Basejumper.com - archive

As someone interested on jumping what are the ESSENTIALS to start ?

that's a bit oversize question...

oversize answers would include:
- know yourself
- know parachutes as well as possible (jumps, rigging, etc.)
- knowing how to find information and capable of educating yourself (since there is nothing similar to skydiving centers to hold a jumper's hand).

more specific information can be found here:
http://www.basejumper.com/...s/Getting_Into_BASE/

canopy and freefall experience and cool under pressure, mandatory.

a nice HD video camera
fast internet connection
YouTube account

+1

+1

Let's not forget matching gear, cool shades, energy drinks and a stylistic hair dew.

gentlemen...

this forum is supposed to be friendly to beginners. the jokes may limit newbie participation, especially if they feel harrassed. <sigh>

anyone want to get back on topic?




to the Original Poster (and other beginners):
some of these suggestions are obviously methods that do NOT ingratiate newbies to experienced jumpers.

What he said, and for gods sake know your gear and the basic physics and process logic of how the caonpy opens and flys.

Knowing the thoery of how everything works can make you independent and able to solve problems on your own instead of relying on someone to hold your hand. That is a big part of why I BASE, the rigging and thinking proccesses involved.

In Order Of Importance:
1. Rigging
2. Packing
3. Canopy
4. Freefall

site evaluation
assessing the weather
understanding basic physics of winds and turbulence

The question is too open ended.

How many skydives do you have?

You will get smart ass comments if you don't be more specific. Comments like "a parachute is essential."

You're right, I'm sorry. I think the most important 'first' step is to ask yourself why would you want to do something that can and probably will kill you.

A recent epiphany I had, expanding on the "know yourself" suggestion by wwarped.

Being involved in a lesser dangerous activity (skydiving) has done more than just teach me how to land a canopy, understand rigging or track.

I've been forced to contend with the internal conflict of restraint vs. limit-pushing in a manner and environment that is quite a bit more forgiving, considering the general lack of granite or steel lattice in the immediate vicinity.

Without getting into arbitrary and useless discussions of relative statistics, BASE is incredibly dangerous and restraint will save you. Keeping this in mind, I suggest that is smarter to spend time developing restraint in a more forgiving environment.

Ive never skydived before. But, Im interested in BASE strictly for the thrill of it. Have always enjoyed jumping off of things, usually had water below though. But I figure this would be something interesting to attempt. Granted, Im not going to buy a parachute and launch off the first bridge I see but, I would like to have an understanding of the needs and skill required for BASE and move forward from there.

contact a base manufacturer who does first BASE jump courses. ask them about the skydiving requirements to get into base; also, specifically ask what things you should concentrate on learning in a skydiving environment for you to safely progress to base.

1. Really good medical insurance

 

Maybe one day Ill aspire to be like you.

Thanks

"Have always enjoyed jumping off of things"..........

I love when curious newbies say this. Now its my turn to ask you a question: what does this have to do with BASE jumping???? Any nut sac can stand at the edge of something and leap off, in fact, my 88 yr. old granny can eaisly do this (she's in great shape for her age). BASE jumping is soooooooooo much more involved.

Space's comment is VERY important and you should not take it lightly. Being observant my save your life one day. It comes into play all the way from gear inspections to suttle weather changes to object access to back up plans, to helping injuried friends, etc. So stop being a smart ass dick wad and at least TRY to take in what is being said. He was "jumping off things" probably before your Dad was trying to pull out but didnt.

Have a nice day and may the force be with you.

Dick Ride, I understand that being observant is in fact a good attriubute to have and once if I do decide to get involved in this sport I will do my best to be observant.

Understand though that outsiders look at this activity, not sport in their minds, as simply "jumping off things", WE do not consider rigs or launch or wind, we think you fools just "jump off things". So, as a curious newbie, I am tryin to figure out what this BASE thing is and the best way to do that is to ask what seem to be stupid questions.

thanks

Your not going to learn to much from posting here (it's a common mistake)...more than likely you will just get your ass burned by peoples responses.

Read the site. Watch some videos. Get to a skydiving drop zone and you will most certainly meet up with local base jumpers.

Unless you have the serious money, time, motivation and innate athleticism... or a death wish you will most likely not be making your first BASE jump in the next 12 months (or longer).

Take your time. Take experienced jumpers advice. BASE will still be there when and if you are ready.
Have fun learning.

Be ready for the physical and emotional pain as well. You might not die but you will most likely get hurt at some point in this sport. You might lose your job, car and have to depend on your friends and family to help you take care of you. The simplest of things that we take for granted everyday will change. Things like taking a shower, taking a piss or even going to the grocery store to get grocery's. Just try to think how it will effect you wife/girlfriend, kids or parents. My last jump coast me about $60,000 my job pretty soon my car and really put a damper on my relationship with my girlfriend of 5 years. Just a few things for you to think about before you rush into something that you saw on youtube and think looks cool. Good luck to you and the best of luck.

Chris

maybe you should start here

tandem BASE

careful. I suggest you also read the Rules. Personal Attacks are NOT welcome. I'm trying to keep the experienced jumpers from heaping abuse on you for being lazy and inconsiderate, and you then take liberties with dride's user name?

not cool. not acceptable.

if you are really interested in BASE, then you'd find the time to read as much as possible. it shows respect. many of your questions have likely been answered before. all you have to do is read. it's all there for you. all you must do is put in a little effort.

when people see you are trying to help yourself, they are more likely to help you.

Picked up on that much so far.

Guess Ill come back when I learn the secret knock or something.

+1

And that would be having at least 200 skydives...

And not acting like a doucher.

There are the essentials of base right there. 200 skydives, and don't be a doucher.

Hell, I'd even let you tag along for ground crew without the first, but the second is pretty essential...

You need to change your attitude. I have been where you are quite recently and I am still very much a beginner. It takes effort and dedication to get into this sport not a secret knock. If you carry on ignoring people and still try to get into BASE you will bounce FACT