The Perrine Catwalk??????

[guest]

When did jumping the catwalk become an issue? Who has made it an issue? What i mean with that is who has told us not to jump the catwalk? Is it the sheriff, the boat guy, or someone else? This is the first I have heard of this, and would like a little more info, because I plan on going there in a few weeks, and know people who go there but do not read this board. I would like to share this info with them.
Tom

[guest]

Tom,

The state of Idaho owns the bridge.

The state of Idaho transportation department doesn't care what you do from the roadway, as it is a public access area complete with pedestrian walkway.

The state of Idaho bridge engineer refused to give the IPBC permission to use or jump from the catwalk in any way, shape or form for its competition.

The state of Idaho considers the catwalk to be a restricted area that is off-limits to all non-authorized personnel.

What I'd strongly suggest you do is call Twin Falls county Sheriff Tousley and see what he has to say about it. The dispatch number is 208-736-4040.

[guest]

It's true.
Climbing on the structure (catwalk) is prohibited.
Though it makes sense to BASE jumpers to be out of sight,
the engineers view the catwalk as "unsuitable" for us.
So, we have access to the pedestrian sidewalk.
May I recommend that you not jump from the top of the rail,
climbing over the rail keeps your profile low.

[bps]

Hi Merlin -

As Avery and Robin have already mentioned, jumping from the catwalk is definitely prohibited.

I just wanted to add that we should not pull any shenanigans by attaching anything to the bridge either. (diving boards, planks, ropes, etc)

I'm not sure on the authority on this, but I've heard it expressed several times from other jumpers.

Another side note is using a boat to get back to Centennial Park. Snake River Boat Tours (Bert and Don) is a commercial boat operation that has been taking care of BASE jumpers for a couple of years now. If you want to bring your own boat, that is fine, but bringing a boat and then charging people for rides is not. If you want to charge people, you have to have a license and a permit to do so.

I mention this because it actually happened once and it upset the local boat operators (rightfully so) and stirred up some trouble.

As we're already doing, let's all spread the word to jumpers that may visit the Perrine. Abiding by the very few rules put forth and respecting the authorities wishes will go a long way in preserving our ability to jump legally from the Perrine bridge.

Have fun on your trip!

Bryan

[chuck]

To set the record straight,
the above mentioned using my own boat and then charging for a ride is false. I know because i was there. The local boaters were upset when they saw a local jumper static lining people off the bridge, and then getting a ride back.( after we jumped ourselves.) It seemed a nice guesture to let a local jumper have a ride back to the docks since our boat was already there. Unfortunatly the local boat operaters saw they were lossing out on some cash, and assumed we were charging for rides.
I personally appreciate these local boaters for there positve attitudes towards our sport, and would not take any of their business. At the same time if I use my own boat and take my friends for a ride it is difficult to see a problem. We as a community shoud never charge for rides as bryan stated earlier. And maybe we should communicate better with the locals, but i will definately be using my boat in the future, and taking my friends back to the docks. If any one communicates with the local boaters pass on the truth about not charging jumpers for rides.

cw

[bps]

Hi Chuck -

I know you mean well with your post, but I was actually referring to another incident. At any rate...the boat operators don't mind if you use a private boat, only if your charging for rides like a business. I'm good friends with Bert and Don and we have talked extensively about this.

Happy Jumps...

Bryan