master,

I am preparing to take a FJC very soon, but I am about 32 jumps short of your 202 jump requirement. What should I do?

Sincerely,
Lowly BASE jumper wannabe

Critique the message, not the messenger.

troll....?
right....?


i mean, its gotta be.

late,
RJ$$

You should take MB38's advice -- your chances of living longer will greatly improve.

MB38 may not have a lot of jumps, but he has given solid, good advice to someone who is considering BASE. I consider what he said to be spot-on.

Bryan

i think you need an a liscenbce ot jump base.

I'm on your side, guys. I don't know shit and I'm the first to admit that. But - in my humble opinion - it's better to give too much information and get vilified for it than to have somebody without enough experience put themselves off of their apartment building with a brand-new rig and die.

One post, asking about a BASE rig? Probably a troll. But what if a non-troll read the thread full of "lol go for it" responses and did?

I took it to be a troll thread, but you're right. I was harsh, and that's because I get annoyed with the constant flow of "advice" on this forum coming from people who have no association with the discipline they're giving advice on, or who are fresh off student status. Your advice, as far as I know, was good, though... as was stated by someone else here already.

 

10.7:1 last time I checked. I put on a couple pounds over the winter...

If your profile is up to date, seriously consider spending the money on some more skydives, instead.

To answer the question:

Most of my advice is linked in that article at the top of the forum. Here's a few more thoughts:

1) How low is "low jumps" that you are talking about?
2) What kind of objects are you interested in? Are they solid? Or are you mostly looking at towers and bridges, where a tailwind can help you (or there is nothing to hit anyway)?

There isn't really any "fancy" BASE gear. The primary thing you are going to want to decide is if you would like to secondary inlets on the bottom skin of your canopy. If your "low" stuff is below about 300 feet, or if you're going to be jumping solid things, I'd recommend it. Once you've made that decision, you're pretty much in the "fancy" part of the BASE canopy market, which means you're not going to go too far wrong, because most all the vented canopies on the market have fairly acceptable openings.

taken from http://www.bridgeday.info

(7) What are the requirements for jumping at Bridge Day?
There are several requirements that must be satisfied before making your first BASE jump on Bridge Day. Jumpers must be 18 years old, register online, show up prior to Bridge Day for gear checks and mandatory meetings, and follow all the rules set forth by the BASE Coordinator. In addition, jumpers must have prior parachuting experience (meaning at least 50 skydives or BASE jumps) and suitable gear. The BASE Coordinator and your fellow BASE jumpers can and will tell you to "wait until next year" if you don't have enough skydiving experience or proper gear.
The safest and best gear to have is a BASE jumping specific 7-cell canopy with a low aspect ratio (Fox, Mojo, Dragon, Troll, Cruislite, Raven, etc.), a Velcro or pin-closed BASE specific harness and container (Reactor, Perigee, Wizard, Gargoyle, etc.), a 42-48" pilot chute with at least a 9' bridle (required), and a helmet and pads. High-performance zero-porosity (ZP) canopies are not permitted (we'll be glad to show you video of a first-timer Sabre pilot who broke both his femurs if you're still not convinced). If you plan on taking at least a 3-second delay, you'll want to purchase a mesh slider to speed up the opening of your canopy. If you have at least attempted to modify or purchase BASE specific gear, a tailpocket is another good idea to clean up your pack job and provide reliable on-heading openings. Reserves can be used if necessary from the NRGB if you have sufficient altitude and quick hands, but many who have used them in the past have only had a few seconds of canopy time. Also, forget your AAD on this jump as it will only get trashed if you land in the water. You will not be permitted to jump if you cannot safely make the jump using the proper gear and attitude. Your best bet is to purchase BASE-specific gear because your life depends on it. And remember, there usually aren't reserves!

(8) Can I rent gear or should I bring my own? For how much?
Plan on bringing your own gear to Bridge Day if possible, as there are typically only a few rentals available. Your gear options include:
New Gear: This is your safest option if you have the cash. A new 7-cell BASE canopy will cost you around $1300 and a new Velcro-closed BASE rig is approximately $600. Other prices include: Mesh slider ($50), 42" pilot chute with 9' bridle ($85), tailpocket ($20-$50 installed), toggles ($20-$30), and stash bag ($35). Examples of BASE-specific canopies are the Fox, Mojo, Flik, Ace, Blackjack, Dragon, and Troll. Usually, instructional video tapes are included with new canopy purchases to show you how to pack, and there are free packing and first jump courses the day before Bridge Day.

can comeone hook me up with the video of the guy femuring in?


I can't go in. My mom would kill me.

I think it's on this video: (Johnny Utah's Official Bridge Day Safety/Malfunction Video)
http://www.vertical-visions.com/...Category_Code=VIDEOS

You also might be able to get this on a DVD from Johnny.

Dude don't worry about gear just buy some BASE gear and Skip Bridge Day and go strait to Twin Fall Bride.
For Lazy, Casual BASE jumps off one of the. Easiest, Safest and LEAST TECHNICAL BASE objects offered for your jumping pleasure in the World.
There is water and also a football size landing area to land your canopy.
Everyone is doing it. I suggest just following the crowd and go strait there. No need for Hop & Pops or Balloon Exits. Play, Follow the leader and just go off to Twin Falls for a fun and sun and BASE THRILLS.
.