BASE jumping is an off shoot from the adrenaline pumping sport, Parachuting. It differs in that the height at which the BASE jumper takes his leap is much shorter. Between the time the jumper steps off the launch point to the time he throws the hand-held pilot chute is only three seconds. The shortest three seconds of the Base Jumpers life. Following the jump, skill is then needed to fly the chute and land without getting hurt. Jumpers leap from still objects, as opposed to airplanes and other moving objects. Typical launch points from which jumpers will take flight from are Bridges, Antenna, Span, and Earth, hence the label, BASE. A typical BASE jump also has a landing area that is filled with boulders, rocks, or large trees on uneven terrain. Wind conditions are unpredictable from second to second. Therefore, a great amount of experience, education, knowledge and guts is necessary before taking the first leap.


It is a dangerous sport, not for everyone! It is not about proving anything to anyone. It is just as adrenaline pumping as its relative, Skydiving. It is why BASE jumping is so addictive.


The sport is banned at nearly all national parks and on private property. The sport is fighting to preserve an extreme sport image. It is seen by the BASE jumper as a sport that is no less safe skiing or mountain biking or any other sport in which thousands risk their necks on a daily basis. They do not see themselves as careless, reckless outlaws as they have been portrayed in the past.


Three hundred thousand spectators annually gather to watch hundreds of Jumpers take flight in Fayetteville, West Virginia on Bridge Day every October. It is the biggest legal BASE jump in the world. It is one of the safer BASE sites around. There is no structure below the Bridge. There is an unusually high altitude of of this object which gives a reasonable amount of time to get a good canopy (full opening of the chute)set up for landing. The landing area is tight, and surrounded by trees, rocks and fast water, so accuracy landing skills are very important. Competition scores are given for aerials, but most of the points are for the accuracy of the landing.


If you are interested in this sport, it is highly recommended that you first, read the International BASE Foundation's, "Cliff Jumping License System". There is a set of prerequisites that you need to ensure that you have enough canopy experience to attempt any BASE Jump. Second, attend Bridge Day or a certified "First Jump" course. Step three involves taking lessons from a local BASE jumper and assisting in "Ground Crew" for several jumps. Make sure this teacher is someone you can trust with your life. He or she should have at least 200 BASE jumps under his or her belt. The ultimate in experience is to master skydiving first. Work on exiting, jump heights, technical knowledge of your parachute and how it works, and focus on landing accuracy and canopy control. Make at least 200 skydives. A BASE Jumper needs to be far more knowledgeable then a skydiver.


If possible, join an association for BASE Jumpers and associates, so that you can stay involved and build your skills and experience gradually. Some associations like, the Cliff Jumpers Associaton of America, an association of BASE jumpers and gear manufacturers are trying to increase the number and locations of legal BASE jumps around the country.


And remember, never do anything that doesn't feel right to you. We each determine at what pace we learn. Don't get pushed into jumping before you're ready. It must feel comfortable. Never be afraid to change your mind and back down from a jump. There are definite times when it is right to back off, and knowing when to listen to that inner voice can be your survival. Learn to trust your instincts.