Learning To BASE Jump: What it Really Takes To Train for This Growing Sport

BASE jumping is a sport that involves parachuting from fixed objects. The term "BASE" is actually an acronym that stands for the four categories of fixed objects from which participants leap: Buildings, Antennas, Spans (bridges), and Earth (cliffs). The common misconception of BASE jumping is that it is an activity reserved for daredevils and risk-takers, which degrades the amount of training and skill that the sport requires of its participants. The reality of BASE jumping as a recreational activity is that it demands a solid foundation of training and preparation to ensure safety and success. If you’re considering taking the leap into this intense sport, understanding the training process is crucial. Here’s a comprehensive guide on what it takes to learn how to BASE jump.

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In order to BASE jump, most courses and mentors require skydiving experience

Get Some Skydiving Experience First

Before learning how to BASE jump, participants need to have a solid background in skydiving. Most BASE jumping courses and mentors require accumulating 200 jumps from an airplane as a prerequisite. The skills gained from skydiving include freefall body position and the proprioception necessary to fix instability or asymmetry. These skills are difficult to master and are absolutely necessary for success in the BASE jumping environment.  Skydiving also provides individuals with the experience of flying and landing a parachute, an endeavor that requires coaching and repetition to become proficient which is critical when transitioning to BASE jumping.

Take a BASE First Jump Course (FJC)

For those who have gained thorough skydiving experience, the next step is to participate in a BASE First Jump Course. There are several reputable programs within the U.S. and many more overseas. The First Jump Course provides detailed instruction in the following topics:

• BASE Jumping Equipment: Understanding the specific gear used in BASE jumping and how to pack a parachute specifically for BASE jumping.

• Deployment Techniques: Learning how to deploy the parachute in low-altitude scenarios, which are significantly different than skydiving deployments.

• Parachute Flight Techniques: The parachute system utilized for BASE jumping has different flight characteristics than parachutes used for skydiving. While the skydiving training will help transition into flying a BASE parachute, the FJC covers the specific techniques needed to fly and land the parachute safely.

• Weather: Understanding weather is a big deal in BASE. Wind, thermals, rotors—these things matter, and learning how they work around cliffs or objects is part of staying safe.

First BASE jumps in the United States will typically be made from a bridge

Your First Jumps

First BASE jumps in the United States will typically be made from a bridge due to the reduced risk of striking the object during parachute deployment. Initial jumps focus on the following:

• Body Position: The prerequisite skydiving training prepares participants for this; however, initial BASE jumps will be sub-terminal (not reaching terminal velocity). Instruction and coaching is necessary to understand the differences and guide specific exit techniques.

• Parachute Deployment: Practicing quick and efficient deployment of the parachute.

• Flying & Landing Techniques: Learning how to fly and land the parachute in various conditions and terrain.

Highly experienced skydiver and BASE jumper Amelia Dunaway conducting a wingsuit BASE jump flight. Photo by Chris Byrnes

Progress Slowly and Smart:

After the FJC and first BASE jumps, participants gradually progress to different types of BASE jumps. It’s common for BASE jumpers to spend months or even years learning and growing their abilities.BASE jumping, like mountain biking and skiing, has a green, blue, black, red rating system for classifying jump difficulty. While some folks prefer riskier black and red jumps, many jumpers opt for cruisey greens and blues. Seeking out mentorship and coaching is a wise choice for anyone who wishes to maintain longevity and excel in the sport.

Stay Involved and Keep Learning

BASE jumping is an ever-evolving sport, and continuing education is vital. BASE jumpers are encouraged to engage with their community by attending courses and participating in group activities that provide valuable insights and knowledge from seasoned jumpers.

BASE jumpers learn advanced self-rescue techniques from Britt Zale in Moab

Conclusion:

Learning how to BASE jump is a journey that requires dedication, patience, and a commitment to safety. With the right training, guidance, and practice, BASE jumpers live the dream of human flight, an indescribable experience known only to the few that have done it. BASE jumping is not an adrenaline seeking activity. It is a sport that demands preparation and respect.BASE jumpers are skilled, smart, and deeply committed to what they do. The mischief? That’s just society misunderstanding what living fully can actually look like.