the kiwi way

[the kiwi]

a mate i started skydiving a few months ago, however we found it a) a bit same-ish after the first 50 or so jumps
and b) bloody expensive.
So basically we sorted out some cheap flights with a mate's dad who's a heli pilot and did a few jumps from about 200-250m over the local lake. (we have a base rig from a friend-of-friend, affectionately known as The Haunted 'Chute)
to be fair, we had a couple of hard landings, but reckon we've got it sorted, an were wondering if any of you guys out there have any hot locations in NZ to jump. Also, what's the deal with drafts etc. on cliffs and buildings? obviously a still day's a good day, but are there any other conditions to be aware of? We were thinking of auckland harbour bridge (where AJ Hackett did the 1st bungy).
We know a few guys have tried down at the glaciers, but the death/success rate is about 50/50 , so not such a hot idea for a 1st jump...
anyway, if anyone has any ideas, it would be much appreciated.
Cheers
THE KIWIS
JR asks - what's the usual amount of skydives before basejumping? does the heli count? surely just like a bridge?

[mcp]

'the kiwi' eh? only one man i know goes by that name(that's been threatening to jump...)
given up the white water then eh? Pussy! heard about your swim - rather you than me!
as to your questions, if it was anyone other than you boys, i'd say 'pull your head out' , but you guys'll be sweet if you play it cool - send me an email at my regular address - S..

[mcp]

not a 'newbie' by the way - just don't want everyone to know i'm encouraging these scumbags and ruin my good name!

[won't use my name either]

hey boys whats up! hey S long time no jump - assum thats the man with the iron liver!
unlikeley anyonell take ur qestions seriously but us kiwi - saw the infamous kiwi pot on the rainchasers site - looking fr a better way to kill ur self?! were off to swallows in SA in a while if ur keen - hold off on nz - nuthins high enuff ova there!
good 2 see u got sum use outa that chute tho! heli sounds like fun! email u 2morrow

[turkishmole]

nz is a small place so im sure we will meet some day just hope you dont go in on anything i jump or plan on jumping before then as for objects try the tangiwai bridge stowed **** why not go for a gainer as well haha

[almosupremecommander]

if you're going to teach yourself to basejump your chances are probably not too far of 50/50 anyway so you should go jump the glaciers now while you still have low jump numbers and it wont affect your odds too much hey. i mean what could possibly go wrong on the 1st one. just get a rigger to pack the chute for you to be on the safe side.
i am always very careful of a draft, if i wait there too long i get a stiff neck and then the openings hurt like hell, its a condition you should be aware of. mainly when basejumpers talk about draughts its just an "in" joke about drinking beer on tap so try not to worry to much.
as you don't actually have much sky diving experience you should stick with what you know, and if you have been jumping at a windy drop-zone you should just apply your skill set to base. if you feel comfortable jumping the glacier in a roaring ****ing gale then go for it chum. that's the great thing about base you see, there's no rules at all !!!! its not like sky diving, its COMPLETELY unregulated.
if other kiwi jumpers have computers and read your post I'm sure they will pm you and tell you where to find some easier jump sites in N.Z.. maybe you could post some pictures for us and name the sites for everyone else to see?. then anyone can come on holiday to your country and just go jump without putting the locals to any trouble.
you are right about sky diving being too bloody expensive mate and there's no normal amount before getting into base, some people have thousands, everyone is different but its good you did some practice from the heli. you should just go at your own pace and remember to be careful, don't over extend yourself as its a recipe for disaster.
i hope this info helps, please don't go kill yourself and then blame me.

Almo
p.s. i am sitting in a ceramic armchair wearing an asbestos suit.im feeling pretty good about myself as i have helped someone out today.

[neil]

Please don't burn the obvious object in Auck as it is only getting better and will continue to do so for another 6-12months. Maybe visit the Sth Island, there is an extreme jumper down there.

Neil Jarvis