Re: [TomAiello] Bridge day info 411
Not at all. I think representation of our sport in todays standards in completely crucial to the survival of it, and the ability for it to grow. The only way it will ever be accepted in a manor that we could open up some of our sites in the US is to promote safety. I just think allowing the inexperienced to participate is asking for more negativity to what we are trying to promote as an acceptable sport in the eyes of the ones putting us in jail and stealing our gear.
I absolutely respect bridge day and everything it has done for BASE. I am friends with some of the innovators of BD. #38, #36, #58. I have heard so many stories from them, and respect everything they accomplished. From hearing stories, I know what bridge day was, and now, what it is. It is perceived completely different now. Now it is just a big party and a social setting. Then, it was passion, innovation, and pure courage. Back then, people didn't even know what BASE was. Now, we are the enemy. I know this from personal experience.
Quote BASE 38: "hell, back then we didn't even know what we were doing." " Everything was experimental and in the testing process." " Now, gear is so technologically advanced that even a 'dumb ass' can survive..."
I think BD could do so much for BASE under the right circumstances. I would just hate to bring anymore negativity to what we all cherish so dearly.
Why is BD different from BASE. Is it not a BASE jump? Do we really want inexperienced jumpers to do something stupid and hurt themselves? Or, do we really want the 50 jump wonder to buy that new rig for BD, everything goes smooth, and thinks 'hey' it worked then. I think I will go jump from my local A now.
I just think there should be a little bit of a higher standard for the prerequisite. Maybe I am wrong.
Just like the USPA, if we work as a whole, we could actually make a difference. Not that I want a governing body to regulate it. Which is virtually impossible... But if we all pull together, in ten years maybe some of our Big Walls could be accessible. I know it is a long shot, but you never know what we can actually accomplish.
Hope I am not pissing off anyone, but everyone, including me, is entitled to an opinion.
I would put some big money on the fact that if BD had a prerequisite, we would still have the number of jumpers that that is desired, and there would be a completely different vibe and positive influence.
I will go next year, just because that object rocks!