Basejumper.com - archive

Could we be at a tipping point? Is the power in the NPS shifting from the old ways to the new? I feel Rangers and NPS officials are finally becoming divisive about the issue of BASE in our parks. Graham and Dean's death could be a catalyst for this issue to be looked at objectively.

I've said it before and I'll say it again. If you feel like we should be able to jump in national parks do something about it. It gets windy in Moab go over to Arches or Canyonlands and volunteer for a few hours or a day. Introduce yourself as a BASE jumper and tell them what you know about cryptobiotic soil and or efforts are Turkey Boogie. It's these little things that get people to see the real image of it. Write a letter to them and voice your concerns.

If BASE jumping were to be initiated how would it be best set up? Should it be like Norway? Should it adhere exactly as rock climbing does? Should we even be able to send off hundreds of people on El Cap a day?

I recently taught a three day EMT renewal course for the NPS rangers at Pinaccles National Park.

During breaks we talked a bit about BASE jumping and we even discussed my arrest in Yosemite in 2004. I asked them their personal views on BASE jumping and for their personal interpretation of the CFR prohibiting aerial delivery and how or if that should be applied to BASE jumping.

One of the rangers even got his CFR book from his patrol vehicle and as a group we read the verbiage and discussed their thoughts about if it should apply to BASE jumping.

They all agreed that I delivered myself into the park when I drove through the gate.

They all agreed that they would arrest me under identical circumstances but they ALL ALSO AGREED that the application of that law did not make sense to them when read word-for-word.

None of them expressed a negative opinion about BASE jumping none of them thought the activity should be expressly prohibited, although they feel the activity does not reflect the stated purpose of the existence of the National Parks. They all also acknowledged the truth that there are many activities permitted in the park that do not reflect the same stated purpose.

None of the rangers agreed that banning BASE jumping was fair, but are aware of the current NPS position on not allowing the activity.

On the third and last day of the course, I spent a break period surrounded by NPS rangers, inside a National Park, watching BASE jumping videos on their projector screen.

I think things can change. I hope to someday legally BASE jump in Yosemite and other National Parks.

Thank you both for your efforts.

Gotta show up in numbers.

You can't go at it alone.

Feels the need of organization that spearheads protest and demonstration.

Instead of bridge day, we should have a day where we all go and make the voices heard.

Can you imagine if all the participants from last years bridge day show up and protest?

and lets not borrow someone else's gear because we are all gonna get arrested.

https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=690890040962811

so when is the next protest?

blacks in south did not get their civil rights by asking nicely to some political official one by one.

So when you wrote your letter, did you get any response?

That letter actually get read by someone in position to do anything? or does it get read by some secretary who shreds after?

Plan a public protest, with all kinds of media and all, and you don't really have to jump and get arrested to make the point. The event needs TV exposure is all. Are they gonna arrest people for just being on top of the cliff with the base rig on?

I'm pretty sure at some point couple ballsy mofos will jump and get arrested. Just like those freedom riders in south, or those who participated in sit ins.

Life, Liberty, and pursuit of happiness.

Although I really like your enthusiasm I think protesting will not solve. What we need are rational and competent ideas of a system that will work.

The media has never served us in our favor. The press to the masses needed to reach is not interested in telling the story of the 9-5 regular joe that isn't addicted to adrenaline and just jumps from cliffs as what he loves to do. They want death controversy and will ultimately do more harm than good.

We are powerless as a group without organization. Get manf involved. Also the ACLU involved, proof would be easy we are being discriminated against.

Do we really want it be legal though? I mean it'd be great to not have to worry about bust factor, but do we really want the national parks to be another DZ? How many more jumpers would we have jumping there since 2500' is their low limit and they would now have access to an acceptable cliff?

I wouldnt expect any more usage than at some of the euro cliffs, I'm sure there's going to be an initial rush of jumpers making plans to take a trip to el cap if it ever goes legal, but like everything else... it'll settle back down after the "new toy" phase wheres off. its a long way off, thankfully the NPS has places in europe they can look at to get an idea of what to expect here.

I think the only way to make this happen would be something similar to this:
http://yhga.org/siteinfo.htm
strong self regulation / restriction.

Where can i sign up for the yosemite valley helicopter boogie?

"Current USHPA Hang IV (Advanced) rating required. You must carry this rating card with you. No photo copies, buddy vouchers, or "Gee! I left it in my camp site!" excuses. If you forget to bring your card, you will not be able to fly this site. No Exceptions!"


whats that? you want to see my USPA BASE license and my "E" proficiency card? I think it's a step in the rite direction, I just dont like that they have licenses involved...

EDIT: unless this license/membership comes with insurance that covers damages / search and rescue costs.

only the most experienced pilots are allowed to fly.
only a few days a year.
only with a "monitor" present.
only early morning, the shittiest time for hang gliding.
only one launch point.
but its the only way for them to fly there.
hang gliders are difficult to hide....

i just say its the only realistic way i see legal jumping there.
a huge sacrifice. is this really worth it?
maybe its best how it is.
working towards lowering the insane fines would be something.

I agree with the Self Regulation model.
Perhaps some kind of permit system might work.

The SBA (Swiss BASE Association) runs a pretty good model. Michi would be a good person with whom to have a long conversation. It won't all apply because our societies are so different, but I can't think of a better self-regulated model from which to start and use as an example.

Ok so you work hard and make it Legal.
What then..
This summer is going to test some sites in Europe
The problem is it too easy to become a Jumper now.
A lot of BASEjumpers have sold out and are on the gravy train.
The respect for jumpers in a lot of sites and areas are gone.
I felt this alot last summer.
The places are getting trashed.
Not many jumpers care..until it's too late..
The fatalities are one thing..but the jumpers are less liked and people think we are morons.

It was once legal in Yosemite...

Wow. I was thinking the same thing. By, like '92.

Sounds exactly like the surfers.

This summer is gonna be full of kooks.
The Costco board has made every mofo a surfer now.
The surfers sold themselves out for the comps, and they don't soul surf ever.
There is no more etiquette in the water, backpaddeling, snaking.
The beaches are getting trashed.
The sharks are one thing but.... the surfers are less liked and people already thought that we were morons.



It is problem of growing human population and the Gopros. I mean all of us had to put up that cool footage on Youtube to just blow up the spot to the entire world.

You know what might save it, have locals regulate, even kick out outsiders. Tell them that they don't belong here, go find your own spot.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PkFmHhaRM2Y

bring localism to BASE?

I don't agree with all out localism as it goes against the spirit of BASE but what I definitely agree with is locals telling fuckheads with no respect to tow the line or be prepared to deal with shit.