Re: [dmkellett] UK Base Jumpers wanted for interview...
To everyone who would like to read this.
I think TV exposure to highly experienced BASE jumpers who have been in the sport for years who are willing to stick their neck out and expose themselves for TV would be highly beneficial. Why? I think the fact that BASE jumping is completely segregated from skydiving under the BPA is highly ridiculous and cowardly. It is a well known fact that BASE jumpers and skydivers are brothers and sisters of each other. Yet as the media has a scaremongering tactic to brain wash the millions – to PICK OUT an accident whenever it does happen in skydiving, makes a brilliant story to the Press. This is of course very sad news when it does happen; NOBODY likes it when accidents happen. But these stories are effective at deterring others in the wide population, from skydiving. I think this is sad – I have heard many people say that they did a tandem once – It was the best thing they’d ever done in their life - I say good for them and think that more POSTIVE media coverage – covering both skydiving and BASE jumping can only be a good thing.
Now to address if there was any other unspoken message attached to this thread. I think it is good that there are people out there thinking of lonely people.
BUT! I think this would BE A HORRBILE message to send to the media. To learn to BASE jump properly – no matter the talent – It can only be a good thing for things to be done in a progressive fashion – that is not rash – not in an out of control fashion. BASE jumping is one of the most dangerous recreational sports in the world – and as a result NEEDS to be treated with respect. Something I feel I have learned through posting here – listening to what can only be said is sound advice.
Some people are sometimes a little down and sometimes skydiving/BASE/ mountain biking? / Writing? /climbing? /art? /a walk? – What ever helps them? In all of these things care must be taken that a person knows their limits. What would the message be to a Media company that films a first time BASE jumper who although confident – thinks that any kind of abnormality on opening to a new canopy – could have fatal consequences – when one could argue – greater respect for the sport, a greater understanding under canopy that can be practiced in safety at 5000ft would be a much more sensible way to develop. I have had many numbers said to me when a good time to start BASE jumping is. 500, 250, 200, 31? Karina Hollekim did it in 27 right? BUT Karina made me no offer when I asked her – why? I think this is why. I think she knows she was in too big of a rush to begin BASE jumping in the first place. Accidents can happen – but some accidents can be avoided.
One day I hope to BASE jump – but after weeks of posting through this site – after 31 skydives is never a good time to start. I have not been degrounded yet – I actually honestly – do not know if I will – I hope I can – but even if I can’t it would be highly unwise of me to take up any offer for me to BASE.
If any UK BASE jumper – like those “Men that like to Jump off buildings” could shine a positive light on BASE jumping like they once did I feel – I think this would be a good thing. I think that this was an honest account of someone’s life – although disturbing to some of the population no doubt – I think this was genuine what this person did. This person stuck his neck out. I heard he got a slagging off the community – BASE jumping is highly secretive to some – but I say this – In China Jeb Corliss recently received an amazing review of him flying through a crack in a cliff face. He must have touched the souls of many onlookers – and still does just with his inspirational feet of genius. This was in China...
WHY CAN IT NOT BE THE WORLD?
Skydiving/BASE/WS-BASE needs more positive light thrown on it. It is an act of passion. Good for you Americans going for a White House petition, to fight, for the right, – to BASE.
Sincerely:
UkmarkJ
The media has got its claws in to a few people and turned their words around, A friend of mine recently got burnt by the media; and this is why people dont want to help them... 