What do I do now?

RUN_FMX

I posted an intro post here a loooong time ago, which is pretty embarassing to read back now but I guess it saves me repeating myself:
http://www.basejumper.com/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?post=2930816;page=unread#unread

700 skydives and nearly a decade later I finally decided I was ready to try BASE, so in June this year I flew to Idaho (which requires 4 flights and 2 days of travelling each way) and took a FJC with Miles, with the idea of dipping my toes in BASE and seeing what I thought. Miles was awesome, the course was awesome, and the problem is it turns out BASE is even more awesome than I thought it would be. I've now decided I want to pursue this seriously, and I'm at a total loss about how to do that safely and smartly.

I only have 10 BASE jumps, all from the Perrine. 1 PCA, 3 handheld and 6 stowed. 5 of which were my own packjob (minimal supervision)

I feel like I now fit in to the most dangerous category of jumper: I've learned just enough to believe I can do it, but nowhere near enough to stay alive doing it.

The problem is my location, in Christchurch, New Zealand. There are essentially no 'safe' objects here (in this city, but also in the whole country). As far as I know of, there is no real BASE community that exists here, which makes finding a mentor seem impossible. I know there are jumpable cliffs in NZ but a). I'm not ready for cliffs, and b). I'm not just going to go and find a cliff and lob myself off it without local guidance. From what I can gather, most jumps here at home are considered pretty technical.

After my FJC i bought a used rig and I practice packing it several times a week, so I feel like I have a jumpable pack job but havent really tested that theory and so again require a mentor.

The only safe / smart option I can conceive is going back to Idaho and taking another FJC (and possibly an advanced course too) with much more specific goals in mind this time, to be able to come home and continue jumping safely. I have been in touch with both Tom and Jimmy and they have both been incredibly helpful and offered plenty of advice, and confirmed my thoughts that getting back to the bridge would be the best thing to do. The problem is (as always) the cost, between the travel, accomodation and course costs, plus food and insurance and time off work and everything else that comes with it....I could buy a full brand new custom complete rig and still have change leftover.

So I guess the point of my long boring post is to ask you guys:

What would you do in my situation? Are there locals on here that have a smarter plan they could share, or am I right in thinking I should suck it up and get back to the bridge asap?

I desperately want to jump, but I would sooner quit my BASE career before it began, rather than attack it dangerously and end up on the BFL with everyone saying 'well he wasnt ready for that jump'

Really appreciate any input :)

Steve

Dadsy

Re: [RUN_FMX] What do I do now?

I would be finding all the A's you have and keep current with them

There are jumpers in NZ so hopefully some will reach out to you

NEVER TRADE THE THRILLS OF LIVING WITH THE SECURITY OF EXISTENCE

MrAW

Re: [RUN_FMX] What do I do now?

RUN_FMX wrote: What would you do in my situation? Are there locals on here that have a smarter plan they could share, or am I right in thinking I should suck it up and get back to the bridge asap?
I do think - as you've identified already - doing another course would really help you.
I can highly recommend SRBA and their object avoidance course, but maybe Douggs' course would work for you as well.

Yes it's expensive but I think unless you manage to find a proper mentor in NZ (by that I mean not just any BASE jumper from the local DZ who is happy to have you tag along - rather someone who is highly experienced but also a good teacher) another course is your best option - and will be a lot of fun too. :)

bluhdow

Re: [RUN_FMX] What do I do now?

Hit up Douggs and Sam at LTBJ (Learn To BASE Jump) and take their Europe course next Summer. Croatia bridge, Brento, Lauterbrunnen.

You'll leave far more experienced and prepared than simply going back to Twin Falls, and you'll have an alumni community around the globe to connect with.

I think students do like 40 jumps during the course. I've shadowed for a few loads with them, it's a rad program and Douggs is a legend.

#1816

MrAW

Re: [RUN_FMX] What do I do now?

RUN_FMX wrote: There are essentially no 'safe' objects here (in this city, but also in the whole country). As far as I know of, there is no real BASE community that exists here, which makes finding a mentor seem impossible.
I don't know about Christchurch but there are a couple of safeish cliffs further south, but they do take a bit of work to get to. There is a BASE community in NZ. Doing another course like SRBA or LTBJ will help build your network too.

SLAMBO

Re: [RUN_FMX] What do I do now?

FJC’s are good for sure, but if you can make friends with a few locals and really offer to help them out and ground crew for them, I think establishing a mentor that is willing to teach you is a pretty awesome experience, and much more personal.

AntoineLaporte

Re: [SLAMBO] What do I do now?

MBA-FRANK

Re: [RUN_FMX] What do I do now?

Hello Steve. Sorry about the delay. I've just seen your post. Can't help much but if you're ever up in the North Island please get in touch. Our "local" is a 240' S and half an hour drive from there is a nice smooth 340' E. This local is just over 3 hours drive from home. I'm in New Plymouth.

There's that big A that you can see from everywhere in Chch that gets jumped when the winds are right. Do you have local Chch jumpers' contacts? I have a few for you if you want. I'm on FB and FB Messenger.

Frank Conway.

"Never regret growing old. It is a privilege denied to many" - Unknown

"Velcro - it's a rip off..." - Unknown
MBA - Mad BASE Association

neiljarvis

Re: [RUN_FMX] What do I do now?

Be prepared to travel if you really want to get into BASE. Yes, there are some local objects but in the scheme of things they are few and far between. If you had some solid wingsuit experience it is a different matter. I hope this doesnt sound arrogant but i live in nz and have 10 local objects jumped with about 20 jumps total. Another 1000+ jumps/90 objects overseas. Estimated trips to Euro/Asia/USA 45+ and counting. Save up, and do an extended trip somewhere to suit your skills and needs. Good luck.

gnarlysquirrel

Re: [SLAMBO] What do I do now?

SLAMBO wrote: FJC’s are good for sure, but if you can make friends with a few locals and really offer to help them out and ground crew for them, I think establishing a mentor that is willing to teach you is a pretty awesome experience, and much more personal.
+1

Try reaching out to Gregory Noonan on facebook. Greg is a good friend and will be heading back to NZ soon and may be able to point you in the right direction.