freefal

If you have the bridle routed correctly, with enough slack (which it sounds like you do) and you've got good "head high" body position (which the picture shows) then the only possible reason I can think of for the bridle to go where it's going in that picture would be your throwing technique. You said you're throwing "sidways and slightly forward" but with a handheld deployment you should really be thorwing almost completely forward as if you're throwing a baseball. Throwing technique has been discussed at length on this board before and my experience has always been good with this technique. If you toss your PC forward and the bridle is routed correctly, it's pretty difficult to get it wrong unless you twist your wrist when you pitch or something. "Ignorance is bliss" and "Patience is a virtue"... So if you're stupid and don't mind waiting around for a while, I guess you can have a pretty good life!

I'm curious how old your girl is and how well she is with traveling. My wife and I have talked about taking a trip to Europe, and we would love to share it with our 2 yr old daughter, but we're just not sure how well she would do on a long trip like that. She generally travels really well, but we haven't decided if it would be more fun for just the two of us, or to make a familay vacation out of it. We also don't know if it would be better to wait a few years or do it sooner. If she ends up like her mom, her teenage years are going to be pretty rebellious, so I'd rather do it sooner than later. "Ignorance is bliss" and "Patience is a virtue"... So if you're stupid and don't mind waiting around for a while, I guess you can have a pretty good life!

In the kitchen up against a wall. I know that doesn't sound like the strangest place, but we were so into the moment that it took us a while before we realized that the lights kept turning on and off.... because she was up against the wall and her back kept rubbing against the light switch! I wish I could say something cool about the ending, but we both started laughing so hard that we had to stop for a minutre, then just ended up moving over to the counter top. "Ignorance is bliss" and "Patience is a virtue"... So if you're stupid and don't mind waiting around for a while, I guess you can have a pretty good life!

That reminds me of a fake tandem BASE harness I made for my daughter when she was yonger. In the attached pic we were gearing up for a "Domestic BASE" jump in my house. I know... I'm a complete dork! But it sure was fun scaring my mom with this picture! My daughter is almost 2 now and whenever she sees a parachute or a small plane, she points and says "Dadda!" With any luck, I'll have her helping me pack in a few more years. "Ignorance is bliss" and "Patience is a virtue"... So if you're stupid and don't mind waiting around for a while, I guess you can have a pretty good life!

I skydive because it's fun. I BASE jump because it's fun... and it scares the hell out of me. I had a friend that summed it up pretty well once, "People get into skydiving for alot of diferent reasons, but they usually stay because of the people." Obviously we all try this for all kinds of reasons, like conquering a fear, or for the freedom, or for the adrenaline, or just out of curiosity, but above all else I think the people and the community aspect of skydiving is the best part. After all, solos get pretty boring after a while. "Ignorance is bliss" and "Patience is a virtue"... So if you're stupid and don't mind waiting around for a while, I guess you can have a pretty good life!

As long as we're trying to offend everyone... here are a few rather tastless favorites: Women: How many feminists does it take to change a lightbulb? Two. One to change it, and one to suck my di(k. ADD kids: How many kids with ADD does it take to change a ligh bulb? ... Wanna go ride bikes? Hindu/Indian: For centuries, Hindu women have worn a red spot on their foreheads. We have naively thought it had something to do with their religion. The true story has just been revealed by the Indian Embassy in Washington. When one of these women gets married, on her wedding night, the husband scratches off the red spot to see if he has won a convenience store, a gas station, or a motel in Florida. Cat lovers: What has two legs and bleeds profusely? Half of a cat. And my personal favorite in the women/all round tastless catagory: A mother of five decides to get plastic surgery so her husband can enjoy the tightness of her youth, so she shaves, cleans up, and goes to the doctor for the procedure. She wakes up to find three roses on her bed, so she asks the nurse who sent the roses. The nurse says, “The doctor was really happy to have such a clean work area, so to show his appreciation, he sent you a rose. Then your husband came in with a rose, stating that he cannot wait to dig into that nice tight love patch.” “What about the third rose?” asks the patient. “Oh, that’s from Ed in the burn unit. He wanted to say thanks for the new ears.” I had a friend from LA (that's "lower Alabama") tell me a few racial jokes, but they're so bad I don't even want to list them here. "Ignorance is bliss" and "Patience is a virtue"... So if you're stupid and don't mind waiting around for a while, I guess you can have a pretty good life!

My god! How do you girls keep track of all that stuff? I have a bar of soap and a razor. Sometimes I borrow my wife's shampoo, but typically by the time I'm done rubbing one out, I'm kinda in a fog for a while so I don't really know what I wash when. Besides, guys don't need all that different scented stuff anyway. It's not like I want my balls to smell like stawberries! "Ignorance is bliss" and "Patience is a virtue"... So if you're stupid and don't mind waiting around for a while, I guess you can have a pretty good life!

Actually, that one was going fairly well compared to this poor bastard. This is why getting diving or gymnastic training before attempting aerials is a good idea. By the way, I opened and landed fine and my second gainer went much better. "Ignorance is bliss" and "Patience is a virtue"... So if you're stupid and don't mind waiting around for a while, I guess you can have a pretty good life!

That is the funniest thing I've seen in a long time. Thanks for the laugh. I don't really care what you call it as long as the white stuff comes out. "Ignorance is bliss" and "Patience is a virtue"... So if you're stupid and don't mind waiting around for a while, I guess you can have a pretty good life!

I've been on the receiving end of the exact same thing, but the proper method was used… sort of. While jumping a sub 200’ bridge (very low for us at the time) my buddy was holding my bridle and PC just as Truckerbase and Jason described. He was apparently a little over excited about the jump and had a death grip on the PC instead of using two fingers though. My jump went well, and I watched him go via break cord static line. After he landed he said, “Sorry, but you left this up there.” and handed me a piece of my brand new CR vented PC. Sure enough when we inspected my PC it looked very similar to the pictures posted above. Having an overly tight grip on the PC for this object was better than the alternative of letting go too early, so I still thanked him for saving my butt. I've still got it at home so I could post some pics, but it looks pretty much like the other images on this thread so there's not much point to that. The point is that any type of asymmetrical point stress on a PC like a hand, watch, fingernail, etc. can cause damage since that is not what the PC was designed for. This is especially true for the mesh since it can catch on things easier. This is why the method shown in Jason’s post makes the most sense to me and most of the people I’ve jumped with. "Ignorance is bliss" and "Patience is a virtue"... So if you're stupid and don't mind waiting around for a while, I guess you can have a pretty good life!

Ahh, so true! But relaxing seems to be the hardest thing to do in any skydiving discipline. It's just like back at summer camp when my counselor told me to just relax, but... oops, I've shared a bit too much! "Ignorance is bliss" and "Patience is a virtue"... So if you're stupid and don't mind waiting around for a while, I guess you can have a pretty good life!

I completely aggree with you Jay. The point of my post wasn't to downplay the dangers associated with BASE, but more to illustrate where a lot of the misunderstanding and emotion comes from when we try to explain why we do what we do to the those that are close to us. We always talk about how BASE is about personal decisions and motivations. No matter how well we try to explain this to some people though, it just falls on deaf ears. After reading some of the psychological theories and studies behind sensation seeking and especially the Falling... book, it started to become clear to me why alot of our family and friends will never understand our motivations. Fortunately, some will be accepting but deep down it just doesn't make sense to them why we throw ourselves off stuff. I just think trying to understand where they might be coming from (even if its on such a sub-consious level that they may not understand it themselves) can be helpful for jumpers or potential jumpers who are dealing with resistance from people who think they're crazy. All things considered though, I still think Tom gave some of the best advice when he said that even though BASE has been the most rewarding thing in his life, he would never advise anyone to do it. "Ignorance is bliss" and "Patience is a virtue"... So if you're stupid and don't mind waiting around for a while, I guess you can have a pretty good life!

I was watching the Fearless special on OLN featuring Jeb Corliss with my wife the other night. Her and I have had many discussions about the risks associated with BASE jumping. During many parts of the show, especially Jeb’s waterfall incident, she would nudge me with this look as if to say, “See what I mean? How can you argue that jumping isn’t crazy.” Following the show there was another episode of Fearless that documented the life of Greg Lamond and his Tour de France victories and it included a section about a hunting accident in which he almost died. It struck me later how similar the two incidents were and how even though I saw them as such, most people probably didn’t see the same parallels that I saw. In both events people were pursuing their form of recreation and doing something they find pleasure in. They were outside with friends engaging in one of their passions. Neither one of them wanted to die, but both of them came very close. In fact they were “trying to live” by experiencing something they enjoy. Both accidents were due to mistakes, or more accurately multiple combined mistakes that led to serious, life threatening injuries. Greg’s brother in law shot at something without awareness of where his buddies were and he shot below the horizon. This resulted in Greg getting shot at close range, almost dying, and to this day he still has over 30 lead shot pellets in his body. Jeb jumped in less than ideal conditions and dropped a shoulder. This gave him his off heading opening that sent him into the waterfall and resulted in several broken bones and a long hospital stay. The key is that they were both due to mistakes. The most important thing to note though is that hunting is considered “normal” while BASE jumping is not. The reason is that jumping taps into the primal fear of falling that all humans have. This primal fear is the root of all the problems, laws, discussions, etc. against activities like BASE. In Garret Soden’s book Falling: How Our Greatest Fear Became Our Greatest Thrill he discusses how there is this unconscious prejudice against people who participate in gravity driven sports like BASE jumping. A “normal” person can’t comprehend why someone would do something that makes most people sick to their stomachs. They can’t help but ask ‘why’ and be angry that someone would do something so ‘stupid’. They see BASE jumping as ‘unnatural’ and ‘insane’ and …”there should be regulations against things like that”. A jumper however, sees jumping as somewhat normal in the sense that it is their form of recreation. It’s their version of hunting, golf, racing, whatever. If they make a mistake, they will suffer the consequences, but they do everything in their power to avoid mistakes. Hunters take hunter safety courses to avoid getting shot or killed, but it still happens. Jumpers take first jump courses and discuss safety issues in depth with one another to avoid getting hurt or killed, but it still happens. If one removes the emotional aspect and looks at these two incidents from a purely analytical point of view and only assesses the facts, then they are very similar in many ways. And if the hunting accident, although tragic, can be considered somewhat normal and an acceptable amount of risk, then why can’t BASE jumping and the risks involved with it be considered acceptable as well? We as BASE jumpers can understand this logic, but since this fear of falling is so ingrained in “normal” peoples’ minds they don’t even realize the basic cause for their frustration. Sorry that this turned out to be such a long rant, but I thought it might offer someone a little help if they’re trying to explain BASE jumping to their family and friends. "Ignorance is bliss" and "Patience is a virtue"... So if you're stupid and don't mind waiting around for a while, I guess you can have a pretty good life!

N/A

I guess this means that chickens CAN fly!

The four original Donk anD BoneZ boys will be reuniting there along with a few of us wannbees from the Donkey Boner farm team. I'm so excited I could pee... oops, too late! "Ignorance is bliss" and "Patience is a virtue"... So if you're stupid and don't mind waiting around for a while, I guess you can have a pretty good life!

So that was YOU was saw being driven out of there when we showed up! We passed that Suburban (apparently with you in it) on our way into the valley then one of the guys we thought was some local turned around when he saw us and quickly headed back into the park. (Probably to go set the trap again with his buddy.) I remember our crew getting a bit nervous and discussing weather the ATV guys or the fishermen were undercover rangers. We figured it was probably a good idea not to jump it anyway since it was foggy and we had only had a few beers. Guess we dogged a bullet. "Ignorance is bliss" and "Patience is a virtue"... So if you're stupid and don't mind waiting around for a while, I guess you can have a pretty good life!

Umm... I believe Jillr already noted that it will be the FREE* kind! By my book, that's the best kind. *Note that the "free" beer is included in your $40 registration. Of course that registration also includes three nights of "free" food including a pork chop dinner and some awsome chilli. Check out the Couch Freaks web site since most of the info being discussed here is already described there. See ya at the beer truck, THOR "Ignorance is bliss" and "Patience is a virtue"... So if you're stupid and don't mind waiting around for a while, I guess you can have a pretty good life!

Dollar Daze will be your first boogie ever?!?! That's one helluva good way to start things off. One peice of advice... If someone in a funny suit offers you a balloon, you should take it.... Trust me on this one! See ya at the beer truck! THOR "Ignorance is bliss" and "Patience is a virtue"... So if you're stupid and don't mind waiting around for a while, I guess you can have a pretty good life!

"It's gay. I've done a couple of dozen of these." "It's gay and it’s about as far from BASE jumping as sliding down a really long banister." If it's so gay, then by the looks of this other post maybe Tmkoder should give it a try! http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?post=1182842;sb=post_latest_reply;so=ASC;forum_view=forum_view_collapsed;guest=6672914 "Ignorance is bliss" and "Patience is a virtue"... So if you're stupid and don't mind waiting around for a while, I guess you can have a pretty good life!

This is a very interesting post and since I've had some limited experience with this I wanted to offer my 2 cents as well. I've only been on the receiving end of PCAs, but one thing that is possibly worth discussing is what type of piot chute is being used for the different methods described here. (Personally, I think Jason's method makes the most sense and is the only way I've ever seen it done first hand.) The reason I bring this up is that I was using my brand new AV pilot chute from CR when a friend of mine PCAed me off a 163'S. He was using Jason's method, but due to his excitement he had a deathgrip on both the bridle and the vented apex of my pc. When I landed I was so juiced up as well that I didn't notice anything odd until he walked up after the jump and handed me a big (around 8"x5") chunk of my pilot chute! (I'll try to post a picture this weekend.) The point I'm getting at is that with some pilot chutes, like the vented ones or types with internal handles, there are other factors to consider. This is why I like Jason's method. Less variables. No matter how low or what type of pc you're using, it always works. DexterBase has a really good point about just using your fingertips and palm to. I've seen a bridle cut right through a thin lether glove since the edge was right against the inside of the holder's fingers. "Ignorance is bliss" and "Patience is a virtue"... So if you're stupid and don't mind waiting around for a while, I guess you can have a pretty good life!

I heard one time that you're only gay if you "catch". If you "pitch" then you're just curious. At least that’s what they told me at the base of the tower during my first ground crew experience. "Ignorance is bliss" and "Patience is a virtue"... So if you're stupid and don't mind waiting around for a while, I guess you can have a pretty good life!

I had something sort of like this happen to. A little non-BASE related, but I figure this is a s good of a time as any to bring it up. I was in bed with my girl friend (doggie style if you must know!) when I looked over at my dog and noticed that his "red rocket" was halfway out. I didn't want to look... but I just couldn't help my self and before I knews it, I was concentrating more on him than I was on my girl. Does that make ME gay? "Ignorance is bliss" and "Patience is a virtue"... So if you're stupid and don't mind waiting around for a while, I guess you can have a pretty good life!

WOW! That link is only the beginning! If you haven't already done so, you should really check that web site out. Sorry to get a little further off the original topic here, but that web page would be hilarious if it wasn't real. (Is it actually real?) The quote that really stands out was: "This so-called “energy drink” is carbonated bull urine, with lemon flavoring and enough crystal meth to get a whole housing project full of Negroes tap dancing up and down the streets until dawn." I guess everyone is entitled to their opinion, but I can't believe I live on the same planet as these people! Remind me to stay away from Freehold, IA! "Ignorance is bliss" and "Patience is a virtue"... So if you're stupid and don't mind waiting around for a while, I guess you can have a pretty good life!

You all should really check out the book "Falling, How Our Greatest Fear Became Our Greatest Thrill". http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0393054136/qid=1087485760/sr=ka-1/ref=pd_ka_1/002-1313200-7112804 There is a lot of discussion in the book about how "normal" people's veiw of sensation seekers causes alot of the tension between the sensation seekers and themselves and how this tension results in things like laws against activities like BASE. Most of this tension is associated with falling or gravity associated sports like BASE. I read a quote in some other article about sensation seekers that went, "We know them as thrill seekers, and they frighten us because nothing at all seems to frighten them. Yet from the safety of our dens and patios in suburbia we owe them a great deal. They’re the groundbreakers and the trailblazers, and their adventures and misadventures alike are the backbone of history." So I guess this all just validates the idea that we're wired differently and so we choose to do things that "normal" people think are absurd. To the outside observer (or even to some experienced skydivers) jumping off a rock with a parachute seems like the purest form of madness. Most people with any significant involvment with the sport of BASE jumping either directly or indirectly know that it's just the opposite though. We do these things only after careful observation of all the variables and try to limit the amount of actual danger as much as possible. So I guess the answer to the original question of "How dangerous is BASE?" is that it's as dangerous as you make it. We all have our limits and for most of us BASE jumping is a personal journey to find out exactly what those limits are. L8R 837 "Ignorance is bliss" and "Patience is a virtue"... So if you're stupid and don't mind waiting around for a while, I guess you can have a pretty good life!