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Very nice work guys! The Germans are getting it done!!! Bryan

Hello -- This will largely depend on your physical fitness and comfort level. I'm a softy, but when I'm in "antenna climbing shape", 900ft takes me around 50 minutes. I know some guys who can climb 900ft in 30 minutes (they're in excellent shape). More importantly, I would highly recommend contacting the local BASE jumpers in your area before attempting this. Even though you are not jumping, you're accessing the site and if you do something that's not in-tune with local procedures, you risk messing it up for others. Also, by getting in with the locals, you can ground crew and hang out with them, which is a valuable tool for learning more about the sport. Not to mention that you'll have mentors/folks to hang out should you start jumping. So look for the locals. Be kind, sincere, and patient...and you'll find your way in. Best of Luck, Bryan

There are no prohibitions/laws against night jumps. However, if you call the Sherrif's dispatch and ask if you can jump at night, they will most likely discourage you. If you put yourself in their shoes, it seems logical to discourage night jumps. To the non BASE jumper, it sounds crazy. It is more dangerous for the jumpers themselves and it is certainly more difficult should a rescue situation arise. But night jumps are a very large part of BASE and like every other aspect of our sport, we analyze the risk (and hopefully accept it) before each and every jump we make. So, if you are inclined the Perrine at night, I would suggest the following: Be low key. Don't make your presence into a big production. When it comes time to actually climb over the rail and jump, try to do so when a car won't see you. (this is very easy to do at night) This would eliminate any potential suicide calls etc. at a time when our jumping should be low key. My first take is to not call the sherrif and inform them you are jumping. I think we should keep it clean, not worry people unnecessarily, and stay low-key. Does anyone else have any thoughts on this? Bryan

Ah yes. In 5 hours, there will be no meetings, no email, no phones to answer...only my rigs, my tent, a very small tight-knit group of friends, and 12 days of BASE jumping on the open road. It doesn't get much better... To all of my BASE brothers and sisters around the world, each and every one of you are brilliant in your own way. I wish you a special Christmas and a magnificent New Year! And may you find the magic that lies in front of each of us, every single day... Bryan

Ha ha ha. That sounds just like Spence! I shook my head once when Spence said to me "It's possible for me to release toggles and flare for landing down to 130ft. Anything below that and I have to use risers for landing". Spence really is that dialed in on the low stuff. I still plan on coming out this winter to jump with you guys -- I'll be in touch soon. Bryan DISCLAIMER: For those unexperienced and uninitiated in the ultra-low realm, jumping objects this low often requires many specialized techiniques and there is often zero-margin for error. Don't take the above numbers in this thread as factual (like it's ok to release your brakes from a 130ft jump). Your mileage can and will vary.

For those who don't know BASE 587, I consider him to be one of the most experienced jumpers in the world for ultra-low deployments. He has dozens of jumps in the sub-150ft and at least a another dozen jumps in the 111 to 120ft range. I find this thread interesting and useful for taking at look at what deploys faster: a TARD or a Direct Bag. Of course, it will probably never matter to me as I'm way to soft to jump anything sub 150... Bryan

Hi Karen -- In my opinion, the black rubber bands are not suitable for tailgates either. The black bands are much stronger and it takes considerably more force to break them. If a black band were to get hung up on a tailgate during an opening sequence, it may take longer for it to break or it may not break at all. Granted, it's highly unlikely that a rubber band could get hung up, but if it does, why not have a rubber band that will break? Bottom line: I cannot see why someone would want to use a black rubber band. I suspect that the trend started as a way to make rubber bands last longer if your rubberband is girth-hitched onto the tailgate. I personally do not like girth-hitching the rubber band because I see it as a potential hang-up point as the rubber band tries to roll off during the opening sequence. It's a highly unlikely scenario, but I'm all about the odds... It's all personal choice, but for me, I cannot see any advantage to using a black rubber band in BASE. I only see disadvantages. Until I discover something different, it's brown bands only for me. Bryan

Three votes against black rubber bands. (for BASE) I didn't like the black rubber bands when they came out a couple of years ago and have not used them after seeing the pull force required to break them. Bryan

I agree with the point that Thomas and others have made: a slider-up canopy with zero airspeed has the potential to open up very quickly since there is no air pressure to hold the slider up. I've actually been testing this idea for sometime. This morning on an Ace 280, composite ZP, and large-hole mesh slider, I did a go and pitch (stowed). I was open just as high as a 1 1/2 second delay slider down. A few days ago, I did a slider-up PCA (same equipment/rigging) and was open approx 10-15ft lower than a slider down PCA. Same set-up but with a 2 1/2 second delay -- a measurably slower opening. Undoubtedly, a slider slows down the opening by reefing the lines. But at very low airspeeds, it doesn't slow down the openings that much! (assuming that you are using an airfoil that opens rapidly and pressurizes well) Bryan

Ditto. 260 at a minimum -- possibly a 280. Things to consider: 1) How stable is your weight? If you routinely weigh more than what you are now, I'd seriously consider a 280. If 165 is the most you've ever weighed, a 260 may suffice. 2) Where do you normally jump? If it's at altitude, I'd definitely go with the 280. 3) Remember, it's not where you normally land that counts, but rather where you will have to land when things go wrong. (boulder field, uneven/steep terrain, trees, etc.) Just food for thought, Bryan

Hello -- I believe Tom A., as well as the folks at Basic Research, did some research several years ago on the amount of pull force needed. I can't seem to find the threads, so I'm recalling this off of memory and my numbers may be incorrect. I want to say that somewhere in the neihborhood of 20 to 35 lbs was needed. However, it is important to note that there are SEVERAL variables that can drastically change this number. Some of these variables are (but not limited to): container being used, closing tension of the pins or velcro, size and weight of canopy, body position of the jumper, what your static-line is tied to, and even the wind can effect the amount of force needed. Bottom line, it would be real hard to narrow it down to a specific force each and every time. 80lb breakcord provides slightly more force than is needed, but in my opinion, that is a good thing. Even with that, 80lb breakcord has failed before, so it is not 100% foolproof. Personally, I would not cut strands on the 80lb breakcord to reduce its strength. If you really feel that less force is needed, maybe you could look into getting 50lb or 60lb breakcord for your project. Before using lesser breakcord, I'd make sure that I could get away with an unexpected freefall from this object in case the lesser breakcord prematurely breaks. You may also want to send an email (or phone call) to Apex Sports. The former BR folks may possibly have more experience than anyone in the static-line department and they might be able to provide more insight to your question. Good luck with your project! Bryan

Hello -- I don't live in Colorado anymore, but I jumped there for the last 4 years. This time of the year, temperatures on the ground can range from 20 to 70 degrees Farenheit. You may see snow, or you may see nothing but warm sun. I know this is a vague description, but this is how Colorado is this time of the year. At altitude, you can expect the temperatures to be chilly at best, to downright cold. I'd plan on having another set of liners to go under your regular skydiving gloves. And possibly some thermals for under your jumpsuit. Have fun on your visit -- Colorado is a great State! Bryan

With the ongoing discussion in the "Packing Question" thread, I wanted to start a new thread on the use of tailgates and their prevention of line-overs. In the past 6 years, I've heard of 3 line-overs that have occurred on slider-down jumps where a tailgate was being used. Two months ago, for the first time, I saw a video of a line-over on a slider-down jump with a tailgate. I know the jumper personally and his pack jobs are emaculate. He had a very distinct line-over that spun him approx 180 to 270 degrees before it cleared on its own. He was using a tail-gate configured to modern and accepted standards. I'm bringing this up because I have run across jumpers that believe a tailgate is guaranteed to prevent line-overs. I've even met a handful of jumpers who no longer use the line-mod (not routing the brake lines through the guide ring) because they think the tailgate is guaranteed prevention. The tailgate is proven technology. It's been successfully used on tens of thousands of jumps with only a few (perhaps less than 10) reports of a line-over. But new and old jumpers beware: the possibility of a line-over while using a tailgate is still there, so factor that into your educated decision on whether or not you want to use the line-mod while jumping slider-down. C-ya, Bryan

When I first started jumping, the Tail Gate was just gaining popularity. Rather than use a tailgate, I used masking tape on my first 75 slider-down BASE jumps. I used 1 1/2 wraps of 3/4 inch masking tape, sticky side out. Video analysis showed decent results. After my first 75 slider-down jumps, I converted to the Tail Gate, which I believe is superior to masking tape for the exact same reason that Ray has already mentioned -- it keeps everything anchored to the center of the canopy during the deployment process. (by including the 2 center C lines and the 2 Center D lines in your tailgate) I still continue to use the tailgate today. I do not lark-head the rubberband to the tailgate and I do not use black rubber bands. I use 3 wraps of a tan rubber band for all slider-down freefalls and just 2 wraps of a rubber band for planned static-line/PCAs. Would I use masking tape if my tailgate was not available? Absolutely. But if available, a tailgate is my first choice. Bryan

I most certainly well my friend! It's looking like I'll be in Italia the first 2 weeks in February, but I'll email you once the dates are for sure. Cheers, Bryan

Hi Abbie -- BASE or no BASE, you'll have a great time in Chile. It's a beautiful country... I spent 10 days in Santiago last April performing in an airshow. Our days were fairly busy, so I didn't have much time to get out and explore. Generally speaking, urban jumping in Santiago is difficult because there are tons of wires everywhere and landing areas are scarce to non-existant. Exit-point access was easily attained, but it didn't matter because the best landing areas were super-dicey at best. I saw several jumps sprinkled throughout the country-side, but I cannot give you any real beta because I did not have time to really check them out. I spent a good amount of time with the "Boinas Azuelas" military jump team (super great guys) and also the civilian skydiving club that they are involved with. They did not know of any local BASE jumpers in the Santiago area. There are a few BASE jumpers in Argentina, but unfortunately I do not have any contact info for them. I'd say your best bet is to travel with your rig and a keen sense of adventure. Give me a holler next time you're in Idaho -- I had a blast hanging out with you last time you were here. Have fun! Bryan

Don, from Snake River Canyon Outfitters, is planning on taking the weekend off (Nov 13-14) and will not be out on the water to pick-up jumpers. However, he may be able to provide a boat-driver should there be enough jumpers to keep the boat going efficiently. If you, or anyone you know, is coming to Twin Falls this weekend and would like to use the boat vs. hiking out, please post here or PM me so I can get a head count. In return, I'll let him know mid-morning on Friday, and if warranted, he'll find someone to drive the boat for the weekend. As a general note to all jumpers: we're starting to enter the off-season here in Twin Falls. Within a weekend or two, Don will likely put the boats away until March or April. C-ya! Bryan

Hi Chuck -- Thanks for passing on the info - it came just in time as I'm trying to figure out lodging. Too bad it's not at Raeford -- it'd be easier to hit the bar once the day's jumping is through! Bryan

Hello All -- Just wanted to see who's going to the Golden Knight's Annual Black & Gold Meet. For those who are not familar with this event, it's an Inter-Service Parachute Competition hosted by the U.S. Army's Golden Knights November 5-8. There will be a 4-way competition for those with 150 jumps or higher. An 8-way competition for those with 200 jumps or higher. And for those with less than 150 jumps, one-on-one coaching will be provided by Golden Knights personnel. The event is open to all active-duty ID card-holders that are not on leave. I am not affiliated with the Golden Knights -- I am simply a participant. It's a great service offered by the Golden Knights and I'm looking forward to the event. Blue Skies, Bryan

Sweet! My girlfriend's parents live in Northern Italy. We're going to spend 2 weeks there in early February and we'll be sure to spend some time in the cafe. Last time I was there, there was quite a bit of history on those walls... Thanks for the update Space! Bryan

Aint that for sure... The bad weather followed me everywhere I went last weekend! Bryan

Legendary? You bet! Heck, I didn't come to Twin Falls last weekend to BASE jump, I came just to eat Tom's cooking... Bryan

Hi JP -- It was nice meeting you this last weekend. Welcome to the BASE family and best wishes for many more jumps. If you ever need anything, you can get ahold of me through dz.com C-ya at an exit point sometime! Bryan

Excellent post Truckerbase! Your post should be a good reference for general antenna questions in the future. I've moved to Idaho now (Mountain Home) so let me know if you ever need anything when you roll through. The Idaho Crew (aka the Spud Huckers) are working on opening up some new objects to compliment the bridge...so look for some new stuff in the future! C-ya, Bryan

Hi Canuck -- Congratulations! With the exception of "slider-up in the city", earth jumps are my personal favorite. I loved reading your story...it's funny how easy it was to tell exactly where you jumped, but only for those who know and understand Moab. Nice job! Moab is an incredible place...a place where one can truly discover their soul. Will you be hanging out at the Gorge or Bridge Day this year? If so, I hope to see you there. C-ya, Bryan