hey Ozzies .. Is it time for a little reality check?
This is not easy to write but comes from the heart. If I upset anyone I apologise for your sensitivities. The last two BASE jumpers to die in Norway as far as reported have been non-indigenous and Australian.
Both of the deceased were highly respected and at the peak of achievement in their chosen disciplines.
If these guys were the best at what they do then what can we all learn from their demise?
It's my strong feeling that they have shown us where the limit is at least for now. Unless you are inclined to follow them jonathon-like then some degree of backing off is called for (in my opinion.) This may mean to just give yourself an extra second for opening or to invest a bit more in some up to date gear. From the outside this would look like maturity and common sense.
It seems highly likely that both died because they had NO margin for error and they made a mistake whether fumbling or just over-estimating their own abilities. Those cold places are not so natural for hot blooded aussies. Both these people pushed themselves PAST their limit.
Do you know your limits? Will you die finding them?
One way to show respect for the dead and our highly skilled superiors is to listen and learn from them and actually apply what we learn. This is easy enough if you recognise in yourself the uncaring attitudes that WILL kill you.
Hopefully no-one else will bounce due to a pathetic split second pud fumble. If they do I sincerely hope it is not another Australian. Perhaps we need some other nationalities to show us how it can be done long , well and in relative safety.
Some of us are here for a long time as well as a good time . I dare to say "back off you bounce happy bozo's" look how the locals play they don't have to mourn so much.
Live to play another day
For the friends I never met
