25th Anniversary of BASE Jumping !

[guest]

Happy BASE Twenty Five . . .

As the year 2002 comes to a close we should recall it’s been 25 years since Kent Lane trotted over the brow of El Capitan, his head filled with all kinds of possibilities by Carl Boenish, but his final plan consisting of just considering it break off . . .

Twenty five years of BASE jumping!

We, myself included, consider it very lucky and a real privilege just still being alive, so in the spirit of good Karma, here’s a deserving toast to the past with a humble offering of THANKS (and a wish for a equally well found future) . . .

THANKS, to Rick and Randy Harrison, for showing us aerials back in the early 1980s before anyone even knew there is such a thing.

THANKS, to Anne Helliwell and Todd Shoebotham, and all the early BASE equipment manufacturers, for proving relatives and friends wrong when they said, “you’re putting your money and future into WHAT?”

THANKS, to every skydiver who discovered BASE with an open mind, the ones capable of seeing speed and magic in the darkness . . .

THANKS, especially, to the 67 brothers and sisters who have gone before us.

And a special THANKS to all current BASE jumpers, the world over, just for being at the most dangerous, and fun part of the trip, the tip of the BASE spear.

Wow, where will BASE be in another twenty five years ? ? ?

Hang on to your hats, ladies and gentleman!



"Tell them, I said something . . . “
- Pancho Villa's last words on his deathbed.

Nick :P
BASE 194
World BASE Fatality Report
http://juliabell.home.att.net/

[cliffleaper]

To Nick D and the rest of you "old folks" out there. A few of us old timers still remember the tip of the spear, when just surviving a BASE jump with only bruises was a success. Don't you just love the days where survival was the main issue, not how many gainers you could do. I really respect the skills of today, but I must agree that there was something special about pure survival with the old gear and techniques of the early 80's. Nick, you were right on the heels of most of us and I am always glad to see your posts since you fondly remember Carl and the early adventures. Having just returned from the Cave of the Swallows, I do have a lot of good to say about the new jumpers. It's all fun. Keep it up guys.
Rick Harrison

[jon593]

I used to live in Savannah, GA in the late 70's. We would project Carls El Cap movie on the wall across the street out front of my house some nights. I don't think there was ever a showing that didn't startle the night with howls of disbelief. I had to try it.

Once committed to the act I couldn't figure a way to get out of it. (Now I know that all I have to do is walk down and there is no shame. Back then not so.) The idea was just so outrageous! A 150 sq foot Safety Flyer into a small parking lot was the norm.

When Phil Smith passed the magic 100 BASE jumps we were all convinced that he had cheated death so dramaticly that he would have to quit right away to survive.

It still seems nuts to me but it sure is fun!!

jon