BASE Jumping
BASE jumping is a thrilling activity that involves jumping from tall structures without any parachute. This extreme sport is not for the faint-hearted. It requires immense courage, exceptional athleticism, and a disregard for personal safety.
The term BASE is an acronym for the four types of structures from which one can jump- Building, Antenna, Span, and Earth. These structures can be as high as a 100-story building, as tall as an antenna tower, as wide as a bridge span, or as natural as a cliff.
BASE jumping originated in the 1970s when a bunch of daredevils thought that skydiving from planes was too mainstream. They needed something more adrenaline-fueled and dangerous.
To be a successful BASE jumper, you need to be well-versed in the art of falling as well as the art of surviving. The fall is the easy part; it’s the landing that is dangerous. Most BASE jumps are done at night, under the cover of darkness, to avoid being detected by the authorities.
It’s no secret that BASE jumping has its fair share of risks. Jumpers are constantly flirting with death, and any small mistake or miscalculation could result in serious injury or even death. However, BASE jumpers make peace with these risks and accept the danger as part of the exhilarating experience.
Famous BASE jumping locations include the Eiffel Tower, the Empire State Building, and the Grand Canyon. Jumpers love to capture their jumps on camera and post them on social media for the world to see. These videos are usually accompanied by some death-defying music, and the occasional whooping and hollering from the jumper.
Some people might call BASE jumping a stupid and dangerous activity. But to BASE jumpers, it’s a way of life, a chance to feel alive, and a refreshing break from the monotony of daily life. So the next time you see a video of someone jumping off a tall building, know that it’s not just a daredevil stunt but a passion that they take very seriously.