Who Wants to Base Jump? , Sunday, July 19, 2009 at 3:33 AM, in

You have gone sky diving, you've gone parasailing and you've tried bungee jumping... and they just aren't enough of a thrill. What's left? Why not throw yourself off a building (with a parachute of course). That's exactly what brings people to the sport of BASE jumping.
BASE jumping is an extreme sport that entails jumping from a stationary object, experiencing a few moments of free fall and then opening a parachute to coast the rest of the way to the ground. BASE stands for building, antennae, span and earth and refers to the type of structures that people launch themselves from. Span is used to describe bridges or other structures that go across something and earth refers to mountains, cliffs, etc.
While BASE jumping can be extremely thrilling and an amazing adrenaline rush, it is extremely dangerous! In fact it is probably the most dangerous sport that exists today (though alligator wrestling is probably a close second).




The most common problems that occur during a BASE jump have to do with the landing area and the launch area. Since there aren't any "official" jump locations, athletes don't always have enough room to land in. Also, depending on weather and the degree of wind effecting the area, sometimes they are propelled into the structure that they have just jumped from. Injuries from BASE jumping are generally substantial and often fatal. Another issue which could arise would be a defective parachute, obviously hurtling towards the ground without a working parachute is not advisable.
BASE jumping is not for everyone, and I must reiterate that it is extremely dangerous. However, if you feel that it is absolutely something you must do, look for a local society or club. By speaking with other athletes in the sport, you can learn valuable safety information regarding techniques, location, equipment and skills necessary to make a safe jump (or as safe as possible). BASE jumping is very similar to sky diving (without the plane) and thus to become a jumper, you must complete a Sky Diving Certification. Once you have completed this, you will find a mentor (possibly through a club or society) that can train you on how to BASE jump. It is very important to have this training as this sport requires knowledge of free fall and trajectory and the ability to make split decisions.
If you are still interested in BASE jumping, do your research.



Learn everything you can about the dangers of the sport before you decide to try it. An informed decision is the best way to approach this thrilling but dangerous sport.

Sydney Garrison is an avid cyclist and sports enthusiast. She is also a partner in an online bike rack store