BASE jumping is one of the most thrilling and dangerous sports in the world. It’s fast, exciting, and not for the faint of heart. This extreme sport involves jumping from fixed objects using a parachute to break the fall. If you’re curious about what BASE jumping is, how it works, and why people risk their lives doing it, this guide will give you everything you need to know.
What Does BASE Mean?
BASE is an acronym. Each letter stands for one of the four types of fixed objects from which jumpers leap:
- B – Building
- A – Antenna
- S – Span (like a bridge)
- E – Earth (such as cliffs or mountains)
Unlike skydiving, which usually starts from an airplane, BASE jumping begins from something attached to the ground. That makes the jumps lower and riskier.
The History of BASE Jumping
BASE jumping began as an offshoot of parachuting. While people have been parachuting for military and entertainment purposes since the early 1900s, BASE jumping came later.
The term “BASE” was first used in 1978 by filmmaker Carl Boenish. He filmed jumps from El Capitan in Yosemite National Park and inspired many others. Boenish’s films helped create a community of jumpers who saw BASE jumping as a new form of freedom and personal challenge.
Unfortunately, Boenish himself died in 1984 while BASE jumping in Norway. His death highlighted the dangers of the sport, but it also strengthened its legend.
How BASE Jumping Works
BASE jumping is not as simple as just jumping off a bridge. It requires careful planning, special gear, and strong skills.
Step 1: Choosing a Jump Site
The first step is picking a legal and safe location. Many famous buildings and natural landmarks are illegal to jump from without permission. Legal BASE jumping sites include:
- Perrine Bridge, Idaho, USA
- Kjerag Cliff, Norway
- Lauterbrunnen Valley, Switzerland
Step 2: Getting to the Exit Point
Jumpers must climb, hike, or take an elevator to the top. They prepare their gear and check wind, weather, and obstacles.
Step 3: The Jump
Jumpers leap, free-fall for a few seconds, and then deploy the parachute. The goal is to deploy early enough for a safe landing, but not so early that the chute opens too close to the structure.
Step 4: The Landing
Unlike skydiving, there’s often very little space to land. BASE jumpers usually land in narrow canyons, small fields, or roads. Quick reactions and precise control are essential.
Equipment Used in BASE Jumping
The BASE Parachute
BASE jumpers use specialized parachutes. These parachutes are larger and deploy faster than regular skydiving parachutes. They also use a “single-parachute” system—there is no reserve.
This might seem strange, but using two parachutes at such low altitudes can actually cause more problems. If one fails and the other deploys badly, there’s no time to fix it.
The Container
This is the backpack-like gear that holds the parachute. It is lightweight and designed for easy deployment. BASE containers are different from skydiving containers in size and function.
Protective Gear
Many jumpers wear:
- Helmets
- Knee pads
- Elbow pads
- Jump suits
Some even wear body armor or special wingsuits, which allow them to glide further before opening the parachute.
Types of BASE Jumps
BASE jumps can vary based on location, style, and gear.
Standard BASE Jump
This is the most common. The jumper leaps from a fixed point and pulls the chute after a short free fall.
Wingsuit BASE Jump
In this style, the jumper wears a wingsuit, which adds lift and lets them glide long distances before pulling the chute. Wingsuit jumping is for very experienced BASE jumpers only.
Slider-Up vs. Slider-Down
The “slider” is a piece of fabric that controls how fast the parachute opens.
Slider-Up: Used for higher jumps where slower deployment is safer
Slider-Down: Used for lower jumps for immediate chute opening
Why People Love BASE Jumping
BASE jumpers often say the sport gives them an unmatched feeling of freedom and adrenaline. The thrill of stepping off a cliff or skyscraper is hard to describe. It creates a sense of being alive, focused, and powerful.
Many jumpers also enjoy the connection with nature. Jumping from cliffs or over forests brings a feeling of unity with the environment.
For others, it’s a mental challenge. BASE jumping requires extreme control, calm thinking, and strong nerves. Some say it helps them overcome fear and grow mentally stronger.
The Risks of BASE Jumping
BASE jumping is extremely dangerous. Studies have shown it is many times more deadly than skydiving. Injuries and fatalities happen every year.
Common Dangers Include:
Low Altitude: There’s less time to deploy the parachute.
Wind Gusts: Sudden wind can push jumpers into structures.
Parachute Failure: If the chute doesn’t open properly, there’s often no time to fix it.
Bad Landings: Many landing zones are small and filled with rocks, trees, or other hazards.
Fatality Rates
According to the Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, the death rate for BASE jumping is estimated to be 1 fatality per 60 jumps for wingsuit BASE jumps. This is far more dangerous than traditional skydiving.
Important Skills for BASE Jumpers
- Perfect parachute control
- Emergency handling
- Calm decision-making under pressure
- Physical fitness
- Weather reading
Some BASE jumpers also practice rock climbing, hiking, or paragliding to improve their skills.
How to Get Started in BASE Jumping
Step 1: Learn to Skydive
Start by getting a skydiving license. Join a certified school and complete the necessary number of jumps.
Step 2: Join the BASE Community
Meet experienced BASE jumpers. They can offer guidance, mentorship, and invite you to group jumps.
Step 3: Take a BASE Jumping Course
There are BASE-specific training programs in countries like Switzerland, Norway, and the U.S. These courses cover:
- Equipment setup
- Exit techniques
- Landing strategies
- Emergency procedures
Famous BASE Jumping Locations
Here are some of the most popular legal BASE jumping spots in the world:
Kjerag, Norway: High cliffs and stunning fjords
Perrine Bridge, USA: One of the few year-round legal jump spots
Lauterbrunnen Valley, Switzerland: Beautiful, deep valleys with many exit points
Burj Khalifa (Dubai): Requires special permits, but spectacular jumps have happened here
Angel Falls, Venezuela: World’s tallest waterfall jump
Conclusion
BASE jumping is not just a sport—it’s a lifestyle. It demands skill, patience, and respect for danger. For those who pursue it, the reward is a sense of freedom and thrill unlike anything else.
If you are serious about BASE jumping:
- Take your time to learn
- Get the right training
- Respect the law
- Never jump alone or without proper planning
Remember, every BASE jump is a calculated risk. But for many, the experience is worth it.