Hey Perrine Boogier,
Thanks for the feedback...lots of great info in there!! The statement I made about jumping a bridge before other objects was in reply to Jim J.'s question about whether I wanted to be a bridge jumper or a BASE jumper. I only meant that I do intend to jump objects OTHER than bridges. I don't plan to try to get my BASE number within the next week...or try jumping the local towers around here that look SO nice...or jumping ALL of the objects that the other experienced BASE jumpers around here do. I do plan to take it slow. I just figure a bridge is a good object to make
my first jump from...then progress to other objects. I understand that I'm not gonna be able to hop from object to object. I like to think I've got a level head on my shoulders...contrary to what my whuffo friends think :P
Gear...the slider has been removed, and I've got ya now on the
line release mod...the steering
lines go straight from tail to velcro...no guide rings. I had a rigger and BASE jumper do this for me. And don't worry, all of my BASE jumping buddies will be there before me. I have been instructed in the handheld setup. Again, I will have my BASE buddies there to check this.
Not to worry, I will not be jumping alone, so no coin toss. There are about 8 of us going, 2 experienced BASE jumpers, the rest I'd call intermediate. I hope this sets your mind at ease a bit. I will be with experienced BASE jumpers, who will be watching after me. I'm not a yahoo, or somebody wanting to look cool. I like to think I'm jumping for the right reason...to have fun. I've been wanting to BASE jump for a long time, and I waited until my
skydiving experience was built up, then waited 6 months for
Bridge Day...so now it's the Perrine. I've seen posts by wannabes on here before, and I got the same feeling you probably have right now...oh boy, here's a statistic!! But I have been studying this for a while, I have BASE jumpers to help me out, I know the risks, I'm willing to accept them, I'm a level-headed guy, and I'm going into this with my eyes wide open. Again, maybe this can set your mind at ease...as much as possible for a wannabe about to jump the Perrine!! &-)
Again, thanks for all of the advice. This will all help me out a tremendous amount. I look forward to seeing you at the bridge...tackling people with skydiving rigs!!
Blue Skies,
Josh