Basejumper.com - archive

I'm excited and not even there this year!

Maybe we can use this thread for updates, anyone hears, on how it's going.

It appears there was a small hiccup in the area yesterday:

http://www.cbs59.com/...ry&storyid=30414

>>Man Parachutes off Bridge in Raleigh County
Posted Friday, October 19, 2007 ; 06:00 PM
Updated Friday, October 19, 2007 ; 04:31 PM

Man attempted a BASE jump.
Story by Doug Fritz

BECKLEY- -- Sheriff's deputies in Raleigh County spent Friday working on the case of a man who jumped form a bridge.

Gregory White, 40, of Dunn, North Carolina attempted a BASE jump from the Xxxxx Creek Bridge this afternoon.

He broke his leg and was taken to Beckley Appalachian Regional Hospital.

White is being charged with walking on an access highway.

The National Park Service may issue additional charges.

The only legal BASE jump in West Virginia is from the New River Gorge Bridge on Bridge Day.<<

NickD
BASE 194

Has there ever been a year when someone hasn't broken something at Xxxxx? Ever?

<shakes head>

And although BD was held on the second Saturday of October back then, I made my first BASE jump at BD 86...21 years ago!
I hope everyone has a great time and all return home safely!

BASE359

>>Has there ever been a year when someone hasn't broken something at Xxxxx? Ever?<<

Well, of course there has been, but you're right it sure seems that way. And it's either that or someone getting busted as the Rangers always have that place staked out, especially the day before Bridge Day.

I saw Jason Bell interviewed on the WX Channel this morning and he mentioned he'd like to see a record set with a 1000 jumps today. That would be pretty cool . . .

NickD
BASE 194

I was not there, but SLAMBO won. He did seven GAYners, and he is such a cool bad ass mofo that he did not even half to throw his PC when he was done and he got an on heading (what else is there?)

I was there today. I watched for a while then went home. I did see a cool 8 way. I must say it is getting old standing around, leaning over the rail "just" watching people jump. I stood forever waiting for someone to let me get in so I could take some pictures. No one would let me in. Eventually I said F it and went home to watch the West Viifginia University football game on TV. Was cool to see my first ever tandem master jump. Then again he is there every year jumping.

One thing that did piss me off was all the "authority" stepping over the orange netting so they could get in the restriced area by the platform to look over. Yeah this is after I stood around for an hour waiting to get my turn. My mom works for the FBI, maybe next time I should have her flash her badge next time to get a better look?

Looks like I will have to jump next year just to get a decent view. BD has lost its appeal it had on me a few years back. I could just stay at home and buy the DVD cheaper than the carnaval food I bought...

876 jumps made
377 jumpers and 73 staff (only half of my staff jumps)
Sunny, warm weather with some turbulent winds
7 ambulance rides (common ankle/leg injuries)
Lots of live TV coverage
Overall, a GREAT day with a record number of jumps made. The party is about to start!!!!! More later....

Hey bro, the jumper exit area is for JUMPERS. If you want to take pictures, there is 3030' of bridge railing. From what I can quickly see, you WERE NOT a registered jumper and you're angry for not getting in my JUMPER exit area? Give me a break!

Jason, wasn't busting your balls at all. You always do a great job putting on BD. I was more ticked at the spectators hogging the bridge railing. Last two years I have been at BD, I would always watch for a while, then let my spot up for someone else to see. Besides, your legs and back get sore from leaning over. I stood around forever trying to get as close as possible to the exit platform. Also the last two years, that media truck wasn't right up by the jumper platform taking up the area right next to the exit platform. Before that you could get approximately max 20 feet away. Then I see more than one, army personel, FBI, NPS Ranger, and state trooper step over the orange netting by that media truck and look over in that "restricted area". Just ticks you off a little when you have been standing for an hour and they use their authority to get a closer view. Couple that with the fact they don't let you drive down to the bottom of the gorge makes watching from way out on the ends of the bridge get boring.

I didn't personally flame on you so give me a break. I won't do that to another ME from WVU. And again I am sure everyone that jumps is greatful of the job you do.

Thanks for the update, Jason!

Now go enjoy the party!!!

NickD
BASE 194

Yes ! :)

hmmm...
maybe THEIR bodies can handle it!

seriously, if you aspire to BASE jump, please learn how to deal with existing conditions. winds, lz, object height, etc. you get what you get.

what happens if you get on the platform and think the water level is too high? are you going to complain, jump, or complain but still jump?

Cry yourself a river, build yourself a bridge, and get over it.

 
Or, you could have just done what I did. I watched the first 5 jumps from the bridge and decided I wanted a better view. So I took off on a 5.5 mile hike to the bottom of the gorge. I finally got down there around noon. For three hours I was able to watch jumper after jumper land not 50 feet away.

As far as your legs and back getting sore from looking over the bridge, try hiking back up the mountian out of the gorge. It's been two days, and I am still very sore when I walk. All in all, though, it was an awesome experience that I don't have a single regret doing. If you want better pictures next time, put in the time and effort to get down at the bottom.

I know this dude, he's a great guy.

But, as Todd S. has said, guys of larger stature (myself included) jumping larger canopies should probably think twice before attempting this jump.

How did he get busted?? Slackers too lazy to carry him out??

 


According to an eye-witness (who wishes to remain anonymous) of this incident: Static line deployment, good canopy, erratic canopy control. Not a very "hard" landing, but awkward and no attempt to PLF.
Carrying the injured party out ourselves was not a good option. He had a compound tib/fib break that was bleeding pretty good.
The police never showed up, just the EMT's.
There was no one walking ON the roadway. I don't know how or why the NPS would be involved. They have no jurisdiction at this location.