Base Jumping

Base Jumping is an activity that employs an initially packed parachute to jump from fixed objects. B.A.S.E. is an acronym that stands for four categories of fixed objects from which one can jump: buildings, antennas, spans (bridges), and earth (cliffs).

Base Jumping grew out of skydiving base jumps are generally made from much lower altitudes than skydives, and a BASE jump takes place close to the object serving as the jump platform. Because BASE jumps generally entail slower airspeeds than typical skydives (due to the limited altitude), a base jumper rarely achieves terminal velocity. Because higher airspeeds enable jumpers more aerodynamic control of their bodies, as well as more positive and quick parachute openings, the longer the delay, the better.

There has been a lot of discussion about base jumping in the mainstream media of late. But what exactly is it and what does it entail? We'll help you sort it all out.

BASE is an acronym for the four types of fixed objects that jumpers might leap from, including buildings, antennas, spans (such as a bridge), and the Earth (such as the top of a cliff). BASE jumpers wear a parachute, and sometimes a wingsuit, which is a specially designed outfit that allows them to slow their rate of descent and even make precision maneuvers through the sky.

After leaping off a cliff, the jumper's wingsuit rapidly fills with air, so he or she can glide until reaching an altitude where it becomes critical to open a parachute, which then allows them to descend safely back to the ground.

BASE jumping is an extreme sport and there have been many fatal accidents. Readers are encouraged to train with a certified skydiving instructor and spend many hours honing their skills before attempting a BASE jump of their own. While trained professionals make it look easy, there are many subtle nuances and techniques that are only learned over time and many jumps. As the sport has evolved, some skydivers have turned to base jumping to get their visceral rush of adrenaline on a regular basis, creating a great deal of crossover amongst the two extreme sports.

Examples

Some base jumpers leap off bridges, while others off buildings. Some extreme adventurers don "birdmen" or "flying squirrel" suits then jump off high cliffs or manmade structures.

During the first few seconds of free fall the suits fill with air, then the birdman soars at up to 140 miles per hour, sometimes flying close to rock walls and towers (or even through caves) on their descent.

BASE competitions have been held since the early 1980s, with accurate landings or free fall aerobatics used as the judging criteria. Recent years have seen a formal competition held at the 452 metres high Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, judged on landing accuracy.

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