Basejumper.com - archive

Well, I guess I don't rightly know how to write this letter but I am putting it on the forum at this time because this is my first time ever having to deal with something like this.

In my short career as a BASE jumper I have created a lot of controversy and turmoil within the community. I am not proud of this which is why I am writing this letter to all of you. It's been a real hard road but I have came to an intersection in my life where I have realized I have to make one change in particular that seems to be affecting everything.

Looking back at the over 60 BASE jumps I have made since starting in November I came to realize that only maybe 10 have been sober and on most I know I was wasted. BASE is dangerous enough without the added stupidity. But the realization came when I look at the shit I have done, in both the BASE and the skydiving communities as well as in my daily life. From being escorted off a plane at a DZ for smelling like alcohol, actually manifesting and doing a jump and later finding I was so intoxicated I couldn't walk after landing to BASE jumps where I had drank a half a bottle of Jack and 6 beers and I guess it's no wonder that someone overheard what we were talking about (I will tell you that I didn't want that to happen) and I don’t even remember getting to the roof because I guess I was blacked out.

Nevertheless, the reason I am writing is to let you know that I am entering an impatient treatment program Monday. This is my first time ever really looking into anything like this but I think it's time. Looking back at the last few years I realize I have destroyed so many things from my career to friendships and reputation that I cannot afford to continue to live like this...if for nothing else than I am going to kill someone else.

I don’t know anything about AA or alcoholism but from what I have heard, it fits. In the past 5 years I have lost a job where I was virtually printing money, there are people who won’t get on a plane with me, there are people who won’t BASE with me and there are nights I shake and sweat if I don’t drink.

I guess I just felt that I owed an apology to this community as a whole and as I have always believed that apologies without action are bullshit I am taking this step. I realise I have burned alot of Spans, however I hope this is a step in the direction that it will take to rebuild these. I didn't really realise the extent of my drinking problem until lately and as I talk with more and more people regarding this alot of people have said they saw a problem but were too intimidated by me or just felt I wouldn't listen anyhow.

I hope some of you can accept my apology. As many of you know, I am not on here much so if someone has something to say to me you can contact me by text or email.


Superdave
612-382-7789
ferrari_technicain@yahoo.com

That you've discovered your problem is a good thing. Stepping up and beginning the apologies is a good step too.

Understand it will take a long time to be accepted by many, a long history of chilling out and not pissing people off, and some will never forgive.

If you are committed to change, and getting better, the best of luck to you man. I hope you come out of this stronger, wiser, and healthy.

Learning a lesson now is better than later.

Good luck with recovery!

good luck!

focus on creating a better future.

  Best of luck to you superdave. I hope after your treatment you find a new love for base'in with a clear head.

I just sobered up, again, myself a few weeks ago. I think I've lost a few of my best friends forever. You can only say your sorry so many times.

good luck superdave

5 years without a drink - best thing I ever did was to stop.

PM me if you want to talk...

get on it man, best of luck

I hope everything works out for you.

I really want to extend my thanks to all of the phone calls, texts and responses. I am touched by this because I was very scarred to tell people my issue because of what someone might think about me. In a conversation I had earlier this week with a fellow jumper I learned that I have to put my ego aside and take things a day at a time.

As I said, I don't know much about AA but I felt that putting this out there and being honest would make me accountable to not only myself, but you.

Thank you everyone for your support.

You'll always be stupiddave to me.

Rehab is for quitters.
Just kidding, good luck.
BK

Good for you! Don't worry about us. Probably took ccourage to write that. Make good with us over a drink or 4 somewhere down the road.

Hank we will always love you even if you put it in my back hole! Dave I hope it works for you.

Peace,
Pauly

Just wanted to say thanks again to everyone who drove home the sobriety thing. After a year of sobriety I have been more successful than the previous 30 years of my life! I can't believe how much I robbed myself of valuable time, money, life experiences, etc.

In the last year I finally started my own Ferrari & specialty shop (www.TopGearAutoworks.com) and have set all the legal bullshit in my life straight and I really owe it to all the people who finally had enough of my bullshit and started walking away.

So in short, sorry for being such a dick and thanks for helping kick me in the ass - it's exactly what I needed.