Why is basejumping a game of death?

They say that basejumping is the most dangerous sport, in which about 10 people die every year. But extremists look at the statistics through their fingers and continue doing their favorite business.

basejumper

This is probably the most unusual and succinct experience I have had in my life. You could even say that thanks to it I became a different person.

What is basejumping?

Basejumping is jumping with a special parachute from fixed objects: roofs of high-rise buildings, bridges, cliffs, towers. Athletes jump from relatively low bases – usually 50-100 meters.

“Basejumping” is one of the most dangerous and difficult areas of skydiving, to which training is allowed only to those who already have more than 200 jumps from an airplane, i.e. skydiving. The jumps must be precise, so mostly basejumpers are already experienced skydivers who know exactly how and what works, how the dome opens, how the body behaves in the flowing space. The most basic thing about basejumping is concentration. When you stand on the exite – the place from where the jump is made, all your thoughts should be focused on the jump and the absolutely correct sequence of all movements,” says basejumper Nikolay Ivanenko.

What attracts basejumpers to this sport?

“Basejumping is not really a sport for me, but rather my state of mind. It is a hobby, and passion, and overcoming myself, and the opportunity to get closer to people who are close to me, trusting them in some cases with my life. Such emotions and passion can’t get anywhere in ordinary life, and in other extreme sports you can’t find such a thing – I was looking for it”, – says basejumper and mountaineer-rescuer Ivan Vasilchenko.

Basejumper and roupjumper Vladimir Khmuryi is in solidarity with his “colleague”. He notes that the impressions of jumping can not be compared with anything.

“Basejumping is the most vivid and grandiose, incomparable impressions. Perhaps it is the most unusual and succinct experience I have had in my life. You could even say that thanks to this experience I became a different person. My lowest object is a power line 55 meters high. Before making a base-jump, I already had the minimum skills for it. I learned how to jump and separate myself from rocks by ropjumping, and I took my wing control skills from my experience of flying a paraglider,” the extreme sportsman shared.

What are the dangers of basejumping?

In 1978, when basejumping first appeared, the death rate was about five people a year. The figure began to rise in the early 2000s, when French jumper Patrick de Gaillardon developed a special wing suit, the design of which allowed the baserunner (that’s what basejumping athletes call themselves) to glide through the air like a flying squirrel.

“Basejumping is as dangerous as other extreme sports: people die on climbs or freeride, but there is still more time to make a decision. Here the height and proximity to the object are minimized, unlike standard, high-altitude parachute jumps. That’s why this kind of so-called “sport” practically does not forgive mistakes,” says basejumper Ivan Vasilchenko.

Vladimir Khmury notes that basejumping can be compared to Russian roulette – even if you do everything right, it’s not certain that everything will turn out well. According to him, lethal outcomes in basejumping are related to many factors, and first of all it is a psychological state.

What should a beginner know before base-jumping?

According to basejumper Nikolai Ivanenko, in any sport the main thing is the approach and safety. An extreme athlete has no time for maneuver, because the parachute is only one and anything can happen to it. But if you keep an eye on your equipment and maintain it in time, parachute failure is almost impossible.

• Carefully weigh all the pros and cons, to breed fever and hurry in basejumping is definitely not worth it.
• If you decide to jump, do it with a cool head. Afraid – do not do. Do – do not be afraid.
• Prevent injury or death in basejumping can only the athlete himself. You must be very well prepared mentally and physically.
• In basejumping is very important reaction speed.
• On equipment: you need a parachute system (parachute and satchel), helmet, protection for legs, knees and tibia. Optional coccyx protection and special shorts.