I watched a friend go in this weekend.
It was the worst thing I've ever seen or heard.
I can't even explain the helplessness I felt when I saw the pilot chute system come off his back, knowing that in the next three, long seconds, I'd watch a friend's life end.

I never want to see--or even hear about this happening again.

The reason for my post is prevention. BASE jumping is being taken way, way to casually these days by too many people. I believe that when one gets into BASE, they are making a series of commitments. They are committing to leaving the ego bedside, and replacing it with the humility it takes to learn a new sport. And with the understanding that what they know is not and will never be enough. With these committments, one must commit to keeping themselves current, and keep themselves from complacency.
I also think that accepting BASE as a life activity means a committment to a higher--MUCH higher level of gear knowledge and rigging than skydiving. I know my life is not a joke to me. I recognize that a repack or a walk down is a small price to pay for feeling the joy of sitting around eating and drinking with friends, loving your dog, and living to jump another time.

Moab has seen arguably more jumps than any BASE destination on the planet, and this is, to my knowledge the first fatality there EVER. While this sounds like a great track record to some, it reminds me how easily this death could have been prevented. Too cautious is often times not cautious enough. PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR PACKJOBS! If you're not sure on how EXACTLY to rig something, FIND OUT! ASK YOUR FRIENDS...BEFORE YOU JUMP IT!!!!! Don't walk away during a critical stage in a packjob until it's done, or pulled apart.
I have many future, past, and present friends that will read this post--so call me on it if you think this is bull####. If not, please think about what more you can do to save your life, and do it.
fly free Bill.