Bigwallmaster

Just my .02 regarding 5.10 and their quality: Comparably, 5.10 makes the best climbing rubber in the world, hands down, when it comes to stickiness of the rubber. However, they are very shitty when it comes to life of the product. I have had several pairs of 5.10 climbing shoes over the years and they are the shit for hard ascents on steep face climbs. For something more rigorous like crack climbing. . . .although they stick well, they wear out very fast. Again though, their rubber is designed to be soft and sticky which is probably the reason their approach shoes tend to suck when it comes to ripping apart. Cheers, J.P.

This forum has given his life a meaning that I'm sure he never expected as a young closet homosexual. -------------------------------------------------------- He he. (Sorry Tom) Jesus!

a side note too--- have you ever noticed on THE LIST. in the "outside the sport" list..........how many suicides. and not to mention all the risky behavior. but mostly the suicides. doesn't seem like alot of 100% happy people (i know nobodys 100%). ---------------------------------------------------------- Yeah but dude it doesn't mean these people got into BASE because of their depression and wanting to die. I'm pretty new to BASE, but I can tell you that I've climbed with countless people over the years that were down about their life and in turn they climbed high-risk hard alpine routes because it made them feel like they were doing something that was meaningful to them. I kinda understand what you're saying about your own situation with having the "nothing to lose so why not?" attitude, or feeling unsatisfied with your life. (I've had feelings like this myself, but it wasn't what pushed me to try BASE). But the truth is a shrink would probably tell you that your reason for getting into BASE is not because you wanted to die, but rather to find something that gives you a greater sense of meaning. You're probably someone that goes through extreme high's and low's depending on what day of the week it is. And it just so happens that the sports involving a great deal of risk give you a high that makes you forget about all the other bad shit in your life that you don't like. And that's why BASE is obviously good for you; it makes you a happier person. People that want to die put a bullet through their head. They don't fuck around by wasting their time doing something that might kill them someday. I don't think wanting to die led you to BASE dude; people who want to die feel that there is nothing worth living for, not even BASE. Also, in your original post you said something about how BASE has given you more than any woman could or something like that. I think this demonstrates even further what I am getting at. It sounds like you probably have had a relationship(s) in the past that. . . .when it was healthy and things were going along good, you were on a high and life was good. But when the relationship ended and things were shitty and you ended up hurt, you naturally want a quick emotional fix for those moments when you feel like life sucks. That's where BASE comes in. All you have to do is jump and for a brief period before, during, and after the jump, you're on an emotional high, regardless of what that bitch from you're past did to you! I hate to go all shrink on ya, but that's .02 for what its worth. Me. . . .I got into BASE because I like the feeling I get from being scared of something, and then being able to overcome it. I also like unique the sub culture associated with BASE. I've got a fragile ego. Most non jumpers can't deal with the thought of jumping off shit with a parachute. And therfore my ego gets a charge from that because I feel like I know something that most others will never know. And I think thats representative of the greater BASE culture in general. That's why I climb. That's why I skydive. And that's ultimately what led me to try BASE. . . . .this is an interesting thread. I know it's been discussed here before by others, but every once in awhile it's good to hear what everyone has to say about it. Cheers, JP

Slider up jumps from this altitude greatly increase your risk, because you are deploying a slider up canopy with what is really insufficient airspeed to drive the slider for a consistent opening. ---------------------------------------------------------- Are you referring to the idea that it either increases the chances of linetwists and/or low altitude off heading openings that could jeopardize safe landing options?

Your argument seems logical; there's no reason to pack slider up at the Perrine other than to just do it for the hell of it. The only reason I'll ever jump slider up there is simply for the practice of doing so. And no I won't take a very long delay when I do decide to do it. JP

Many jumpers, especially the younger ones, often rethink things after a fatality. ---------------------------------------------------------- I'm one of these people. ---------------------------------------------------------- But one thing surely has to change. If you are the type that calls someone a weenie for going hand held – then stop that . . . ---------------------------------------------------------- Magot, pay attention here!! ---------------------------------------------------------- I have been thinking about this alot lately (since Shannon's death) and I'm definately having my reservations about going stowed from objects like the one in Potato land. I know for you old timers and more experienced jumpers 486' seems huge and therefore my comments may seem ridiculous. I did not go stowed the last time I was there; I will later this summer when I get up there. But I can tell you it will be very nerve racking for me the first time I do. I would be damn pissed if someone ever gave me shit for deciding not to go stowed off that object. Good post Nick. Cheers, J.P.

ahhh. very nice. Okay so it was routed properly. My bad. But you're still asshole!! Cheers, JP

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In Reply To -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I don't know. . . . . -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- true statement. ------------------------------------------------------ "Oh really? That's great. Go fuck yourself!"

I don't know. . . . .that picture does look a little deceiving. eh. . .whatever. You lived. That's all that really matters. J.P.

What I learned: 1) Going stowed from a 5.8 sec object can severely complicate the jump. 2) The next time I am up there I need to practice my stowed pulls a bunch before actually going stowed (to date I haven't gone stowed from that object yet). 3) Things that other jumpers do that seem simple may still not be appropriate for me to try with my current low experience level.

I agree with your statement. Anything over 2 secs would fit well with your explanation. And Shannons case I think it sounds pretty clear from Jamie's email that she was well into the 3 to 4 second range before turned and realized a PC hessie was taking place. Thanks for your response and clear explaination; it helps. J.P.

Nice.

Jeb, My only comment/question would be. . . . . . at such a low airspeed is there really all that much of a burble present? At one or tow seconds you've barely begun to pick up speed. I guess in my young and inexperienced "BASE" mind, it just seems logical that burble issues shouldn't be a problem on such short delays. I would like to hear someones feedback on this. Cheers, J.P.

Dammit, i can't believe what i've just read. We never met in person but have chatted here. Fly free with the angels, you will be sorely missed. My heart goes out to her family and friends. ---------------------------------------------------------- Yeah. Same here. I never got to meet Shannon in person, unfortunately. But she has BS'd with me on here numerous times. Someone else on this thread stated that she had offered some helpful words during a tough time, and she did the same for me a while back during a tough time in my own life. She had a unique way of making me laugh about things that I tend to take a little too seriously. She also offered to help a few of my bay area friends get into the sport of skydiving. Since I live in Southern California, it was really nice of her to offer her assistance in keeping an eye on people she didn't even know. That was such a cool thing for her to offer. It made her stand out in my mind as. . . . . . one of the good ones! All I can really say is that. . . . . I respected her greatly. Her passion for jumping was synonomous with the way she pursued her friendships with others. In that regard, we should all consider ourselves lucky to have been friends with such a good person. I think she leaves behind a pretty damn good example of what it means to be a caring and considerate person. Fly free Shannon. J.P.

Dude. That's the best godamn thing I've ever read on this forum. . . . After hearing about all this shit at the bridge this weekend, I'm glad I didn't make it up there. I know one of these days I will probably witness a BASE accident involving a fatality. It's so easy to watch a bunch of successful jumps from what is generally considered a soft object, only to start becoming a little more complacent about BASE. As sad as it is, I've learned quite a bit from these incidents this weekend. . . . Be safe everyone. J.P.

Heh! Figures. The old farts of BASE were the first to do everything it seems. Probably did it on skydiving gear to boot.

Has there ever been a BASE jump made from a moving train? I know it's kind of a funky question, but I saw something on the tv this weekend that got me thinking about it.

Stupidity is the result of breeding. Obviously his parents were morons too! Dick.

Good to hear. Congrats!

ha ha. Yeah that one I saw you do was pretty funny man. Unfortunately the video did not capture the look on your face.

When people are Tarding they don’t just pull a wadded up ball of nylon out of gear bag, toss it over the edge, and follow it over. No, they hang it, jiggle it, and caress it to the point it becomes a pro-pack hanging on a hook. --------------------------------------------------------- You obviously haven't seen that slob Lifewithoutplanet in action!!

N/A

I could use some help. I'm leaving for AK tomorrow for a 3 week climbing trip. I would like to head up to Wasilla on Friday or Saturday to get some jumps. What are the hours of operation up there? How hardcore are they on the cypress requirement? I have a cypress but it needs a new battery. Cheers, J.P.

congrats dude!

I'm really wishing I would have taken you up on that offer to go dude. Congrats Russel