Go Jump off a Cliff

BASE jumping is a popular sport that combines some elements of paragliding and skydiving. The paragliding aspect is incorporated through jumping from a fixed object, where as the skydiving aspect is displayed through the free falling techniques. Most BASE jumpers have attempted both activities, but have decided that BASE jumping provides the biggest adrenaline rush.

During the 1960’s and 1970’s there were several attempts at BASE jumping, but usually weren’t successful. In 1978, Carl Boenish was successfulin inventing what has become modern BASE jumping. Boenish was convinced that their modern skydiving equipment was suitable for BASE jumping, and attempted a jump from El Capitan located in Yosemite Park, CA. He was successful and returned with four friends to repeat and film the jump. They were successful and landed safely and afterwards, they developed a name for the sport- BASE jumping. The word BASE is an acronym for the four types of fixed objects they jump from: Buildings, Antennas, Spans (Bridges), and Earth (Cliffs).

BASE jumping has progressed through the years as more sophisticated equipment designs have entered the market and different techniques have been created. The first BASE jumpers used round parachutes which reduce the jumpers control compared to the modern ram-air parachutes. They’re shaped rectangular to increase the jumpers control when the parachutes are deployed. These are some examples of the advancements of the equipment through the years.

Throughout the years, BASE jumping has evolved into a more defined sport. The equipment designs have made the sport unique from paragliding and skydiving (lower altitudes), providing the biggest adrenaline rush.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BASE_jumping

http://adventure.howstuffworks.com/outdoor-activities/urban-sports/base-jumping.htm

http://www.basicresearch.com/base_history.htm

http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/info/yosemite/base.html

Written by Jake