Learn more about fixed object, or B.A.S.E., jumping, one of the more extreme sports events.
Some scientists have claimed that there are certain people throughout the world who are drawn to adrenaline-raising sports and activities. Whether this is the case or not, there are an increasing number of individuals who pursue various high-risk sports such as skydiving, scuba diving, and rock climbing. Often, people who have tried these particular sports want to push themselves even further. As a result, we are seeing new directions of extreme. One of these is called fixed object, or B.A.S.E., jumping.
B.A.S.E. stands for Building, Antenna, Span, and Earth and seems to have become increasingly popular among skydivers and rock climbers alike. It involves parachuting from certain fixed objects such as bridges, dams, cliffs, and tall buildings and can be more dangerous than skydiving due to lower altitudes, obstacles, and other potential hazards. However, with the influx of enthusiasts into the sport, parachute rigs and other necessary equipment have been redesigned and improved to provide BASE jumpers with greater safety and performance.
One major drawback to this sport is the fact that, in most locations in the United States, B.A.S.E. jumping is illegal. A person caught jumping from a majority of the preferred objects throughout this country will usually be fined, convicted of trespassing or other similar judgment, and will lose their parachute gear. Many advocates of fixed object jumping have been working feverishly, however, to change current laws or at least arrange jump permits or contests to be held in different locations during certain days of the year. Perhaps the most popular of these is Bridge Day. On an October Saturday every year, the New River Gorge Bridge in West Virginia is opened to B.A.S.E. jumpers from around the world. Due to immense demand, certain qualifying standards are now required of all participants.
Becoming involved in fixed object jumping can be as simple as contacting someone in the sport through a local skydiving center. Often, though, owners of these drop zones do not condone B.A.S.E. jumping and will not be helpful to curious inquirers. An Internet search using the key words +B.A.S.E.+jumping will provide a list of sites that can offer good information as well as contact names and numbers.
It is recommended that all new fixed object jumpers be able to properly and accurately fly a parachute. Thus, skydiving lessons can be very beneficial. In these lessons, an individual will also learn how to fly his/her body, a skill that will be advantageous in many B.A.S.E. jumps encountered. To find a skydiving school in a particular area, search online or check the yellow pages of the phone book.
While it may be difficult to enter this sport, those who do become fixed object jumpers claim that they've never experienced any greater thrill. Many participants state that B.A.S.E. jumping beats even skydiving for an adrenaline rush perhaps due to the greater risks involved.
Whether a person decides to try out this exciting and dangerous sport or not, the competitions can be thrilling to watch. Just check out any of the B.A.S.E. jumping websites for more information on upcoming events.
