BASE jumping is often cited as the most dangerous extreme sport in the world. Yet, for those who are drawn to the edge, it offers an unparalleled experience of intensity and awe. If you’re considering learning to BASE jump, understand that the path requires dedication, patience, and rigorous training. It’s not a casual pursuit; it’s a commitment to mastering a high-stakes discipline. This guide, based on expert insights, will outline the necessary steps and crucial considerations for anyone contemplating learning BASE jumping.
The journey to becoming a BASE jumper isn’t excessively long or overly complicated, but it demands a structured approach. The first crucial step is becoming a proficient skydiver. While some might consider skipping this foundational stage, experienced jumpers universally advise against it. Skydiving provides the essential groundwork in canopy control and freefall management, skills that are indispensable for every BASE jump. It’s generally recommended to accumulate between 150 to 250 skydives before attempting your first BASE jump. This experience builds a fundamental understanding of parachute systems and canopy handling – skills that are critically important for safe BASE jumping. Don’t underestimate the significance of canopy proficiency in BASE jumping; while freefall skills are also vital, a significant portion of beginner BASE jumping incidents are related to canopy mismanagement.
“It’s a commitment that demands significant time and energy, essentially dedicating a part of your life to managing risk.”
For those serious about embarking on a BASE jumping journey, “The Great Book of BASE” is widely regarded as the definitive resource. However, it’s crucial to understand that BASE jumping cannot be learned solely from a book. Attempting to do so would be unwise and potentially dangerous. Instead, the book serves as a valuable supplement to practical training. As you progress through your initial skydives, you can proactively focus on specific skills and drills outlined in resources like the BASE Book to prepare for the transition to fixed object jumps.
Skydiving, while seemingly expensive and requiring travel to drop zones, coaching, equipment purchase, and jump fees, is considerably more accessible and cost-effective than BASE jumping. If the costs associated with skydiving are a deterrent, then BASE jumping is likely not a suitable pursuit at this stage. BASE jumping involves significant expenses, including traveling vast distances to reach premier jump locations worldwide. While multiple skydives can be completed in a single day, BASE jumping typically allows for only one or two jumps per day. Therefore, if the financial aspect of skydiving is challenging, the greater financial demands of BASE jumping should be seriously considered. (Unless, as the original article humorously suggests, a nomadic lifestyle near BASE jumping locations is an appealing alternative).
“Ignorance and complacency are primary factors contributing to fatal accidents in BASE jumping.”
BASE jumping necessitates a substantial commitment of time, energy, and mental focus. It’s akin to dedicating a portion of your life to risk management and personal challenge, requiring a significant allocation of your resources.
The Essential Steps to Learn BASE Jumping
1. Become a Highly Skilled and Experienced Skydiver
This initial step goes far beyond completing an Accelerated Freefall (AFF) course and a few introductory skydives. Aspiring BASE jumpers should dedicate themselves to honing relevant skills and acquiring comprehensive knowledge about parachutes, rigging procedures, freefall techniques, and canopy control. This deep dive into skydiving fundamentals is not just about accumulating jump numbers; it’s about building a robust skill set that directly translates to BASE jumping safety and proficiency.
2. Enroll in a Reputable First Jump Course
Formal BASE jumping education is crucial for beginners. Several established schools offer First Jump Courses designed to provide foundational knowledge and practical skills. Next Level, for example, offers a range of courses catering to different progression levels, delivered by an experienced and diverse team of instructors. Sean Chuma’s BASE courses are renowned for their small group sizes and meticulous attention to detail, offering personalized instruction. Snake River BASE is recognized as the world’s largest BASE jumping school, located in Twin Falls, Idaho, USA. The French BASE Association provides a highly structured and professional curriculum within Europe. Miles Daisher focuses on teaching students advanced aerial skills relevant to BASE jumping. Reaching out to these schools and instructors is a vital step in structured BASE education.
3. Find an Experienced Mentor
Completing a First Jump Course is just the beginning. New BASE jumpers still lack the experience and judgment necessary to jump independently and safely. Integrating into the BASE jumping community and finding a mentor with a proven track record of safe jumping is paramount. Expect to actively participate as “ground crew” for experienced BASE jumpers. This might involve assisting with jump setup, logistics, driving, or providing other support. This mentorship phase is where many aspiring jumpers falter, underestimating the importance of guidance from a seasoned mentor. While there may be individuals willing to show you jump locations, true mentorship involves guidance from someone who will be there to support you when mistakes inevitably occur – mistakes that can have serious consequences in BASE jumping.
“Every BASE jump and interaction with fellow BASE jumpers offers a learning opportunity, provided you remain attentive and observant.”
4. Maintain Consistent Training
BASE jumping is not a sport for occasional participation. Maintaining currency in both skydiving and BASE jumping is critical for sustained safety. Consistent practice ensures that skills remain sharp, and decision-making processes are refined through ongoing experience. Sporadic engagement increases risk, as the perishable skills required for safe BASE jumping degrade without regular practice.
5. Cultivate an Open and Learning-Oriented Mindset
Continuous learning is fundamental to longevity in BASE jumping. Every jump and interaction within the BASE community provides valuable lessons, but only if you are receptive and observant. In BASE jumping, knowledge directly translates to safety. Complacency and ignorance are major contributors to accidents. Equally important is critical thinking; not all information, especially from online forums, should be accepted without scrutiny. A healthy skepticism and commitment to verified knowledge are essential.
Understanding BASE Jumping Risks and Fatalities
Why, despite training and precautions, does BASE jumping have a high fatality rate? Why do accidents occur even among experienced jumpers?
“BASE jumping can be unforgiving and affects individuals across all levels of experience.”
These are critical questions without simple answers or guaranteed safety formulas. BASE jumping is inherently unforgiving of human error, and humans are fallible. A recurring theme in BASE jumping fatalities is a lack of comprehensive understanding of the specific circumstances leading to an accident. Jumpers may overestimate the transferability of their previous BASE and skydiving experience to novel or changing situations. This assumption can be dangerously flawed.
The sport of BASE jumping has evolved into diverse disciplines and sub-categories, each demanding specific skills and preparation. Experience in one area doesn’t automatically qualify a jumper for another. For example, extensive slider-down BASE jumping experience doesn’t inherently prepare someone for wingsuit BASE jumping without a proper progression. Similarly, proficiency in wingsuit BASE jumping glides doesn’t guarantee readiness for highly technical terrain flying. Even extensive wingsuit skydiving experience may not be sufficient for mountain flying, regardless of exit point. Furthermore, expertise in BASE jumping stunts doesn’t equate to skills needed for formation flying or complex maneuvers in mountainous environments. Underestimating the nuances and distinct skill sets required for different facets of BASE jumping has been a factor in accidents involving even highly experienced jumpers.
To mitigate risks when venturing into new areas of BASE jumping, maintain a constant awareness that any new challenge may require skills you haven’t yet developed. Before attempting a new type of jump, whether it’s slider-down aerials or wingsuit formation flying, critically assess your preparation for that specific task. If you haven’t specifically trained for it, postpone it. Revisit it later, when you have acquired and honed the necessary skills. Any deviation from your established routine, even seemingly minor ones, necessitates dedicated preparation.
BASE jumping is no longer a monolithic activity. Recognizing its diverse facets and approaching each with focused training and respect for its unique challenges is paramount for safety and longevity in this demanding sport.
Article by Matt Gerdes
