{"id":3831,"date":"2024-03-29T13:59:18","date_gmt":"2024-03-29T17:59:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/?p=3831"},"modified":"2024-06-23T20:43:45","modified_gmt":"2024-06-24T00:43:45","slug":"how-to-become-a-base-jumper","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/blog\/how-to-become-a-base-jumper\/","title":{"rendered":"Become a BASE Jumper: Step-by-Step Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Just like there are additional requirements to learn&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/blog\/how-to-become-a-wingsuit-skydiver\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">how to become a wingsuit skydiver<\/a>, there are specific prerequisites to learn how to become a BASE jumper. And once you have completed both, you can combine the two for the ultimate adventure and extreme sport! But first, let\u2019s figure out what is required to become a BASE jumper and talk about the differences between skydiving vs BASE jumping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What is BASE Jumping?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">BASE jumping is an activity that is&nbsp;<em>similar<\/em>&nbsp;to skydiving in the sense that you use a parachute to land \u2013 except instead of jumping out of an aircraft, the BASE jumper jumps from objects. You may be surprised to find out that \u2013 just like \u2018SCUBA\u2019 \u2013 \u2018BASE\u2019 is an acronym. BASE stands for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>B<\/strong>uilding<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>A<\/strong>ntenna (tower)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>S<\/strong>pan (bridge)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>E<\/strong>arth (cliff)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These are the four primary types of objects a BASE jumper can jump from. In some cases, BASE jumpers will even free solo (or climb) up to the jump site of tall structures or mountains all while carrying all of their BASE jumping equipment \u2013 this is called free BASE jumping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/basejumping_skydiving_2.jpg\" alt=\"BASE Jumper jumping off a mountain\" class=\"wp-image-3836\" srcset=\"https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/basejumping_skydiving_2.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/basejumping_skydiving_2-640x427.jpg 640w, https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/basejumping_skydiving_2-960x640.jpg 960w, https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/basejumping_skydiving_2-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/basejumping_skydiving_2-480x320.jpg 480w, https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/basejumping_skydiving_2-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/basejumping_skydiving_2-240x160.jpg 240w, https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/basejumping_skydiving_2-160x107.jpg 160w, https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/basejumping_skydiving_2-80x53.jpg 80w, https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/basejumping_skydiving_2-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/basejumping_skydiving_2-360x240.jpg 360w, https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/basejumping_skydiving_2-120x80.jpg 120w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>BASE Jumping vs Skydiving<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The basics of BASE jumping and skydiving seem pretty similar at first glance \u2013 jump, pull a parachute, and land. However, they are different when it comes to the type of equipment used, the exit altitude, and the landing areas \u2013 so much so that they are considered entirely different sports.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Would we say that skydiving is&nbsp;<em>better<\/em>&nbsp;than BASE jumping? Not necessarily. Both sports have their pros and cons and can be enjoyed for a plethora of reasons that are all unique to the individual. Here are the biggest differences between skydiving and BASE jumping:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. Equipment<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In skydiving rigs, there are two parachutes: a main parachute that is deployed initially, and a reserve parachute that is deployed in the case of a main parachute malfunction. Whereas, BASE jumping parachutes are a single-parachute system \u2013 which means BASE jumpers do not have a backup parachute. Consequently, the containers for BASE jumping tend to be much smaller in size than a skydiving container.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. Altitude<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most full-altitude skydives are performed between 8,000 and 14,000 feet, and usually never below 2,000 feet even for highly experienced skydivers. Whereas, BASE jumps can be performed anywhere from 300 to 1,000 feet. These extremely low altitudes are the reason why there isn\u2019t a reserve parachute in the BASE rig \u2013 there simply isn\u2019t enough time to perform the necessary emergency procedures to deploy a second, reserve parachute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. Landing Area<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dropzones are areas where skydives are performed on the norm, therefore, they usually are equipped with well-manicured lawns free of debris and plenty of space for landing. BASE jumps are usually performed in natural settings with trees, hard surfaces, buildings, and power lines \u2013 which are all less-than-ideal landing areas and can be quite hazardous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>4. Safety<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The most significant difference between skydiving vs BASE jumping is the safety rating. After reading about the equipment, altitude, and landing area variations, you might be wondering, \u201cIs BASE jumping more dangerous than skydiving?\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to the United States Parachute Association (USPA), skydiving has a fatality rate of about&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.uspa.org\/discover\/faqs\/safety#:~:text=Fatalities,0.27%20fatalities%20per%20100%2C000%20jumps).\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">1 in every 370,000 jumps<\/a>&nbsp;\u2013 with an even more favorable rate for tandem skydiving, which is about 1 in every 500,000 jumps over a 10-year average. BASE jumping, in contrast, has a fatality rate of about&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/BASE_jumping\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">1 in every 2,300 jumps<\/a><em>&nbsp;\u2013&nbsp;<\/em>making it statistically&nbsp;<em>much<\/em>&nbsp;more dangerous than skydiving. This is a fact that is understood by the community and by anyone who decides to partake in BASE jumping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to Become a BASE Jumper<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do you need to skydive to BASE jump? Yes \u2013 many people don\u2019t realize that the path to becoming a BASE jumper begins with&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/blog\/become-licensed-skydiver\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">becoming a skydiver<\/a>! Here\u2019s our step-by-step guide on how to become a BASE jumper:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"662\" src=\"https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/basejumping_skydiving_1.jpg\" alt=\"Base Jumper jumping off of a building\" class=\"wp-image-3835\" srcset=\"https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/basejumping_skydiving_1.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/basejumping_skydiving_1-320x212.jpg 320w, https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/basejumping_skydiving_1-240x160.jpg 240w, https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/basejumping_skydiving_1-160x106.jpg 160w, https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/basejumping_skydiving_1-80x53.jpg 80w, https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/basejumping_skydiving_1-960x636.jpg 960w, https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/basejumping_skydiving_1-800x530.jpg 800w, https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/basejumping_skydiving_1-640x424.jpg 640w, https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/basejumping_skydiving_1-480x318.jpg 480w, https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/basejumping_skydiving_1-967x640.jpg 967w, https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/basejumping_skydiving_1-725x480.jpg 725w, https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/basejumping_skydiving_1-483x320.jpg 483w, https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/basejumping_skydiving_1-363x240.jpg 363w, https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/basejumping_skydiving_1-121x80.jpg 121w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. Do a Tandem Skydive<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While some dropzones (like us at Start Skydiving) don\u2019t require a tandem skydive&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/skydiving\/aff\/faqs\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">before enrolling<\/a>&nbsp;in the Start Skydiving Jump Institute, it is&nbsp;<em>highly<\/em>&nbsp;recommended for several reasons. Jumping out of an airplane can be a bit overwhelming for some, and most people find it difficult to focus and correctly perform all of the necessary tasks that come with completing their&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/blog\/prepare-first-solo-jump\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">first solo jump<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Doing a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/skydiving\/tandem\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">tandem skydive<\/a>&nbsp;before enrolling in the first jump course, helps knock the additional nerves and stressors that come with skydiving for the first time so that you can focus on remembering everything you learned while on your first solo jump. Besides, you\u2019ll want to be sure you like skydiving (which we think you absolutely will)&nbsp;<em>before<\/em>&nbsp;you commit to taking the first jump course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. Get Your Skydiving License<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Getting your skydiving license starts with enrolling in the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/skydiving\/aff\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Start Skydiving Jump Institute<\/a>&nbsp;and attending the First Jump Course. The duration of the ground school curriculum depends on which dropzone you\u2019re learning at. Start Skydiving\u2019s ground school takes about six to eight hours to complete \u2013 which is pretty average.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once your learn-to-skydive journey begins, you set the pace \u2013 it can take anywhere from&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/skydiving\/aff\/faqs\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">7 to 30+ days<\/a>&nbsp;to complete the Jump Institute program. You must perform at least one skydive every 30 days to stay current, or else you may have to repeat the First Jump Course as well as the previously completed jump category. The duration of the program can be extended due to weather, scheduling conflicts, and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/skydiving\/aff\/prices\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">finances<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. Build Jump Numbers &amp; Stay Current<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once you\u2019ve got your skydiving license, the world becomes your oyster! You\u2019ll have the time of your life as you rack up jump numbers with friends and hone in on your skills. Staying current keeps the skills you learned fresh and at the forefront of your mind. Luckily, we are home to one of the best skydiving teams in the nation,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/teamfastrax.com\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Team Fastrax<\/a>, so you can use their knowledge and coaching to enhance your skills \u2013 and they\u2019re happy to do it! We are all a community, passionate about cultivating confident skydivers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Advanced canopy control skills are essential for successful BASE jumping. So, as you move and progress through your jumps, be sure to practice precision landings, canopy maneuvers, and emergency procedures to navigate different landing environments and build the confidence to handle unexpected situations.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So, how many skydives before BASE? Once you have 200 skydives and are feeling confident, you should be ready to move into BASE jumping. Eep!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>4. Complete a BASE Jumping Course<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The requirements for attending a BASE jumping course vary depending on which course you sign up for.&nbsp;<em>Most<\/em>&nbsp;BASE jumping instructors require students to have at least 200 skydives and must be a very current skydiver.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>5. Invest in BASE Jumping Equipment<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As we\u2019ve said before, BASE jumping requires different equipment than skydiving \u2013 so, you\u2019ll want to invest in a BASE-specific rig, parachute, helmet, and anything else you may want or need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>6. Shred<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once you\u2019ve completed the course and have all the necessary gear, you can start BASE jumping with fellow BASE jumpers! BASE jumping requires traveling to different locations that allow for BASE jumping, as it can be illegal in some places (e.g. all of the US National Parks). Most BASE jumpers take organized trips to the Perrine Bridge in Twin Falls, Idaho where BASE jumping is legal all year round. You\u2019ll also want to attend the largest single-day festival called \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/officialbridgeday.com\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Bridge Day<\/a>\u201d at the New River Gorge Bridge in Fayetteville, WV.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Becoming a BASE jumper requires precision, dedication, and a deep respect for safety. If you\u2019re feeling ready to take on the ultimate risk of BASE jumping, we urge you to speak to skydivers within the community and heed their suggestions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Feeling ready to embark on the journey of a lifetime? Start your skydiving adventure with Start Skydiving \u2013&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/bookings.startskydiving.com\/70?_gl=1*b7pqo2*_gcl_au*MTQwOTE5ODk0OC4xNzExMTI2Njgx*_ga*NTcwODE1NTE1LjE3MTExMjY2ODM.*_ga_5P46HHWFV7*MTcxMTQ3MDA4Mi4zLjEuMTcxMTQ3NDk5Mi42MC4wLjA.\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">book your jump<\/a>&nbsp;today! Blue skies.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Just like there are additional requirements to learn&nbsp;how to become a wingsuit skydiver, there are specific prerequisites to learn how to become a BASE jumper. And once you have completed [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":3836,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3831","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-skydiving"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3831","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3831"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3831\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3904,"href":"https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3831\/revisions\/3904"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3836"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3831"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3831"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/startskydiving.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3831"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}