Being “Current” in BASE and What it Really Means
The Moab BASE Association has organized an ‘Earth Day’ event for local BASE jumpers. The event is an attempt to help jumpers maintain a positive relationship with the Moab community, but it is also an attempt to get jumpers to focus on something other than nailing their next sick jump. Many BASE jumpers jump less frequently during the winter months, when spring rolls around this can impact a jumper’s ability to perform. Although we all jump for our own reasons, how each of us jumps does have the power to affect one another's ability to jump here. Here are some healthy thoughts and habits to consider while jumping this spring.
For the uncurrent jumper
Being uncurrent is what we say to describe when we have been jumping less over a period of time. Being able to identify that you’re less current allows you to realize that you may not be able to replicate jumps you have done previously. Being able to objectively assess how current you are is a great way to realistically assess jumps you're considering. This self-evaluation of how current you are is something that is strongly encouraged before trips to Moab.
Just like any other discipline, when you aren’t regularly practicing your craft, you begin to become a bit less in tune with your skills. When we say that we aren’t current, what we are really saying is that we have stepped away from regularly practicing or applying BASE skills. Things like braked approaches, sight picture, toggle/riser response reactions, malfunction procedures, aerial awareness, familiarity with rigging, packjobs, and other basic BASE knowledge can become a bit “rusty.” Skills that you once had perfectly dialed in during a period that you were jumping your face off may now be slightly diminished.
So how can we avoid this becoming dangerous? Ignore it and compensate by being over confident is one strategy that has long been employed by the great bro’s of BASE…or you can try this:
1: Recognition of being less current: Simply remind yourself you have been jumping less and do not try to immediately repeat hectic or advanced jumps citing: “I have done it before.” Simply, dial it back until you're certain that you’re operating at the same level as last season. Be patient!
2: Gear Checks: At any phase, gear checks are cool! If you’re uncurrent, why not allow someone to lay another set of eyes on your gear.
3: Have goals based around improving, not goals based on dream jumps. During the process of achieving your goals the dream jumps will naturally play out. Focus on skills, not jumps.
4: Learn something new. BASE jumpers love to pretend that we have considered everything and never cut a corner while pursuing BASE. The truth is that there are few BASE jumpers that have spent the appropriate amount of time preparing and learning everything that goes into BASE. Pick a topic that you feel like you do not know much about and spend time learning more about it. Talking to a jumper that you know is an expert in this area will help you learn more, but it will naturally help get your brain thinking through many aspects of BASE which will help get you current again…
5: Jump with friends, especially ones you look up to. When I learned to BASE jump, my mentor told me, “always be the least experienced person on the load.” Now, that lesson cannot be true forever, but if you are uncurrent it is a great idea. Surround yourself with jumpers that make smart choices about jumping and it will help keep you safe. It will also become a part of your approach to BASE jumps.
6: Be realistic. BASE jumpers are some of the most confident people on the planet. That is a blessing and a curse. Do not let your confidence be what dictates how you jump. Don’t bite off too much, too soon.
7: Ask questions! Ask questions to yourself and to others. The more that you are constantly assessing BASE jumping the more you will learn.
8: Do not use jumps that you have done in the past as the metric for the caliber of the jumper that you are today. This should pretty much be the mantra to the less current jumper that is getting active again. I do not think I need to further explain it so I will simply restate it so that you can truly consider it. DO NOT USE JUMPS YOU HAVE DONE IN THE PAST AS THE METRIC FOR THE JUMPER THAT YOU ARE TODAY.
For the extremely current jumper
For a number of reasons, it seems BASE jumpers are remaining more active throughout the year than ever before. So, you might see the topic of the article and think: “I am current AF, this does not apply to me.” But being too current comes with risks of its own. When BASE jumpers are jumping a ton, we slowly become more comfortable taking risks. Eventually the risk gets so excessive that it is not sustainable. From an outsider's perspective, it is abundantly obvious, but the ‘current jumper’ thinks it's totally normal. Operating in this stage of jumping requires a lot of energy and thought. It is also not advisable to jump like this for long periods of time. Extremely current jumpers are hurt or killed every bit as often as new jumpers and less current jumpers.
1: Avoid gear complacency - For some reason when BASE jumpers are extremely current for long periods of time, they overlook the obvious. A BASE jumper is only as good as their gear and/or packjob. Never forget this. While you’re taking time to consider all of your big plans, take time to consider your gear.
2: Listen to others - Know that you do not know everything and it is ok. Extremely current and experienced jumpers often seem to be stuck in their way of thinking. Sure, being confident in your skill and reasoning is important, but hearing other ideas is healthy.
3: Realize that BASE is an unbelievably empowering endeavor, but it also comes with the power of suddenly and completely taking away your health, finances, happiness, and life. BASE is awesome, but it can be awful. Are you seeing the big picture or just all of the recent highs?
4: Avoid being the jumper known for doing things that make every other jumper raise an eyebrow and think, “yea, but why?” BASE has a lot of amazing characters and with that we see a ton of amazing things. Make sure what you’re doing is actually amazing, not absurd.
5: Remind yourself that less experienced jumpers may look up to you! Nobody gets into BASE to be a role-model, but the reality is that if you’re jumping a ton or getting a bit of attention, jumpers probably look up to you. Realize the message you're sending. In an area like Moab, the way that we jump and carry ourselves does impact one another.
6: Social media - If you’re an active jumper, consider what you post and say about BASE. It may have ripple effects in the community. It has the power to positively or negatively influence BASE and less experienced jumpers.
7: Be proud of yourself, but not prideful. Being proud of yourself is the result of putting in the work and doing things in a way that you believe in. Being prideful is just a bad look. Be humble.
8: Avoid jumping at your max capabilities. If you’re always jumping at the highest level you're capable of, it is merely a matter of time before you have a “human moment.” All BASE jumpers are aware of the risk involved with BASE jumping. That does not mean you should be comfortable going “all in” all of the time.
I've been involved in BASE jumping for many years and have experienced each side of the "current" status. Recently, I was asked to write about what currency means and it got me thinking for a whole week. Although my article may not be ground breaking, it made me reflect on my own status for the past 17 years. I'm interested to hear from other jumpers about their strategies and experiences. Sharing our experiences and knowledge with one another is crucial to continue improving our skills and safety in this sport.