Another BD Concern...

[imported_mknutson]

Sorry to stir the pot, but I have a BD concern...

In BD's past, it takes about 15-30 minutes to walk from the bus drop off point, to the exit point.
My best time in the past has been a little over an hour turnaround for another jump.

What happends now with the security checks? Do the base jumpers sit in a 30 minute to 1+ hour security line to get another jump? That could mean 1.5 hour to 2+ hours to get back up to get another jump.

BD is from 9am to 3pm correct? That is only 5 hours total. So theoretically, after 400 jumpers go the first time, we could be looking at 2-3 hours lost. Meaning only the first 100 jumpers or so would even get a second jump, let alone 3-4 that usually happends.

Am I missing something? Or just stirring the pot for no reason?
}>

[Tree]

Hey Mick,

Actually, from 9 to 3 is 6 hours. I also asked this very question about security. Once the jumpers are inside the Bridge Day security, which will be back at the entrance to the vendor area some 1/2 mile away from the bridge there is no security to get on the bridge. Basically if you have a jumper pass you should have unhindered access.

As far as jump numbers go, on average we can get about 150 jumpers per hour off the bridge. Unfortunately we lose 30 to 45 minutes of jump timer per year do to mostly train holds. For the last several years there has been virtually no holds due to water landings because the boat guys are reqlly good at what they do, and probably to some extent that with more experienced jumpers less people get wet. If the number of jumpers is 400, plus staff of 25 or so, everyone would be lucky to get 2 jumps.

If everything runs smoothly everyone should be off by around 11:00 or 11:30. This would be far better than past years when first time jumpers were just getting their first one off well into the afternoon with some competitors on their 3rd or 4th.

Those with multiple rigs or 5 minute Smiley pack jobs will be back in line quickest.

Tree

[imported_mknutson]

So everyone at the bottom of the bridge is within the security zone? So they are roping off the entire paremeter of the bridge?

Or do you mean that if you have a BASE-Jumping badge you can just pass through the security gate?

If we are talking #2, then there is a severe hole in their NET. I do not see how they will NOT check everyone, to ensure false badges, or whatever to happen. Or to check to make sure that every base jumper has just a BASE rig bag, not some mystery bag.

Am I missing something?

[guest]

No Mick, you are right on top of it. The security bs is just that, bs. And how is it secure if you can slide on through. If you can slide on through, why bother with the security bs in the first place? The fact is that the National Guard will scrutinize you over and over, and yes, it will take time. If we all get off by 11:30, I'll eat my hat. Bridge Day is a wild horse, and Jim and Tree and Jason have never been in the saddle. Can you say clusterfu(k?

[guest]

Jean, Jean, Jean!

Nick
BASE 194
:P

[guest]

Yeah Nick, too bad most Bridge Day 2002 participants will say, "Jean who?".

[guest]

Hey Nick, you wouldn't believe who was going to come to New River with us as part of an old timer's reunion we had plannned last B-Day. Would have been a hoot.
Rick
BASE 38

[guest]

Tree,

I think I met you last summer at Kjerag. Drop me an email, it would be good to chat again. I was the one who swam out with you to rescue the wingsuit guy.

Meeker
meeker_boy@lycos.com