rfarris 2 #1 July 6, 2002 Okay, I registered for BridgeDay 2002. First BASE jump, plan on making more. I need GEAR!!! I've checked the web sites, and looked at all the past threads I can stand. (Anyone from Dallas/Ft.Worth area that can help?) I have a spare Raven I reserve (181 sq/ft.) canopy, I weigh 155 or 160 pounds without gear. Can I safely jump that from the bridge, for my first BASE jump? Prefer to hear from experienced base jumpers, or anyone who made their first base jump from the bridge in the past few years, and, if given the chance, would change something about the gear they chose for their first jump.( i.e. would have bought a new BASE rig instead of modifying a skydive rig.) P.S. I know how to get to all the BASE web links, I need first hand info please! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TomAiello 26 #2 July 6, 2002 Warning: I'm about to go on at great length. I know you said you've read all the material on the web. I'm just going to post a couple specific archived responses in this post. If you've already seen them (which you probably have), ignore them and go on to the next post. Have you read these archived threads from the BASE board? They are all BASE jumpers responding to the "first rig" question. http://www.blincmagazine.com/forum/board/3822.html http://www.blincmagazine.com/cgi-bin/forum/dcboard.cgi?az=show_thread&om=2575&forum=board http://www.blincmagazine.com/cgi-bin/forum/dcboard.cgi?az=show_thread&om=3145&forum=board http://www.blincmagazine.com/cgi-bin/forum/dcboard.cgi?az=show_thread&om=3363&forum=board http://www.blincmagazine.com/cgi-bin/forum/dcboard.cgi?az=show_thread&om=3711&forum=board And this one is an "advice to new jumpers" thread. http://www.blincmagazine.com/cgi-bin/forum/dcboard.cgi?az=show_thread&om=2625&forum=board-- Tom Aiello Tom@SnakeRiverBASE.com SnakeRiverBASE.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TomAiello 26 #3 July 6, 2002 QuoteI have a spare Raven I reserve (181 sq/ft.) canopy, I weigh 155 or 160 pounds without gear. Can I safely jump that from the bridge, for my first BASE jump? Short answer: Yes. My answer: I wouldn't. And if you do, I'd definitely recommend landing in the water. BASE canopies are typically loaded at .65-.75 (higher for beginners, lower for more advanced jumpers). If your "out of the shower" weight is 155, you add 10 pounds of clothes and pads and 10 of gear for a total exit weight of 175, then your wingloading is 175/181 = .97. I wouldn't recommend trying to land a canopy at this loading in the regular BD landing area, especially not on your first jump. For comparison, your ideal BASE canopy should be sized from 240 (175/.75=233.3) up to 280 (175/.65=260.2). If you do decide to use your Raven, you'll need to make sure you have a reinforced bridle attachment and a tail pocket.-- Tom Aiello Tom@SnakeRiverBASE.com SnakeRiverBASE.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TomAiello 26 #4 July 6, 2002 QuoteAnyone from Dallas/Ft.Worth area that can help? I have a friend in Dallas who has around 100 jumps. If you're interested, and it's ok with him (no guarantees--BASE jumpers are shy), I can try to put you in touch. Let me know.-- Tom Aiello Tom@SnakeRiverBASE.com SnakeRiverBASE.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rfarris 2 #5 July 6, 2002 Thanks for the reply Tom. I've checked out the web site you suggested, but I haven't seen that particular forum posting yet. Will check it out asap. My problem is, I have a Talon (T-5) container that's hanging in the closet. Would like to use that, but not sure if a BASE canopy of the recommended size will fit safely. My main priority is choosing the right canopy, then finding the right container/harness set up to fit. Give your friend my email: rfarris@sbcglobal.net Thanks!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TomAiello 26 #6 July 7, 2002 It's just occured to me (duh, I feel stupid) that your best resource for help with BASE gear/setup in Dallas is obviously the local BASE gear manufacturer. Web Page (check it out if only for the pictures--of the cliffs, of course): http://www.leadingedgebase.com/ Contact info: 1425 Century, Suite 100 Carrollton, TX 75006 Ph: 972.245.5300 Fax: 972.2450598 Email: info@leadingedgebase.com Lee Hardesty at Leading Edge is an extremely knowledgable and experienced BASE jumper and rigger. Give him a call.-- Tom Aiello Tom@SnakeRiverBASE.com SnakeRiverBASE.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skymedic 0 #7 July 7, 2002 I totaly recommend talking to Lee...he is just a huge vast mountain of knowlegde..and a nice guy too. plus I just got one of his rig's....now I just gotta wait for it to get here.... Marc otherwise known as Mr.Fallinwoman.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Slappie 9 #8 July 8, 2002 QuoteLee Hardesty at Leading Edge is an extremely knowledgable and experienced BASE jumper and rigger. Give him a call. I was just about to type this when I ran across your post. Lee is the man when it comes to this type of question seriously. Contact him and I'm sure he'll help steer you in the right direction. "Find out just what any people will quietly submit to and you have found out the exact measure of injustice and wrong which will be imposed upon them." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
