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The Snake River BASE Academy will host Spring Death Camp 2007 from May 19-25, 2006, in Twin Falls, Idaho.

Death Camp is offered twice each year, at Memorial Day (the 3rd week of May) and Labor Day (the first week of September). Death Camp is free, and admission is highly competitive. Typically, we receive approximately 30 applications for 5 places. Admission is offered based on evaluation of student applications, reference checks, student preparation and class composition.

Death Camp is the most comprehensive introduction to BASE available today. The course will focus on basic BASE skills, with an additional emphasis on the history and ethics of BASE, and the teamwork necessary to many BASE jumps. In addition to standard First Jump training, the course will cover appropriate brake settings, advanced packing techniques, object avoidance techniques, object evaluation, and landing skills. Time and jumper aptitude permitting, we will also cover unpacked jumps, particularly as used for emergency situations, and multi-way jumps.

The Death Camp curriculum assumes that students begin with no previous BASE jumps. However, applications will be accepted from anyone having fewer than 20 BASE jumps.

To Apply for Death Camp, please provide the following information, or submit the answers to these questions via email to tom@snakeriverbase.com or submit the answers to these questions via mail to us at Post Office Box 2493, Twin Falls, Idaho, 83303, USA. Please do not send private messages via the forums. All answers are optional, but providing more information will improve your chances of admission.

(1) Name:
(2) Age:
(3) Place of Residence:
(4) Number of Skydives:
(5) Primary Skydiving Disciplines:
(6) Home Dropzone:

(7) Number of Skydives:

(a) Number of CRW jumps:
(b) Number of Accuracy jumps:
(c) Number of Demo jumps:

(8) Any rigging certifications:
(9) Other relevant experience (paragliding, climbing, rescue, etc):

(10) Name and telephone number of any BASE jumpers who know you:
(11) Name and telephone number of a BASE jumper who has agreed to mentor you:
(12) Name and telephone number of any instructors from other related disciplines who know you:
(13) Name and telephone number of your home dropzone S&TA, Chief Instructor, or both:

(14) Mailing Address:
(15) Telephone Number (mobile preferred):

(16) Emergency Contact Name:
(17) Emergency Contact Telephone (mobile preferred):
(18) Emergency Contact Address:
(19) Emergency Contact's relation to you:

(20) Are you married?
(21) Do you have childred?
(22) Have you discussed BASE jumping with your family?

(23) Explain why you want to BASE jump:
(24) Tell us something about yourself that is unrelated to parachuting:


Admissions decisions will be made with many criteria, but be aware that a recommendation from a BASE mentor whose judgment I trust will be weighed heavily in favor of applicants able to provide it.

More information, including a course syllabus, can be obtained by emailing tom@snakeriverbase.com. Course application and syllabus can also be found at SnakeRiverBASE.com.

Admissions decisions will be made beginning February 1, 2007, and continue until all spots are filled. Applications completed before February 1st will receive priority consideration.

As before, students will be asked to make a $100 charity donation as part of their participation in the course.

I searched for this, but i could not find anything else on emergency situations that would call for an unpacked jump. I can see how it would be useful on an A. maybe. but thats it.

what does this mean?

possibly a dislocated shoulder on an A, or a E, to avoid downclimb. ???

Read through the List for Terry Forrestall. Now imagine if he knew how to do a simple unpacked jump.

 


a rollover would be nice for that. but still... its longshot.... i understand now.

I know of an Aussie jumper who McConkey'd his way to freedom after getting stuck on a wall.

If both of his legs were broken, wouldn't it have been pretty difficult to pull off an unpacked jump? It sounds like he tried that anyway and just didn't make it.

Dude, come on. What if you are getting ready to pack on the 69th floor of your hotel and it catches fire? WWTAD? Perfect time for an emergency unpacked jump.

Tom, it's your course so you've earned the right to teach them what you believe is appropriate, but I'm sorry, newbie jumpers have such little cause to be taught rollovers, tards etc that the risks far outweigh the benefits in my humble opinion. The 'emergency situation' scenario sounds like a rather lame excuse to teach 'cool' techniques through the backdoor. Firstly, the scenario where a jumper could safely self rescue is extremely rare and perhaps this knowledge will encourage jumpers in peril to attempt it when in fact the safest option by far would be to wait for help. We'll never know, but Terry might still be alive today had he not attempted his own rescue, maybe not. Like i said we'll never know but it is a distinct possibilty.

Secondly, we both know that this knowledge is highly unlikely to be reserved by the newbies for those sole purposes. Given the techniques and knowledge they'll be doing unpacked jumps before they can even do flat and stable and probably off sites which are far from suitable for them before they've amassed the experience to even assess these sites safely.

Unpacked jumps have a time and place in BASE, but that isn't in the classroom for newbies who have yet to jump with even a solid object behind them. Time spent thinking or pondering such jumps would be far better spent on the REAL life saving techniques in BASE.

Like I said, you have earned the right to teach whatever you see fit but I genuinely think this policy is going to come back and haunt you.

With respect

ian

I was wondering why your free course is longer and more complete than your paid courses. What's the logic behind this decision?

There were essentially two reasons why I added unpacked jumps into the optional topics at the end of that course (the second one is the big one):

1) I know of at least one case in which an unpacked jump performed by a jumper after a hangup transformed a potentially life threatening "wait for rescue" into a good story.


2) I've seen well over 50% of my FJC students (various FJC's, not just the Deathcampers) perform their first unpacked jumps within days of the course ending, either without any supervision, or worse, with "instruction" from someone who gave them badly faulty advice. I've had students told "you shouldn't flake or arrange the canopy," "you shouldn't use a tailgate," and, my personal favorite "launch down at the canopy and try to touch it."

I'd rather that I help my students to understand the variables involved in unpacked jumps, so that they don't embark into them a few days later unguided (or misguided). For better or worse, here in Twin Falls, if you stay at the bridge for a few days after a FJC, you will probably see 2 or 3 unpacked jumps for every packed jump you watch (unless it's a big weekend, when the lots of folks come in from out of town and pack).

We have several locals who like to run laps on the bridge with unpacked rigs, cranking out unpacked jumps as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, a couple of them also encourage new jumpers to try those jumps, and often fail to provide (in my opinion) adequate instruction or accurate safety information.

In short, I know they're going to do them in a day or two anyway, so I'd like to cover them in class, before they learn a bunch of bad habits.

Short answer: Because I want to do it that way.

Long answer? There are several reasons. Look me up and we can have some beer and talk over them.

while i agree with your disagreement of toms stated reason for teaching unpacked shit, newbies will be doing unpacked stuff no matter what, and probably pretty quick, sp they might as well know how to do it. i think that is a far better reason to teach them than to say (as you so wonderfuly put it, backdoor excuse) of 'emergency situation'

Tom's first post contains a course description without justification for any particular skill.


Tom's stated reason for teaching these skills seems to be in line with your opinion. - you both think they ought to learn in a controlled environment.



so are you agreeing or disagreeing with Tom?


-----
understanding and critical thinking enhance a jumper's odds on any particular jump. this forum gives us all a chance to practice both. we all ought to take advantage and develop these skills.

What about when the newbies think they're ready for more advanced unpacked jumps like reverse rollovers, floater tards, and kite unders (but not game overs)?

dont forget double game overs. those are fun as hell.

it seemed that tom was teaching the newbies to rollover so they can escape a no-show rescue. to me, the more important reason that was not stated was that they will be doing them anyway, and they should do them safely. I replied to whoever i replied to's post. i cant remember at the moment as i am in the reply window, and cant go back without loseing what i just wrote. youll get it.

SO... since you obviously care so much about this, i will clarify, cause im bored.

TOM A wrote that he will be teaching newbies to do unpacked jumps because they might need them in an emergency to escape a ledge they crash into, also later stated that he will be teaching them correctly, so they dont wrap themselves. (man, darwin was a good guy and we are cheating him by telling people NOT to jump into a parachute below you)

(dude i replied to [same story^]) wrote that the newbies will be doing rollovers and tards within a day or two of the FJC, and they will probably be able to figure out a rollover on their own. i took this as disagreeing with tom for teaching them to do it before they knew how to BASE the well known way first.

now that i have been through this, i forgot what i was going to write about.
huh. well, i think that tom should teach the kids rollovers, and tards. and explain the uses of both. also explain the variations.

i think that if a kid messes up a rollover, he/she should not be doing one in the first place.

I saw a guy (hell maybe it was you), do
a 'Double Game Over' in flip flops without
pads or a helmet from the Perrine

Any newbie who thinks they should do one is an idiot!
It was a damn scary/funny thing to watch, but it made
for great video, thanks

What's a Game over?

DISCLAIMER: This explanation is based on
observation and NOT personal execution.

GAME OVER: The jumper flakes the canopy,
places the lines in the tail pocket, and then
holds the unpacked canopy on their lap. On
exit jumper does a flip & releases the canopy.

DOUBLE GAME OVER: Same thing except
the jumper executes two flips.

hey, that guy is retarded. i recomend none of you nobodies ever jumps with a kid that stupid and reckless.

In my observations I have seen many experienced jumpers not use a tailgate for unpacked jumps (particularly roll-overs). How is not using one "badly faulty"?

It greatly increases the chance of a malfunction. I have seen 4 untailgated rollovers resulting in line overs. I have seen 0 tailgated rollovers resulting in line overs.

When you are about halfway through the roll, there is a moment when you are on your back, with the lines stretching horizontally toward the canopy. At this point, the wind is essentially blowing straight up the tail of your canopy. I believe some kind of reefing is essential to minimize the chance of line over or tension knots in this situation.

More discussion here. In particular, have a look at Jimmy's post which was copied from BLiNC (the link is dead because of the various reorganizations there) It'd probably be better to revive that thread to discuss this technical point, rather than side track this one.

why is there so much stupid controversy here?

It's the internet.

Because we're all bored out of our skulls waiting for things to happen (like the next meeting at work) or the weather to get better.

we discussed this, if there were no pointless penis measuring contests than Tom A and Nick DG would be the only ones useing the forum.

What's up Per?
The name Game Over came from a guy named Surfer Jesse from San Diego. He was at a loss for words having watched me and Evil Jesse try this new type of jump for the last 2 days. It was this past summer. He just blurted it out, and it stuck.

Game Over = Simply an unpacked gainer

The idea came from the way I carry my unpacked canopy out onto the bridge. I kinda wrap it up in my arms. One day I just felt like I could bring it all the way around - it took about 6 months after that to work up the stupidity to do it.

I don't think I'll ever do it again. It was one of those things... You don't do it for any good reason, you just think you can get away with it once and you have at it.

The double game over when done correctly has excellent heading performance and should be done off everything! Unpacked self rescue jump after a wall strike is a very bad idea! Not joking at all.

I dont have ne base exsperience but is saying that. Like saying to a teenager Im not giving info on sex because i dont want you to have it earlier then you should be . this is when shit hits the fan a people get hurt isnt it . I think if you teach and prepare somebody for something at least they'll have the knowledge wether the do it or not. again just a newbs opinion dont bash me for saying this eather please lol. cheers

Don't bash you? Are you kidding me?

You need to dial in kissing before moving onto sex

Hi Tom,

Would you consider allowing someone who has taken your regular course to hang out and listen in on some of the parts of the spring deathcamp that weren't covered the first time?

Thanks,

Tony

Are homemade cookies included??

lol fuckin drunk lol

Thanks, thats just magic....

all this controversy over nothing is fucking ridiculous.

go jump off somehthing.

you say that as if I never have / never do..... even with jumping off stuff, I still post this bollox, always have, always will, always to continue..... at least I am consistant........

BTW: Can you please read the post I responded to that you felt you had to say this to me..... which post was the one that was more worthless.........

Ridiculous......... thats my whole point........


Go outside the USA

its funny that you think i directed that post at you.

were you the only one posting about Tom doing deathcamp courses? no. so dont get all high and mighty and think you are special because you were the last to post on this, and i clicked reply.

ridiculous. yes, i said this is all stupid petty bullshit that everyone has to pick apart. "unpacked jumps in case of emergency scenario" give the guy a break. he is taking his own time to do a course that you would not do. i am not even close friends with Tom, but i have met him and all he wishes for any jumper is to have knowledge and experience taught to them in a manner that can be comprehended and understood in order to stay safe and most importantly, alive. Tom is really doing something for BASE jumpers that most jumpers would not do for others. and there everyone goes, just because he drops his 2 cents in on everything makes him this easy target for everyone else.
i have been outside the US to jump, so again, dont think that you can point fingers at me to say that all i have jumped is the US.

and to top it off i was in mexico this morning jumping. so again. i'm not just a bridge day 2 time jumper that thinks he knows everything. i'm a stupid ass, young arrogant, piece of shit that knows a little bit about the sport and is always open to learn more because i know so little. but i hate people picking apart tom. he's doing nothing but try and keep the sport safe and give information to help it stay that way.

damn i feel better.
cya

Poor Tom. I hate it when people virtualpick on him too
Anyway...


Frankly, I'm surprised not more people over there are trying to make a buck out of courses. From non manufacturers I can only think of T.Aiello and J.Utah.

Surely if you are living in America, a couple of miles from what is perceived by (mostly American) jumpers as the Mekka of Base, and you have the experience, you can set up a competitive course?

Ah well.

Actually, this course is Free. He does offer other paid courses throughout the year, but you can't knock the guy for trying to make a little money for doing what he loves. Apparently, he loves teaching people to BASE jump. The fact that his longest, most intensive course just so happens to be free of charge is proof of that.

I'm not knocking the guy though.

I applied to the last Deathcamp,
did not get in, was unhappy about it,
sucked it up, paid to attend one of
Tom A.'s regular courses, and feel
the training was worth the money.

Oh.. Right

I had a similar experience, but opposite (well kinda). I got into his free course, but I would have gladly paid for it.

(Don't worry, I relayed my feelings to Tom, and there is no fear of him stopping running the free courses because of my comments). He said that he got the feeling that people would have paid for the course if it wasn't free. I remember him saying something about his way of 'giving back to the sport'.

The best part by far was the length and comprehensive nature of the course. I learned a lot, without a doubt.

DEATH CAMP = NO SKYDIVING EXPERIENCE!!!!!

What, it can't have multiple meanings? To me it was the comprehensive nature of the course, and the intensity that warranted the name.

It was a long 7 days, we didn't have much time for anything else. Even jumping through the night until 5:00 am. (one guy on the course with even jumping with a broken foot - unbeknownst to him at the time, but still) If that's not a deathcamp, what is?

dude, deathcamp is the well known name for a BASE jump/lesson with no skydive experience. while im sure the course is great, the name is just trying to be cool

You might be right about that.

The nature of my post, after re-reading it sounded more serious than I intended. I know the deathcamp name is taken, I was just being argumentative.

The name struck me a little odd so out of simple curiosity, I asked. It was dubbed Death Camp by previous students.

It's just a name. The course is free and as far as I can tell, it appears to be a pretty good course so you really can't beat it.

I was around the bridge a lot when that name seemed to really take as the name of the free courses. From what I remember, someone independently came up with the idea to make Tshirts one year that said "death camp" on them. After that, I never really heard it called anythign else.

From the parts I've seen of this course compared to the parts I've seen of other courses (mainly apex, but also a few private ones) I'd would say that Tom's appear to be way more comprehensive, and more useful for a jumper when they are finally on their own. Then again, I have never sat through an entire real FJC, but those have been my impressions.

I have seen the same thing of jumpers trying unpacked jumps very soon after finishing courses. I honestly don't think that teaching techniques for unpacked jumps in a FJC is a bad idea, particularly in this course where applicants seemingly screened to be people that take advice but think for themselves (this is assumed by me from the criteria in the application itself).

Hey Sully!

Everthing is fine, winter time so not that much jumping. Still like an A with ice ... but not so often :)

Game over is a nice name for it, sounds like the best thing is to either just watch someone do it :) or just do it once ;)

Me personally will never even consider it :)

Stay alive bro

PerFlare

Dude,

Well "deathcamp" has been around longer the base instruction with out previous skydiving experience. I hear about is most from guys serving in the military with the special forces, and then of course we have the real deathcamps …

Just like to clear that up for you ;)

Anyway, base/skydiving have always liked the scull, bones and flames thing so deathcamp is a cool name :)

About the course, I have for a couple of years thinking about applying for it. Maybe I get the time next year. I’m looking forward to attend that’s if I get accepted.

See you around the world

PerFlare

Picture of first official Death Camp Participants...

I think it was Toms 3 free FJC but it was the first one named death camp.

By the way, the only accident that happened was when someone fell out of a tree using the pendulater. He was the one who rigged it up, that’s why he was allowed to test it first...

Don't worry, Tom will accept you, he likes to have at least one famous guy in his course. We had the honor to jump with the famous Kate Cooper in our course...

And with this post I have to admit, I'm a geek... This is my 600 post...
Shit, I have more posts then skydives, that is embarrassing...

haha, remember kate trying to recruit tourists at the visitors center to deathcamp...what could possibly go wrong?

good times.

argumentative?! dude, get off dropzone.com, seriously. anything argumentative or sarcastic here is looked down upon.

I am just a student now, but I plan on having over 150 skydives by the time your Labor Day weekend Death Camp (and there is nothing more I would rather do) . Is there a minimum amount of skydives that you require your students to have in order to be accepted? Please don't black ball me

No. There is no set minimum. I'll evaluate all the applications against each other competitively, so more skydives are to your advantage, but so are other experiences.

 
Lol ... funtimes ...

And cool t-shirts?

I think we should get eric one with "what could possibly go wrong" or I survived the pendulator !!!

whatever, im just trying to catch up with tom in post quantity.