How to Get Started with Base Jumping (for Experienced)

Base jumping is one of the most exhilarating and extreme sports in the world. It involves jumping from a fixed object, usually at high altitudes, and deploying a parachute to safely descend to the ground. Unlike skydiving, which is done from an aircraft, base jumping takes place from natural and man-made structures such as cliffs, bridges, and skyscrapers. While base jumping might seem daunting, experienced skydivers can leverage their prior knowledge and skills to start base jumping safely and effectively. This guide will explore the essentials of getting started with base jumping for experienced individuals, offering insights into the training, gear, safety measures, and mindset necessary for success.

What Makes Base Jumping Different from Skydiving?

Before diving into the practical steps, it is crucial to understand the core differences between base jumping and skydiving. While both involve jumping from a height and using a parachute, there are several significant distinctions that make base jumping unique:

1. Lower Altitudes: Unlike skydiving, where you typically jump from 10,000 to 14,000 feet, base jumps are made from much lower altitudes, usually ranging from 500 to 3,000 feet. This makes the window of time for deploying the parachute significantly shorter.
2. Fixed Objects: In base jumping, you leap from stationary objects such as cliffs, bridges, buildings, or antennas, as opposed to jumping from a moving aircraft in skydiving.
3. Parachute Deployment: The process of deploying the parachute is more critical in base jumping due to the lower altitude. Skydivers have a longer time to deploy their parachutes, whereas base jumpers must deploy their canopies almost immediately after exiting the object.
4. No Aircraft: Unlike skydiving, base jumping eliminates the need for an aircraft, which makes logistics different. You must hike, climb, or use other methods to reach the jump site.
5. Risk and Speed: With the reduced time for parachute deployment and the rapid descent, base jumping is far more dangerous than skydiving. The sport demands a high level of precision, preparation, and skill.

Understanding these differences is vital, as the techniques and mindset required for safe base jumping differ from those of traditional skydiving.

Step 1: Assess Your Experience and Fitness Level

Base jumping is not a sport to be undertaken lightly. It requires a solid foundation of skydiving experience and physical fitness. The following considerations will help you assess whether you're ready to transition into base jumping:

1.1. Experience in Skydiving

If you are an experienced skydiver, you already have a good understanding of freefall, canopy control, and emergency procedures. However, base jumping requires specific skills, such as low-altitude deployment, precision landing, and navigating tricky terrains.

To transition safely into base jumping, most experts recommend that you have at least 200 skydives under your belt. You should also be well-versed in emergency situations, including malfunctioning canopies and low-altitude bailout procedures.

1.2. Fitness and Health

Base jumping demands a high level of physical fitness. You need to be strong enough to handle the forces of freefall and quick enough to react in emergency situations. Cardiovascular endurance, strength, and flexibility are essential for making precise jumps and landing safely.

You should also be mentally prepared for the stress and demands of the sport. Base jumping requires focus, quick decision-making, and the ability to stay calm under pressure. Mental resilience is just as important as physical fitness.

Step 2: Obtain Base Jumping Training

Even for experienced skydivers, training is critical when getting started with base jumping. It is essential to learn the specific skills that differ from those in skydiving. There are several ways to train for base jumping:

2.1. Find a Certified Base Jumping Instructor

While skydiving provides a solid foundation, base jumping requires specific skills that can only be learned through professional training. Many experienced skydivers choose to attend a base jumping school or hire an instructor to guide them through the process.

A certified instructor will teach you how to:

• Safely exit the object
• Deploy your parachute at low altitudes
• Manage your canopy for precision landings
• Navigate terrain and conditions unique to base jumping
• Handle emergency situations and malfunctioning canopies

The instructor will also provide mentorship during your early jumps, offering real-time feedback and guidance.

2.2. Progress Gradually

Most base jumping schools will have a progression system that starts with more controlled environments and gradually works up to more challenging jumps. The progression typically involves jumping from lower objects with more time to deploy the parachute, before advancing to higher and more complex jumps.

Start with small jumps, such as from a bridge or cliff, and work your way up to more advanced jumps from skyscrapers or antennas. This gradual progression helps you build confidence, skill, and safety awareness.

Step 3: Master the Gear

One of the most significant differences between skydiving and base jumping is the specialized gear used for base jumps. Understanding your equipment and how to use it properly is crucial to ensuring your safety. Here's a breakdown of the essential gear for base jumping:

3.1. Base Jumping Parachute

While the parachutes used in skydiving and base jumping may look similar, there are notable differences. Base jumping parachutes are designed to open quickly and provide greater control at low altitudes. These canopies are often smaller and more maneuverable than typical skydiving rigs, allowing for precise landings.

Additionally, base jumpers often use a "hand-deployed" pilot chute (the small chute that pulls the main parachute out of the container), as opposed to the static line used in skydiving. This allows for quicker deployment in freefall.

3.2. Gear Configuration

Base jumpers must also use a specialized harness/container system designed to handle the high speeds and lower altitudes of base jumping. These containers are typically smaller, more streamlined, and fit snugly to reduce any unnecessary drag or resistance.

In addition to the main parachute, many base jumpers also carry a reserve parachute, in case their primary parachute malfunctions. The reserve parachute is packed in a separate container and should be deployed manually in an emergency situation.

3.3. Helmet and Protection

Base jumpers typically wear a helmet to protect against impacts with the object or the terrain. The helmet should be lightweight and aerodynamic, offering protection without hindering mobility. Some helmets are equipped with cameras for documenting the jump.

Knee and elbow pads are also common for base jumpers, particularly when landing on rough or uneven ground. They can help minimize injury in case of a hard or off-target landing.

Step 4: Choose Your Jump Sites Carefully

The choice of a jump site is one of the most critical aspects of base jumping. It's essential to select a location that is both safe and suitable for your skill level. When starting out, you should stick to locations that offer a clear path for descent and a good landing zone. Some factors to consider when choosing a jump site include:

• Height: Start with lower-altitude jumps to give yourself ample time to deploy your parachute. As you gain experience, you can tackle higher and more challenging jumps.
• Terrain: Ensure that the landing zone is clear of obstacles and provides a soft enough surface for a safe landing. Many base jumpers prefer to land on grassy fields or sand dunes to cushion the impact.
• Weather Conditions: Base jumping is highly weather-dependent. Strong winds, rain, or poor visibility can drastically increase the risk of injury. Always check the weather conditions before making a jump and avoid jumping in adverse conditions.
• Permissions and Legality: Base jumping is illegal in many locations due to safety concerns and local regulations. Always check the laws and regulations of your chosen jump site and ensure that you have the necessary permissions to jump.

Step 5: Perfect Your Technique

Base jumping demands precision in every aspect, from the moment you leave the object to the moment you land. Here are some key techniques to master:

5.1. Exit Strategy

The exit is the first and most critical part of a base jump. A clean, controlled exit is essential to ensure you have the best chance of deploying your parachute safely. Practicing your exit technique with a professional instructor will help you develop the confidence to jump from various objects.

5.2. Canopy Control

After you exit the object, you must deploy your parachute and immediately take control of your canopy. At lower altitudes, the time you have to control your parachute is limited, making it essential to have a good understanding of your canopy's behavior.

Practice controlling your canopy in different wind conditions, making turns, and performing precision landings. The more you practice, the more intuitive this control will become.

5.3. Emergency Procedures

Emergencies in base jumping are rare, but when they do occur, you need to act quickly and decisively. Practice handling malfunctioning parachutes, including situations such as line twists, canopy collapse, or entanglement. Knowing how to respond to these situations will help ensure that you can handle them calmly and effectively.

Conclusion

Base jumping is an extreme and thrilling sport that requires dedication, skill, and experience. For experienced skydivers, the transition to base jumping can be a natural progression, but it requires specific training and understanding of the unique risks involved. By gradually progressing through training, understanding the specialized gear, and choosing safe jump sites, experienced skydivers can safely start their journey into base jumping.

Remember, base jumping is not just about adrenaline and excitement---it's also about preparation, precision, and responsibility. By approaching the sport with a methodical and cautious mindset, you can enjoy the thrill of base jumping while minimizing the risks and maximizing the rewards of this extreme sport.

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