The true inner calling of BASE is freedom of expression.
Regardless of other people’s judgments, restrictions, or boundaries, the true spirit of BASE still encompasses the desire to experience life in a way that expresses one’s freedom of choice and individual creativity. In the spirit of BASE, creativity is most beautifully expressed when it doesn’t follow someone else’s expectations. BASE didn’t originate nor survive because of an organized rule book. Everyone knows that.
Some people like telling other people what to do and how to do it. Some people actually love to be instructed. Some love to bitch about how other people instruct. Some people like doing it their own way. Everyone has their place in this world, and everyone has their choice to go their own way with this experience. New BASE jumpers will have to find their own path – either taking it mainstream at the legal sites and following the rule book that each one has concocted, or taking it underground and following the call of safe flights of freedom off high things everywhere, or both.
I think it sucks that our local BASE community has to go across the world to experience the wonderment of the big cliffs especially when Yosemite is in our backyard. Why do people care to put limits on something especially when the sport doesn’t cause any physical or emotional damage to those that do not participate and when observed and safely practiced it is quite amazing and beautiful. What really sucks is that people do die doing things that they love or were experiencing for inner fulfillment. My dad always said, “Life isn’t fair”. How true that is.
People are learning so much on their own by trying new things and expanding their own boundaries. Some come up with their own new vibrant expressions and others get pumped up with someone else organizing the jump’s intricate details. Either way there is some sick sh|t happening every day and I love being a part of it when given the opportunity.
The one’s who’s passion is BASE has no other choice but to continue to evolve with what is now being classified as a sport across the world – with exposure comes boundaries. It’s just the way the sport is going. Being adaptable in life is key. This evolution will evoke even more creativity in the BASE jumper’s endeavors.
When I’m rich, I’m going to build 3 towers to jump of various heights on my property – - swimming pools with high diving boards - bunk houses – a small pub – huge bon fires – tall, tall trees bordering the property – one day – or I’ll convince some rich guy to do it. I’ll be sure to post an invite to all interested parties.
I pray for all to be wise and safe, but to go hard and live boldly.
“As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” Nelson Mandela, 1994
