Basejumper.com - archive

http://www.BASENumbers.org

Just over 6 years since #1000 was issued.

I fully expect this thread to go the usual way of people giving their reaons why they did or didn't apply for a BASE number, but I thought you all might be interested.

That's me!

way to go!

I haven't applied yet, cos that thing happened with the other thing, you k'now...and then of course THAT thing so yeah....

I also need 3 more objects to jump!

i still need my A.

Didn't some guy get a base # for his toilet?

Congrats

Hi,

a base number ! What for ? Why ?

I never understood what it is

Congratulations! Hopefully I'll be #2000!!

some people do not understand BASE jumping.

some people do not understand solo BASE jumping.

some people do not understand posting on internet forums.

the best reason for any of it is because it has value to YOU. you get no special privileges from any of it!

You are true it"s a choice
I just wish people who have a number explain to me why that is important to them

sorry for my English

I applied out of tradition more than anything else. It was actually quite fun to explain the circumstances of my last "object" to those issuing the numbers, and to hear the stories. The number in its own right IMHO is not that important; it's only in my sig. line as it's vaguely relevant to note it. Amusingly I, and the guy who became BASE1183 jumped on the same load; for whatever reason I went first (I think my buddy thought I already had my number!) Then one of my Italian friends commented on how almost all the other jumpers he knew had a number ending in 83 - which is the number I possibly should have been. So, there's the wierd coincidence thing!

Of those I know, I have noticed that Brits tend to apply for them, and the French not; this may also be a tradition!

jimstar typed:

I just wish people who have a number
explain to me why that is important to them

sorry for my English

Your English is better than my French


My BASE number is a symbol of: my accomplishment,
my membership in a unique brotherhood/sisterhood,
and my show of respect/appreciation to our roots.

BASE1366

my brain dont need the numbers,my brain needs the jumps.....

What if it were French issuing the numbers?

BASE jumping defined:

Jumper leaps from four different objects. Building, Antenna, Span (Bridge), and Earth (Cliff). Jumper gets BASE number. Jumper celebrates receipt of his/her new number and is proud of the accomplishment.

At least that's the way it was in 1995...back when you had to call Jean Boenish and every jumper I knew looked forward to obtaining their BASE number.

come to boulder man.

thanks hank if could ever get more than one day off I would think about it. its hard when moab is so close and twin is even closer

plenty of As in Utah.

I know im not in a hurry to get it im just saying if Im going to go somewhere I want to get some jumps in. there is one in southern utah close to moab ill probably hit soon.

It was the same in 1985...

there's some fun stuff up near the wasatch range too, or so I hear

yes there is ive only hit two local spots as im pretty new mostly bridge jumps. hence the reason no A

Having jumped with some of the BASE pioneers, I just like the history behind it. It means a lot to me, and nothing at the same time. That why I'm in no hurry and still want it badly at the same time.

BASE is what you make of it and its yours for the taking, whatever the hell it is. It is more than likely nothing in the grand scheme of things.

-TJ

Thank you all for your answers
It's interesting because we certainly share the same values, but I did not need a number to belong to any community or to exist
I understand that is U.S. tradition and I respect that

take care,
space

huh?
when numbers go to jumpers across the world, why call it a U.S. tradition? (isn't it like calling wine a French tradition!)

you asked others to explain their thoughts, so do you care to reciprocate?

Wine is french tradition.. if not theirs than who? Certainly can be and is appreciated by many though.

Such is base.

IMHO...
wikipedia states that wine was first produced in Georgia over 8000 years ago. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_wine) claiming ownership over the wine tradition seems rather bold.

I doubt Californian, Chilean, or Australian vintners brag about following a French tradition.

similarly, I doubt British, Norwegian, or South African BASE jumpers think they are following a US tradition.

Chardonnay, Bordeaux, Champagne.. cmonn

The analogy is relevent.

http://www.winecountrygetaways.com/champagne.html
These guys are in Cali and are pretty proud of the French tradition. I'm just saying...
BTW, who really cares?

EDIT: After reading Rick's post a few posts below this one, I want to make it clear that when I stated "who really cares" I was talking about wine, and in no way meant to offend the pioneers and rich history of this sport that I'm pretty proud to be a part of. That is all.

SPUMANTE BAMBINO!!BASE#1509?

Not important. Curious.

holymoly what does that make us Craig :P
and i thourght i lost my hair from climbing Antennas :P

just curious has anybody had their number tattooed on themselves?

I can think of three people off the top of my head who have their number tattooed on.

I know one that doesnt anly have a tattoo, but he also sells DVDs, Shirts, Bed Sheets, toiletpaper and placemats with his number on it

Just my 0.50(2) cents

First off, I love French wine when I can afford the good reds. Second, BASE was never intended to be just an American Tradition. Carl Boenish was one of the more international american skydivers and the worlds's premier freefall photographer in the 60's and 70's. I know the name, "United States BASE Association" may have bothered a few folks like the French, but was never meant to be a slap in the face. In fact, it was the logical name to parody the United States Parachute Association in those days when they were taking a stand against BASE jumping after the Yosemite experiment was closed. Besides, if you read the back of the green BASE card, it says:

"The USBA was founded in 1981 and dedicated to the safety, advancement and positive public image of BASE jumpers and BASE jumping throughout the world".
Carl was an eary skydiver and knew that the French and Russians and later the US were the worlds leaders in skydiving in the 60's and early 70's. Many of the French were some of the earliest big wall jumpers, but BASE was invented in the US. It was invented at a time when we all used skydiving gear and didn't like stuff much below 800'. France and many other places didn't have many buildings that were tall in those days, so it took some Europeans a while to get BASE numbers because of buildings. Now, anything is jumpable, but until the gear got better it wasn't unusual for folks to have all but the B.
BASE is what you make of it. Carl Boenish was a real super guy and a visionary. He turned a stunt activity into a sport and helped pioneer needed gear changes. If you knew Carl, you'd know his intention was to unite all of the BASE jumpers in the world to celebrate the human spirit. Up to each person if they want to be included in the book that begins with a local friend here in Houston as BASE 1.

I was super happy to get my number and even called Jean and Carl about 1:00 am after my qualifying jump which was an A in 82.
Cliffleaper
38

Congrats on BASE!!! Just got mine yesterday...1507! Pretty stoked and it has been an adventure all of the way.