Basejumper.com - archive

Should packing skills be required for a base # ?

do you really know someone that has their BASE # and can't pack?

Unfortunately such people exist, and it's a real shame. When somebody has BASE handed to them on a silver platter, they don't have much respect for it, and are alot more likely to fuck up.

PS at least my container fits me well.

Shutup.

Oh your talking about his container! mybad...

He does. There are people in the BASE and skydiving communities who just don't "get it" and are an accident waiting to happen. They want to take the shortest route possible without paying their dues on an appropriate learning curve.

Should packing skills be required for a base # ?


No. The only requirements for a BASE # that I know of are, you must be able to document and verify that you have jumped off of all 4 objects with I think, at least one witness.? There are no stipulations that say you must know how to pack. Unless I'm missing something...
I think a better poll would be: If you were to help a person get their BASE #........ a) That person would know how to pack in such a manner that you, the mentor, instructor, helper, whatever, would jump their pack job.. b) you would pack it for them and hand it to them on a silver platter.. c) you would advise them to attend a FJC, come back and then let's talk about getting your #.

Rod

I guess if someone can't pack they could just do tards or something all the time but most people don't think those are real BASE jumps. Tom should make a packing video of his hurricane proof packing. Sure there's a lot of tools but it's simple to keep it in order while man handling it trying to figure it out and as they get better they can eliminate most of the aids. I spent half of Bridge Day packing rigs for two of my friends besides my own, it sucked but the fun they had and the wide eyed looks while they were all pumped up was worth it to me. Both are half way to their BASE numbers now. Personally I don't feel right jumping other peoples pack jobs for BASE or skydiving but I have in both sports in the past.

Edited for bad spelling, public schooled.

I think in a perfect world the people who BASE jump
would have already packed numerous skydive mains,
at least a few skydive reserves, and several practice
pack jobs with their own BASE gear.

However, at an event like Bridge Day where many
skydivers just want to visit the darkside then it is
more acceptable to get a friend's help.

Absolutely.
A generous jumper taught me how to pack ...in his living room ...on a series of sessions before my FJC
I received some help/advice on my FJC about packing techniques...but I packed.
I have only jumped one packjob since then that I didnt pack myself.....( a borrowed rig for a second load on an object) and despite it all being fine...look back on that as a questionable decision.

Going through 'how I packed it' in my head prior to exit is important to me....I find it calming
Ive not reached those dizzying heights of 'koolness' yet where I do so many jumps -I dont recall /have time to recall myself packing the 'last' one..


I agree with Geen Machine though...
If people are dipping toes in the murky BASE waters at Bridge Day ...and thats it....its probably better for their state of mind if someone who can pack...has packed ( but they should at least make the effort to watch it being done)

among all things, i can pack a suitcase quite neatly and without clamps. but it wasn't a requirement.

No packing skills are not required for a BASE #, all that is required is that you write a letter and list and claim to have jumped from all four objects. No signatures or witnesses required. Solos count. I think it is based on the old honor system.

http://www.basenumbers.org/apply.asp

Of course it's good to know your shit and pack your own rigs most of the time.