How to Be BASE Jumper - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Sep 25, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

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Base jumping is an extreme sport in which an individual jumps from a fixed structure or cliff and deploys a parachute to slow their descent. It is considered one of the most dangerous sports, as the margin of error is minimal and the consequences of a mistake can be fatal. The cause of this risk is the lack of control an individual has over their fall, as they are unable to adjust their speed or direction mid-jump.

Furthermore, the weather and terrain conditions can also be major factors in the safety of a jump. While base jumping is dangerous and potentially deadly, the thrill of the experience and the feeling of freedom it brings has made it popular with adrenaline seekers. As a result, many people have embraced the sport and use it to pursue their passion for adventure.

Steps How to Become

Take a BASE Jumping Course. Before you can jump, you must first learn the basics of BASE jumping. Start by taking a course from an accredited school or instructor.
Learn About the Risks. BASE jumping is an extreme sport and comes with many risks. Learn about the potential dangers and how to minimize them.
Practice. Once you have completed a course, practice your skills. Jump from low objects and gradually increase the height and distance of your jumps.
Gather Your Gear. Make sure you have all the necessary equipment for a successful jump, including a parachute, helmet, gloves, and goggles.
Find a Mentor. BASE jumping is a dangerous sport and it is important to have someone experienced to guide you. Find an experienced jumper who can help you hone your skills.
Get Permission. Before you jump, make sure you have permission from the landowner or managers of the area where you will be jumping.
Choose Your Spot. Choose a spot with a safe landing area and make sure that it is clear of any obstacles or hazards.
Make the Jump. Finally, make the jump! Remember to always take safety precautions and stay within your limits.

In order to stay updated and competent in BASE jumping, one must consistently participate in the sport and stay informed about the latest trends, technology, and safety protocols. By staying active in the community, BASE jumpers can gain access to new knowledge and skills that can help them become better jumpers. attending events, seminars, and workshops can help jumpers stay informed about the latest safety measures and regulations related to the sport.

Finally, engaging in conversations with experienced jumpers and keeping up to date with the news on BASE jumping can help keep jumpers up to date with the latest developments in the sport. By following these steps, jumpers can ensure that they are well-informed and able to make safe decisions when engaging in BASE jumping.

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Job Description

Design, build and maintain parachutes, wingsuits and other BASE jumping equipment.
Instruct, coach and supervise BASE jumpers in the use of equipment and safety regulations.
Plan, coordinate and conduct BASE jumping courses, workshops and competitions.
Monitor jumpers performance and make sure they are following all safety protocols.
Research and develop new BASE jumping techniques and equipment.
Provide support to jumpers during their flights and prepare them for the landing.
Maintain records of jumps, accidents, injuries and fatalities.
Analyze weather conditions to ensure safe jumps and provide detailed weather forecasts.
Track changes in regulations and laws pertaining to BASE jumping.
Monitor jumpers health and fitness levels.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Physical Fitness: Stamina, strength, agility, and flexibility
Knowledge of BASE jumping regulations, safety protocols and emergency procedures
Ability to assess weather conditions and terrain
Ability to inspect and maintain BASE jumping equipment
Technical skills in parachute deployment and canopy control
Excellent decision-making and problem-solving skills
Ability to remain calm and focused under pressure
Good communication and interpersonal skills
Self-discipline and motivation to practice regularly
Knowledge of basic first aid

The ability to make wise decisions in a split second is one of the most important skills for a BASE jumper. It is essential that they are able to assess their surroundings quickly and accurately, while also taking into account the weather conditions and terrain. This ability can help them make the right decisions on when and where to jump, which can potentially save their lives.

An experienced BASE jumper will also be able to recognise hazards and identify the best exit strategies to avoid injury. Furthermore, they must be able to accurately calculate the distance to the landing zone, as well as the wind speed, to ensure a safe and successful jump. Being able to trust their instincts and make quick decisions while taking all of these factors into account can be the difference between life and death for a BASE jumper.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What is your experience with BASE jumping?
What safety measures do you take when BASE jumping?
How do you select a suitable jump site?
What have been some of your most memorable jumps?
Are you comfortable with night jumps?
How do you assess weather conditions before a jump?
Have you ever had to perform emergency maneuvers while jumping?
What is your experience with parachute packing and maintenance?
What is your experience with equipment selection and rigging?
How do you handle the stress of BASE jumping?

Common Tools in Industry

Harness. A harness is a device used to provide support and protection to a BASE jumper while in the air. (eg: Petzl Altitude Harness)
Parachute. A parachute is a device that provides a person with a means of slowing descent during a jump. (eg: PD Optimum Reserve Parachute)
Helmet. A helmet is a protective headgear worn by BASE jumpers to protect against head injury. (eg: Petzl Boreo Climbing Helmet)
Altimeter. An altimeter is an instrument used to measure altitude and descent rate. (eg: Suunto Altimaster D9)
Goggles. Protective goggles are worn by BASE jumpers to protect their eyes from wind and debris. (eg: Smith Optics I/O Mag Goggles)
AAD (Automatic Activation Device). An AAD is an electronic device designed to automatically deploy a parachute if the jumper fails to deploy their own. (eg: Cypres 2 AAD)

Professional Organizations to Know

International Association of BASE Jumpers (IABJ)
United States Parachute Association (USPA)
Skydive Elsinore
The League of World BASE Jumpers (LOWBJ)
Canadian BASE Association (CBA)
World BASE Race (WBR)
Professional BASE Jumpers Association (PBJA)
BASE Fatality List
BASE Gear Manufacturers Association (BGMA)
Netherlands BASE Association (NBA)

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Common Important Terms

BASE Number. A unique number assigned to a BASE jump site and used to identify it.
BASE Rigging. The process of setting up a BASE rig for a jump, including the use of parachutes, harnesses and other gear.
Parachute. A device designed to slow the descent of a person or object through the air by using air resistance.
Harness. A type of clothing or equipment worn by BASE jumpers to keep them attached to their parachutes while in the air.
Freefall. The period of time between exiting an aircraft or object and opening a parachute.
Canopy. The fabric part of a parachute that creates lift and drag forces to slow the descent of the jumper.
Reserve Parachute. A secondary parachute carried by BASE jumpers in case the primary parachute malfunctions.
Cut Away. The ability for a BASE jumper to release their main parachute in an emergency and deploy the reserve parachute.